The Dark Days of Being a Solo Entrepreneur and 7 Core Mindset Tips to Push You Out of a Funk

The Dark Days of Being a Solo Entrepreneur and 7 Core Mindset Tips to Push You Out of a Funk
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Most of us solo entrepreneurs have had a dark day or two. Truth is being solo when running a company or brand can be difficult and most of all challenging. It can also be positive, uplifting and life changing as well. But so many of us don't speak up when we are feeling creatively low, maybe wondering where our next chunk of revenue is coming from. Possibly questioning our path.

I had a few dark scary days, way back when I became a single mother at age 17. My first view of a dark cloud over me is when I felt fully responsible for another person, my child. My life became a full on reality check at a very young age. I kind of used the situation as a challenge to get out of a funk, instead of living in that place for too long. Another time when my first business partnership fell apart after 6 years, it broke my heart. Yet again, it felt kind of dark and scary and the unknown filled me with dread. I looked at what I did have on my side and moved passed it, onto the next. Sounds simple when I write it but I know it isn't always easy. Life has hard lessons sometimes and if we can learn great methods going forward that work great, I am here to share my real life experience with you.

Many years have gone by, being a self-motivated entrepreneur-type person. Thirteen years ago I started my first clothing company with two small children at home. I wanted a change so badly, it helped build my company in a really organic, inspired way. But I have to be honest with you and tell you the truth about it. The dark days are the exact times in my life that helped motivate me to truly change my actions!

Here are seven core mindset tips I have used throughout my life when going through a tricky, challenging and dark day. If you find this blog post helpful, comment below and share your experience with us.

1. Write down 10 things you are really good at. It doesn't matter what these things are, just write them all out. If you are struggling with coming up with 10, ask people you trust to tell you what they think are your 10 best qualities. I want you to read your top 10 qualities but let it soak in. What qualities pop out for you, what words spark something for you? What do you feel really good about pursuing or working on in your spare time? Celebrate your qualities and talents. Crack open a bottle of wine or sparkling apple juice.

2. Remember that you may have a deeper calling or something else you need to do with your life. The actual dark feeling you have, will pass. I know that may be really annoying to read, but it is so true, everything passes. Nothing really stays the same, including darkness. The next thing in your life could be very different than you imagine. Start imagining how you want the next part of your life to look like, stay in that moment and really feel what you want next! Get excited, be happy you have the choice to work on what you desire and want. And remember you do have a choice, ultimately it's up to you.

3. Think of the word consistency and how consistency can increase change rapidly in a really good way. Jump into what you are hoping to accomplish, full force and with determination. If your next step is simply getting out of a funk, start incorporating a routine into your day. Even if it is a half hour of Yoga or painting, after a couple weeks, you will see a change. On a larger scale, experimenting with what you want can help it become more real. You may be laughing at these suggestions or feel afraid, or maybe you do not feel good enough in this moment. But believe me when you start practicing what you want, even just a little bit, your brain will believe you too. I have personally tried this concept out many times in the last 13 years of running clothing companies and while marketing my digital 1 on 1 coaching services. It truly works and if you are reading this, think of it like unlocking your inner gold. Try what you desire and try a little bit every day until you in fact believe it too!!!

4. Open your heart to the idea of surprises and the process of life handing out unpredictable opportunities. When I was younger I did not ever think I would be sitting in a vegan soup café writing for the Huffington Post, like I am today. I was pleasantly surprised when I was approved. When I was leaving my first business partnership, sobbing on the floor. I didn't think I was about to design the coolest clothing collection in the world based on my desire to get the hell out of a funk! I also never would have imagined the 100's of people I met around the globe because I decided to broadcast on Periscope every day. Trust me when I tell you something really great is about to happen to you. But not necessarily as quick or as predictable as you may imagine. Life seems to be a process and one day you will look back and say, "Wow, I can't believe I went through it and I made it out alive and happy."

5. Change of mind and process when maneuvering yourself through your path. It's okay to change your mind and arrive at your desired destination your own way. You are unique, you will do it your way and please I beg you, forgive yourself if you change your freaking mind along the way. I think some of us put too much pressure on ourselves if we decide something isn't working or maybe we have a deep intuitive desire to change our plans. Personally I don't have many regrets and have hopefully learned from my mistakes. But sometimes I wish I was more comfortable changing my mind and felt a little more at ease when things start to shift in life and business. I hope you hear what I am trying to say to you. Think of all the times you changed your path and where you ended up on a positive level.

6. Eat the dark day up and snuggle at home watching Netflix for a bit. Sometimes we need to feel what we are going through in order to move on. Take care of yourself, think and be you. Sometimes those relaxing moments on the couch can offer huge inspiration and ideas can truly spark! Feel it and move on, you can do it! I am cheering you on from the field of pink flowers across the way!

7. Marvel in your own unique greatness okay? Seriously stop thinking about shitty thoughts and start focusing on the best parts of you. From experience focusing on my shortcomings never served me well. We are flawed humans with imperfections, truth! The only power we can give ourselves is embracing the good, not the bad, end of story.

If you feel a connection to me and this writing resonates with you, go to: www.SkyMarcano.com

I help business owners become more confident when marketing online.

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