There comes a time in every new business when the going gets tough. As a leader, you are overwhelmed with the day to day running, the firefighting, the sudden drop in sales, the dip in new customers and the departure of trusted team members. Let’s admit it, running a new business today isn’t easy. That’s why almost 98% of new businesses fail in the first three years.
So what separates the successful startups from the ones that are struggling? What differentiates a new business that is gaining traction, to one that is stagnant and stuck in a rut? Hint, it's something more than just having a great idea, an amazing product and a crack team...
As a leader, beyond the day to day ‘busyness’, there is something more that should be driving you, that makes you get out of bed every day and say, “I need to do this!” Something deep down that motivates you and pulls you towards your destiny. This is what should be driving you, that deep-rooted belief that you are doing this not for profit or material gain, but what you deeply believe in, with every fibre of your being.
You know that this is your gift to share with the world and your challenge to take on and deliver. This is what you find truly fulfilling above all else. It's what appeases your soul and fulfills your yearning to do something special with your little time on this planet.
This is about believing in yourself and manifesting your dream.
To drive business success in today’s hyper-competitive world, having that strong belief at your core, gives you purpose and spurs you on into achieving your vision. You know deep down, that what you are doing is more than just building a business. You are here to make a difference in peoples lives and change the world in your own way.
This is what you have been put on the planet for, this is your dream, your gift to the world and it’s what makes you unstoppable. It’s what makes the 18 hour days, the rejections, the failures and the bumps in the road, all worth it. It's all part of this amazing journey of realizing your ‘meant to be’ in life.
Nothing unnerves you, the naysayers, the haters, the doubters the prophets of doom, as you are focused on the greater good that you are creating. You transcend the day to day and look over the horizon to your greater good and how you can help your people and customers achieve their dreams.
This deep belief is also what delivers top talent to your door, people who are aligned with your belief and purpose who what to contribute towards your vision and align their destiny with yours. You are building your super-aligned tribe; together you are on a mission to change the world in your own special way.
So, when the going gets tough, fall back on your belief, and run the course even when everything appears to be going against you. This is what separates the 2% from the 98% of failures. Remember, diamonds are created under extreme pressure.
So, do you really believe in your business?
About the author
Ashok Miranda is a Business Transformation Architect and founder of Transform and Transcend. He is the author of the book: Culling Culturitis:
How To Rid Your Company Of This Toxic Disease and Build a Winning Company Culture. As a speaker, consultant, and trainer, he is passionate about architecting a better business world by helping build purpose-driven companies and exceptional workplaces that foster happy and engaged employees. Ashok's areas of expertise encompasses company culture transformation, brand and marketing transformation and customer experience transformation.