Your secret competitive advantage as a founder
As a founder, you now building a company is a non-stop emotional rollercoaster.
One day, your business is on the verge of running out of cash; the next, you're riding high because you landed a big customer.
But as I say to clients, this is what you signed up for. If you want certainty and stability, go work at the post office.
Here's the good news:
Your ability to master the ups and downs — to bounce back quickly from setbacks — is one of the few things you actually control.
And it can be your greatest competitive advantage.
To bounce back quicker and stronger, there are two skills you need to master: acceptance and reframing.
Because most of the emotional pain of a setback comes from resistance: We make it "wrong," wish things were different.
Fast forward to acceptance.
You don’t have to like what happened. But your advantage lies in how quickly you can accept that it did.
Take a page out of champion athletes' playbook:
"The Ten Step Rule.” When Tiger Woods misses a shot, he allows himself to feel bad for the time it takes to walk 10 steps. After 10 paces, he shuts the door mentally on the negative thoughts and focuses on moving forward.
"Next play!" That's what Duke University basketball coach, Coach Mike Krzyzewski, yells when he doesn’t want the team lingering too long on what just took place.
Reframe the situation.
When things aren’t going your way, it’s normal to be discouraged and wish it weren't so hard.
But those who perform well under pressure have the mental agility to put a different spin on challenging situations.
Former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink has a one-word reframe: “Good.”
You develop your capacity for acceptance and reframing in the same way you develop your physical muscles — by applying stress so they become stronger.
And more good news: Every day of building your company is an opportunity to train and get better. 🤣
Love,
Renita
When you’re ready to level up your leadership, here’s how I can help:
👉🏻 The High-EQ Founder, a cohort-based course where founders turbo-charge their leadership communication skills in just six weeks. Learn more here.
👉🏻 A 1:1 executive coaching engagement. Schedule a “Create From The Future” call here. We'll map out a game plan to uncover your full potential as a leader.
Renita Kalhorn | The High-EQ Founder
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