The Secret to Becoming an Entrepreneur (Japan Days 5 & 6)
The secret to being an entrepreneur is so simple. You already know it.
This is the secret: you keep showing up.
Sure, you change directions. You (hopefully) grow. But if you want to be an entrepreneur, you have to commit to it. Lots of successful entrepreneurs have made a lot of money selling the "secret sauce" to becoming an entrepreneur. While those books and sites and products can ease your journey (mainly because of the sense of companionship they offer) none of them can tell you anything you don't already know. Being an entrepreneur requires commitment to being an entrepreneur.
When Patrick and I opened the studio four years ago, it wasn't simple or easy. If you've asked me how we did it and I avoided the question it's because struggle stories aren't fun to share. Success stories are. And I think culturally that we much prefer to hear stories of triumphs after the struggle.
So here are some of the moments when I felt that. It was wonderful to be on the mat with the people who made the studio the success (if we must use the word) it has become. One student came in as we were closing up for the night. She has been coming to the studio since the second month after we opened. "Patrick hasn't bored me yet," she laughed. High praise, indeed.
The annual all-you-can-yoga event at the studio is a hit. Basically it works like this. You come in, sign in, pay your one thousand yen entrance fee. A teacher warms you up and then you join the class (which goes non-stop from 10-4 with teachers changing out every thirty minutes). When you're yoga'd out you take yourself through final relaxation. At the end of the day we did some partner yoga. -> View all photos from the day here.
Patrick and I are working on our next project now. We've been recording our podcast for nearly three years, we've had the studio for more than four and have been friends for more than a decade. It's that time.
Here's what the daily experience is like. Each day, we do a little bit of work. We write down tidbits on our 3x5 index cards. We map it out and research the competition. We ignore everybody and incubate. We compare notes and go heads down again. The next day, we do it again. We keep showing up.
Honestly, I hate the process of starting a new business. I feel isolated while incubating. This one has taken me months (closer to a year, honestly) to flesh out. But standing in our studio at the event this weekend I remembered why we do it. Why we must keep showing up as entrepreneurs.
Because, really, there is no other way.
And. Because we love it too much to do anything else.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Reader Comments (14)
This is exactly the kind of post I needed to read, and indeed need to keep reading. Remembering to show up. It's like the genius idea that totally makes sense and that we all know, but some of us can ignore too easily.
I loved the photos! Congrats on 4 years, it's really inspiring and also sobering in one aspect. It takes time to build something great, and that is worth showing up for!
This is so lovely! Thank you for sharing this and for all the great photos of you and your students reaping the rewards of your commitment to being an entrepreneur.
I've been in full on incubation mode these days and the warmth and simplicity of this post has helped to make it feel less lonely- thank you!
Wonderful post - it is so very true - an entrepreneur perseveres - we fall down seven times, we stand up eight :)
Thank you for sharing!
...Allen
Congratulations on 4 years Gwen and Patrick!
Thank you so much for this post - these nuggets of wisdom keep me coming back to the blog again and again - seriously, you are a 100 year old wise woman in a 20-something body! I know this is what I needed to hear today!
Gwen, thanks for this reminder. No magic pill. No secret sauce. Showing up to do the work before me.
Time to paint.
Bryce.
So proud of you Gwenny-Gwen-Gwen. <3
Gwen,
This is exactly what I needed to read today as I machete my way through all of the information guaranteed to help me become what I want to be. Oh my... It's all about consistency and hard work in all reality.
I'm so enjoying the pics and stories of your time in Japan.
Take Care,
Jill
Daring Acts—How To Work Without A Net
I will because, I can. I will keep showing up, because after all is said, I can do this. I might not be able to smile throughout it all, I might not even appreciate what is said, but showing up is something that I can do. Thank you for KISS (K eeping I t S imple S ister).
So true.
Keep showing up people!
Thanks Gwen! And, damn you take such amazing photos!
Jayson
YES!!! That is the "secret" indeed! Everyone has good days, everyone has bad days. The "successful" people are the ones who kept working, even when they felt like giving up!
inspirational. after being in business for 15 years, this is a beautiful reminder that we can honor the process of our passion, even when it is difficult. and, at some point, we must celebrate the success, however we define that place or feeling or accomplishment.
thank you for your amazing insight.
you're beautiful, inside and out. thanks for inspiring us.
You are a constant source of inspiration and solid common sense. Thank you.
My sense is that continuing to show up is made easier if you know _why_ you are showing up.
This reminds me of a mantra from a twelve step program -- or maybe Landmark Forum -- can't remember. It is:
KEEP SHOWING UP.