It’s not what you think…we’re not talking about Nancy Kerrigan or Tonya Harding and drama on ice. Nor is it about pushing past your competitors to get to the finish line.
There is a finesse to navigating the journey of an entrepreneur and a maturation that happens over time.
Imagine that you are just starting out, unsteady, unsure of yourself and how you fit into this uncharted territory. It’s like you’ve laced up the skates for the very first time.
You’re nervous and head towards the open rink where dozens of individuals are skating around, some gliding effortlessly, and others are guarding themselves near the wall.
You stay near the wall as a safety zone as you learn how to hold yourself up apply momentum with your feet and body. The wall is there to help you steady while you are also checking your balance and coordination, especially with people flying past you or, worst yet, into you.
The picture of my granddaughter above was from our experience this past weekend. Her first time on skates…she was apprehensive yet brave. The blue seal she was seated on was intended for the littles on ice to stand on their own feet and remain steady or sit and be pushed by another family member.
She eventually stood behind to steady herself while her mother and I took turns standing behind her as we moved forward to keep her company and catch her unsteady as needed.
Little Miss’ older brother was also on the ice. However, he was focused on everything else going around him thus kept tripping by looking sideways and behind him. I kept coaching him to keep looking forward to concentrate on where he is going and keep his momentum.
With baby girl, if we went too fast, there were tears. And so we went back-and-forth between seated and standing, switching the hand-holding between her mother and myself. Her support system was there for her comfort, self-assurance, and safety.
I, myself, had not been on ice skates for over 20 years, and yet I did not fall once. I appreciated my self-trust in the physical attributes of core strength, balance, coordination, agility, and mobility. Things that can be taken for granted yet are important assets that I have been keen to focus on through my adult life. Interestingly, these physical traits are also the MENTAL skill sets required for success in the real world.
Those skills are an important emphasis when I stress to others the necessity for the habits of continued self-care in the wellness space, especially as we wish to age gracefully.
When people think about the fitness world, the focus gleans to strength, endurance, and a number on the scales. Those attributes are essential but not the only benefits of self-care and independence. And yet, as an entrepreneur, how many times do we get knocked down and yet quickly brush ourselves off and show up another day? Sometimes we are strong enough on our own, and occasionally, we look to our support system to help pull us back up and onward.
Towards the end of our adventure, baby girl needed a break. I sat with her in the stands for a bit then asked if she was ready to put on her shoes or skate again. Her resilience impressed me. She was ready for another round on the ice, and so we went.
Her mom and I switched places with her brother. He wanted to go for the joy ride on the blue seal while I pushed him around the rink. Then I squared my shoulders, strengthened my posture, and began whirling him around at MY top speed. We both enjoyed the energy of my strength and endurance during those moments. It was a rush and a memorable experience for us both.
Again, knowing that the time was ripe for me to pull out the stops, with my grandson on a joyride, and live full out for those few minutes. My heart rate was racing, my leg muscles engaged, and I was ready. Plus, I was holding onto my support, the blue seal.
No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, honor where you are and know that the journey is there for the joy of showing up for yourself, your community, and those who you will one day support.
Release the judgment and comparison, thus you will lose momentum and trip yourself. Trust that each day you will gain strength, endurance, coordination, agility, mobility, and SELF TRUST.
As you are on your way, honor your MENTAL and PHYSICAL assets as part of your growth and awareness of how you intersect and interact with your business and your community.
If you want to change the world, start with yourself, and then progress to your community.
I look forward to supporting you on your journey!