Perception of Power in Entrepreneurship
And suddenly the sense of power changed.
Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as a journey fueled by passion — and trust me, it is! But there’s much more to it. Our initial belief about what it will look like often overlooks the realities of working for yourself. When expectations are misaligned, disappointment can quickly set in.
While I love being an entrepreneur, the past 15 years have also profoundly challenged me. I didn’t embark on this path because of a lifelong dream — it was born out of necessity and coincidence. I was too inexperienced and immature to fully grasp the adventure I was stepping into.
That’s why I believe it’s important to share all aspects of entrepreneurship. Anyone who decides to pursue this adventure (and believe me, I’m all for it!) should be fully prepared and equipped to handle the challenges that come with it.
Perception of Personal Power and Mental Health
Most people embark on the journey of entrepreneurship seeking more freedom in their lives. They want more time, better balance, the ability to make their own decisions, and the freedom from taking orders from others.
Often, it’s highly skilled and experienced professionals at the peak of their careers who decide to make this leap. They are confident, capable, and ready. But then reality sets in — the entrepreneurial journey begins. Whether you start as a freelancer or launch a small business, a few critical realizations emerge.
You’re not as free as you thought. You have clients to satisfy, your income depends on how much work you can handle, or how much you feel worthy of charging. New financial concerns arise, and uncertainty about the future — risks, sales — can make you feel vulnerable.
Research shows that this shift — the sense of losing personal power and the lack of control over outcomes as a small business owner — can contribute to stress and negatively impact mental health.
How to Stay Healthy and Powerful Despite Uncertainty
As small business owners, it’s easy to get lost in client demands and financial worries. The line between business and personal life blurs, and before you know it, it feels like you need to be working all the time because your business — and everyone involved — depends on you.
But here’s the truth: the space where you create boundaries and take time for yourself is exactly where ideas, solutions, and fresh energy are born. If you don’t have a boss, be your own boss — stand up for yourself! Create systems, set rules, and make space for rest and play.
I get it. It’s so tempting to reach for your laptop instead of rolling out your yoga mat. Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. But over the years, I’ve learned that this approach doesn’t work. More hours in doesn’t always mean more results. In fact, it’s often the opposite. And let’s face it, when you’re stuck working in the business, you lose sight of the bigger picture. The key is to spend more time working on your business.
So, ask yourself: are you building a business or just creating another job for yourself? Either answer is valid. But no matter which path you’re on, both require you to take care of you first.
Only then can you shift from feeling powerless to feeling truly powerful!
