"To some extent, being an entrepreneur is a lonely journey." - Chad Hurley
Lonely, ostracised, one man on this path, life's a school, but I'm the only one in class.
Years ago, Akon the musician made a song, even though it didn't have to go with the theme of entrepreneurship, it talked more about relationships, but it's called Lonely. It goes like,
"Lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely. I have nobody for my own. I'm so lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely. I have nobody for my own. I am so lonely"
This is what it means to be an entrepreneur, a founder, pioneer, and even an inventor. There were some people who told me that I was delusional for trying to pursue this business and try to make this a reality. I can only imagine what would happen to me if I didn't choose this path and learn all the skills I did, make all the connections I did, and even helped people become the most stress proof version of themselves. Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart at all, it takes courage, boldness, fortitude, and persistence.
(Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki)
Two ways that I get over loneliness and consistently have the drive to keep going is through reading a plethora of books and by blogging each and everyday. First of all, blogging keeps me disciplined because it helps me to focus on inspiring people with my entrepreneurial journey each and everyday. Also it keeps me task driven because everyday I have to wake up early and get this blog done to release it at a certain time. Now reading has been so therapeutic for me since it alleviates my stress, also it gives me more insight on what it takes to be an entrepreneur as well. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is one of my favourite books to read because of all of his insights on what it takes to have a successful and fruitful life. In the book he has some quotes on ostracism which was enlightening. For example,
"According to psychiatrists, the fear of public speaking is caused by the fear of ostracism, the fear of standing out, the fear of criticism, the fear of ridicule, and the fear of being an outcast. The fear of being different prevents most people from seeking new ways to solve their problems. That is why my educated dad said the Japanese valued the power of the mirror the most, for it is only when we look into it that we find truth. Fear is the main reason that people say, “Play it safe.” That goes for anything, be it sports, relationships, careers, or money." - Robert Kiyosaki
This quote is one of the greatest quotes that I have ever read and has been inspirational for me on my entrepreneurial journey. Every time I read this quote, it reminds me of my mission, purpose, and vision. It's one thing to say you're an entrepreneur, but it's another thing to actually be an entrepreneur. For example, I remember months ago, I lived on Oxford and Talbot street near downtown and I felt so down internally. I was depressed, stress on my chest, extremely vexed. Then I realised at that moment if I am going to make it, I have to make a change and go to an environment to be motivated so I don't let the dream fizzle out.
(Leap Junction: Fanshawe College)
Leap Junction was that place of solace for me, I was able to feel relieved, be at peace, and got the strength to keep enduring this hard and tough entrepreneurial journey. Just being around the coaches was enough for me to keep reading, studying, and acquiring the knowledge necessary to be able to build my product for RKease Company. This is how I dealt with ostracism because entrepreneurs are a few people, dime a dozen, and a rare breed.
Overall, I hope you enjoy this blog, stay inspired, keep going and you'll wake up one day and realise you are in a place that you can only dream of. Have a great weekend, and stay tuned for next week, peace!! :)
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