By Aaron Kaplan
When we find ourselves experiencing a calamity such as a job loss that immediately changes the landscape of our life, we are often told that “everything happens for a reason, and something positive will ultimately come from this.” As well-meaning and well-intentioned others may be in attempting to offer sympathetic gestures of support and ways to attach a more empowering and positive meaning to our present circumstances, the reality is that statements like those I just mentioned are the last thing one wants to hear in the midst of a life-altering crisis. I know because I’ve been there myself. But after surviving an unexpected job loss followed by an even unexpected divorce just a few short weeks later that ultimately brought me to Houston about a year ago, I am living proof that a lot of really great lemonade can be made from what may seem like not many quality lemons.
The reality is that losing a job, regardless of whatever stage one might be experiencing in their professional life, can truly be an opportunity of a lifetime to reconnect with their core authenticity and, thus, redefine themselves and their environment. Entrepreneurship provides the process in which to accomplish that.
The path toward entrepreneurial success begins with an honest and forthright examination and clarification of your authentic values and needs. Focusing on our values helps us recognize and apply our attention towards what matters most. We can avoid getting hijacked by the things that happened in our past by setting the necessary boundaries and that focus generates positive energy necessary for the creative process. Once we recognize what our authentic values and needs are, we can then align both our internal and external environments to reflect those values.
Have realistic expectations for how long it will take you to redefine yourself and achieve entrepreneurial success. In all likelihood, it will take much longer than you initially thought and the process will also likely be more difficult than expected. You will encounter yourself getting distracted by all of your other life responsibilities. There will be moments when you will feel as though you are doing all of the necessary work but not receiving the expected reward. These challenges are normal, so continue hanging in there and discover new and exciting ways to remain resilient.
Apply the GROW Model which stands for Goals, Reality, Options, and Willingness. Ask yourself, “What is ultimately most important to you? What is your current state of mind? What will happen if you decide to do nothing? What are the options you are considering, and what other options COULD you consider?” And finally, “What are you willing to do? What will your next actions be, and when specifically will you take those actions?”
Finally, as you embark upon your entrepreneurial endeavors that will ultimately redefine you and enable your true authenticity to manifest itself, always remember, regardless of what you may encounter, to always trust the process, trust your clients, and most importantly, trust yourself. If you do, you will quickly discover that there is genuine truth behind the lyric from the song “Closing Time” which states “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”.
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Aaron Kaplan, Founder/Director of the Kaplan Project LLC, can be reached by phone at 832-831-9451, by email at AKaplan@thekaplanproject.com, or visit his website at www.thekaplanproject.com.
