Navigating the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster:
Managing Anxiety on the Road to Success

What were the reasons that led you to embark on the entrepreneurial path? Can you recall the mixed emotions experienced at the inception of this journey? I began my entrepreneurial venture driven to aid and empower fellow women. Additionally, the pursuit of financial independence, the autonomy of being my own boss, dictating my schedule, and allocating more time to my family were compelling motivations.

The recollection of simultaneous excitement and apprehension persists vividly. The choice to become an entrepreneur is one of courage, deviating from conventional norms that advocate securing a job as an employee. The journey is often punctuated by external concerns attempting to dissuade us from pursuing our aspirations. Questions concerning health insurance, the viability of the business, bill payments, and the status of retirement plans are posed, casting doubts on the decision to relinquish a secure job with commendable benefits. If not approached cautiously, well-intentioned queries of this nature can easily divert us from our entrepreneurial path.

While entrepreneurship promises an exhilarating voyage, it is accompanied by a prevalent undercurrent of anxiety. Anxiety, characterized by feelings of dread, fear, and persistent worry, becomes an integral part of daily life for many entrepreneurs. I distinctly recall experiencing anxiety about acquiring my first client, the effectiveness of my marketing campaign, and the realization of my business’s envisioned purpose. The perception of a lack of control exacerbates this heightened anxiety. Acknowledging that we possess more power than we perceive, I guide my clients in crafting plans to mitigate anxiety by identifying manageable aspects.

How does anxiety manifest in your body? When anxious, I experience a racing heart, a fluttering sensation in my stomach, and restlessness. Consequently, I have developed a structured plan, referred to as the physical plan, to address the physiological symptoms of anxiety. This involves engaging in 4-point breathing exercises, prayer, stretching, and butterfly tapping to induce a state of calm. Subsequently, it is imperative to pinpoint the triggers of anxiety, acknowledging the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and behavior. An emotional plan is essential, involving the documentation of thoughts and feelings for gaining perspective on the root causes of anxiety. Common thought patterns contributing to worry and anxiety include:

• Did I make the right decision to become an entrepreneur?
• I may not be cut out to be an entrepreneur after all.
• How am I going to meet my rent obligations next month?
• The allure of job security with a 9-5 work-life schedule.
• Unsure of strategies for acquiring consistent clients

These statements and queries foster excessive worry and a sense of dread. Hence, attaining a calm state is crucial to focus on controllable aspects. This is encapsulated in the cognitive plan, where worrisome thoughts are transcribed onto paper, and a strategic plan is formulated by identifying controllable elements. This proactive cognitive approach directs thoughts toward the circle of control or influence, mitigating anxiety stemming from factors beyond one’s control.

The entrepreneurial journey, though exhilarating, necessitates effective anxiety management. The physical, emotional, and cognitive plans for anxiety-inducing situations underscore the extent of control we possess, preventing the overwhelming effects of anxiety. The decision to tread the entrepreneurial path is formidable – embrace the inherent power it bestows upon you.

For further insights on managing anxiety, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and strategic planning, please contact me at drsola@transformative.cc or explore my coaching program, Transformative Women, at drsola.transformative.cc/revitalize.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of CHOICES Magazine