in recent years that I have realized that it is rather toxic and selfish. As much as I demanded people to cheer me on, did I cheer them on?
Starting a new business can be an exciting and exhilarating experience but an equally terrifying and scary venture. As much as we may want our loved ones to support us in our new endeavors, the reality is that not everyone will be on board with our ideas. We want, and sometimes even expect, people around us to feel the sa
me about what we are doing.
We have the expectation that they will read what we wrote, watch our videos or share our data with each and everyone of the channels that they use.
While it's natural to want the support of those closest to us, it's important to remember that it might not always turn out like that.
Often, it's not because they don't believe in you or your capabilities, but because they have their own lives, and their own concerns and adversities to deal with. I think having everyone involved in your endeavor is a lot to ask for.
I struggled with this myself in the past. When I went into a new stage of my life when I got married, had a child, moved, moved back, single life, new carrier, and I had this expectation that friends and family should be very i
nvolved in all the stages of my life and what I was working on and struggled with.
How dare they not care!
In recent years I have realized that it is rather toxic and selfish. As much as I demanded people to cheer me on, did I cheer them on?
Something we should have in mind when asking why they don’t seem to care, or that they should support:
How to Think About the Fact That You Feel Unsupported
They may not understand your vision: They may not share your passion for your business idea, or they may not understand the hard work and dedication it takes to build a successful business. And that is their prerogative.
It can create tension in your relationships: Demanding support from your friends and family can create tension in your relationships. They may feel pressured to support your business, even if they don't fully believe in it. Again, it is their prerogative to not believe in your venture!
You need to be self-sufficient: Ultimately, as an entrepreneur, you need to be self-sufficient and able to rely on yourself to build your business. While support from friends and family can be helpful, it shouldn't be a requirement for success. You need to be able to motivate yourself, set goals, and work hard to achieve them, even in the face of opposition or lack of support.
You might not communicate your needs: Are you actually telling the people around you, that you would like, and/or want to have their support and how much it would need for you? What do you mean by support? Have you asked why they are not supporting you, or is it an assumption? Do you know what the definition of support is? Do you want them to share your information, say it! You need to communicate what you want if family and friends are still not reacting to it. They might not feel comfortable with it, and we must respect that.
It's important to have empathy and understanding of their perspective. They may also have a different vision for your life and career path, they might not understand it, or honestly, they might not believe that you can do it.
How Can You Overcome the Lack of Support From Friends and Family?
Seek out a supportive community- meaning break out from the group you are in, broaden your horizon and get into networking events and groups. Look for organizations that work with new small businesses and see what they can offer. I have found great groups on FB
.
Set realistic expectations: When your family is not supportive of your business, it can be easy to feel like you need to prove yourself to them. However, it's important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your business.
Communicate your vision: Often, friends and family members may not fully understand your vision or the potential of your new business. Take the time to communicate your goals, plans, and vision with those close to you. Explain why you are passionate about this endeavor and how it aligns with your values and aspirations. This can help them understand your perspective and may even change their minds.
Find a trusted mentor: One of the ways to overcome the lack of support from loved ones is to find a mentor who can provide guidance and encouragement. A mentor can offer valuable insights, advice, and connections that can help you navigate the challenges of starting a new business. There are organizations that look for mentors and mentees or someone you have previously worked with etc.
Starting a new business can be a challenging and rewarding experience. By finding a supportive community, staying focused on our goals, and taking action, we can overcome the lack of support from friends and family and achieve success on our own terms. Also keep in mind, that it might be better to let go of the expectations of support not to damage the relationship in question.
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