How to deal with the unknown as a founder

Hey there. Happy Saturday! Today, I want to share some thoughts on dealing with unknown as a founder.

One day, a client informed me they no longer needed design services and wanted to pause their subscription. The very next day, another founder told me they had to redirect their budget towards marketing for the upcoming month, which meant canceling their subscription as well. I felt devastated.

The constant ups and downs, along with the monthly uncertainty, made me long for the stability of my 9-5 job. The security and predictability of a steady paycheck suddenly seemed very appealing.

But then, I made a decision. If I was going to enjoy the ups, I had to endure the downs as a business owner. Yes, a 9-5 job offers security, but it also comes with limitations. I chose the entrepreneurial path because I knew the potential for growth was much faster, even if it came with its share of unpredictability.

Shifting my mindset

The day after those cancellations, I decided to change my perspective. Instead of wallowing in disappointment, I embraced the reality that being a business owner means dealing with both highs and lows. I realized that if I focused on the negative aspects, I might miss out on the opportunities ahead.

So, I took action. I reached out to potential leads I had spoken with in the past few weeks. I made calls, sent emails, and re-engaged with those who had shown interest in my services. Just one week later, I closed two new deals. The combined revenue from these new clients more than made up for the loss I was expecting next month.

The power of a positive mindset

What struck me was this: it was only the second day of reacting to the "lows," and I had already turned things around. This experience made me wonder—what could happen if I maintained this proactive mindset for an entire month? What other opportunities could I uncover? What new clients could I secure?

This is the mindset I want to cultivate: embracing the unknown, because you never know what great things await you next month!

Practical actions for thriving amidst uncertainty

Reframe your perspective:

When things go wrong, it's easy to get discouraged. Instead, remind yourself that the downs are part of the journey. Every dip has the potential to lead to a new peak.

Take immediate action:

When faced with a setback, don't dwell on it for too long. Take immediate action to create new opportunities. As soon as I heard about the cancellations, I started reaching out to potential clients. Within a week, I had closed two new deals. The only way to combat uncertainty is by trying new things and putting yourself out there.

Embrace the unknown:

Entrepreneurship is filled with uncertainty, but that’s what makes it exciting.

Focus on the long game:

When setbacks occur, it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind. A single lost client doesn’t define the success of your business. What matters is how you respond and adapt. Instead of fixating on short-term losses, focus on long-term growth and resilience.

Stay connected with your network:

The clients I reached out to were leads I had already connected with. Building and maintaining a strong network is crucial for bouncing back from setbacks. Make it a habit to stay in touch with potential clients, collaborators, and peers in your industry.

Conclusion: Keep moving forward

The entrepreneurial journey is anything but linear. There will be highs, lows, and everything in between. But by embracing uncertainty and taking proactive steps, you can turn setbacks into opportunities. As I’ve experienced firsthand, a positive mindset coupled with decisive action can lead to unexpected successes.

Remember, the lows don’t last forever. With the right approach, your next high might be just around the corner. So, keep moving forward, embrace the unknown, and see what great things await you in the months to come.

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