Sandra Hinshelwood Coaching & Mentoring

Unlock your full potential with unwavering confidence

Archives for November 2023

Discovering Authenticity: Who You Are Not in the Tapestry of Identity

Business Success, Confidence, Mindset, Motivation

Portrait of Confident Woman CEO

This article has been inspired by the song “I am Light” by India Arie. This is part one of two. Unveiling Your Core: A Philosophical Exploration for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In part one, I explored the question of “Who am I?”. In profoundly exploring one’s identity, it is equally crucial to understand who you are not. The layers of self-discovery extend beyond the positive affirmations and achievements; they encompass the shedding of misconceptions, societal impositions, and self-limiting beliefs. As aspiring entrepreneurs, acknowledging who you are not becomes a liberating force, empowering you to transcend the constraints of external expectations and dive deeper into the authenticity of your being.

You Are Not Your Thoughts

The mind is a tapestry of fleeting thoughts, some empowering and others self-doubting. However, these thoughts are not the essence of who you are. You are not defined by the passing clouds of ideas that drift through your consciousness. Instead, your core lies in the stillness beneath the mental chatter—the place of intuition, wisdom, and clarity.

You Are Not Your Mistakes

Entrepreneurship is an odyssey marked by trials and errors. Mistakes are inevitable, but they do not constitute your identity. Rather, they are stepping stones on the path to growth and resilience. Your core is not tarnished by the missteps but polished by the lessons they impart. Embrace them and learn from them, but do not let them cast a shadow on the brilliance of your potential.

You Are Not Your Achievements

In the pursuit of success, it is common to attach identity to accomplishments. However, the titles and triumphs are external manifestations, not the essence of your being. They are the fruits of your labour, not the roots of your identity. Acknowledge your achievements with gratitude, but do not let them overshadow the ever-evolving, intrinsic you.

You Are Not Your Appearance

As entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to break free from societal expectations, including those tied to appearance. The colour of your skin, gender, or physical attributes are facets of your external self, but they do not encapsulate the depth of your character. True authenticity transcends the superficial judgments of society, allowing the brilliance of your ideas and character to shine through.

You Are Not Your Circumstances

Entrepreneurial journeys are diverse, and backgrounds vary. Your circumstances might have shaped your journey, but they do not define your destination. Your core is resilient and adaptable, capable of steering through challenges and rewriting the narrative of your life.

You Are Not Your Fears

Fear is a natural companion on the entrepreneurial path. It whispers doubts, raises uncertainties, and sometimes paralyses action. Yet, you are not the fear that resides within. Your core is courageous, resilient, and capable of facing fears head-on. As an entrepreneur, it’s not about the absence of fear but the courage to move forward despite it.

You Are Not Your Roles

Beyond the titles of CEO, founder, or leader lies the authentic you. While these roles may be integral to your entrepreneurial identity, they are not the entirety of who you are. Strip away the professional labels, and you’ll find a unique individual with passions, dreams, and values that transcend the boardroom.

Embrace the Unveiling

The journey of self-discovery is a continual unravelling. By understanding who you are not, you liberate yourself from societal norms, self-imposed limitations, and the illusions that cloud your authenticity. As aspiring entrepreneurs, this process is empowering and instrumental in shaping a business that reflects the depth and uniqueness of your true self.

In Conclusion

As you embark on the entrepreneurial voyage, remember that the canvas of your identity is vast and intricate. Recognising who you are not is as vital as understanding who you are. Embrace the freedom that comes with shedding societal expectations, limiting beliefs, and transient thoughts. By doing so, you pave the way for a business and life that authentically aligns with the core of your being, fostering resilience, innovation, and lasting success.

Also read: Beyond the Eureka Moment: How Perseverance Shapes Exceptional Ideas

Image source: elements.envato.com

Unveiling Your Core: A Philosophical Exploration for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Business Success, Mindset

Sandra Hinshelwood

This article has been inspired by the song “I am Light” by India Arie. This is part one of two.

When studying for my Psychology degree, one of the first assignments I had to complete was creating a questionnaire and asking people, “Who Are You?”.

I got many replies from people like a mother, a father, husband, wife, brother, sister, team leader, manager, banker, shop assistant, etc. You get the picture. But really. Who are you at your core? 

Unveiling the Core

In the hustle and bustle of the entrepreneurial journey, amidst the pitch meetings, business plans, and market research, it’s easy to lose sight of a fundamental question: Who are you at your core? Beyond the titles, the roles, and the goals lies the essence of your being—the compass that guides your endeavours and shapes your impact on the world.

The Surface vs. The Core

It is easy to get entangled in external facets such as—job titles, accolades, and social media profiles flaunting success stories. However, the real power lies beneath the surface. In understanding and embracing your core, you unearth the authenticity that fuels lasting success.

Peeling the Layers

Imagine yourself as an onion—layered, complex, and sometimes tear-inducing. Each layer represents an aspect of your identity: your skills, experiences, education, and professional achievements. But, at the core lies the heart of your uniqueness, untouched by external validations or societal expectations.

Defining Values

Your core is intricately tied to your values—the principles that define what matters most to you. As an aspiring entrepreneur, clarifying and aligning your endeavours with your core values becomes your North Star. Are you driven by innovation, social impact, or perhaps a combination of both? Understanding this is the cornerstone of building a business that resonates with your authentic self.

Passions as the Guiding Light

Entrepreneurial ventures demand perseverance and resilience. It is your passions that serve as the fuel for these qualities. What activities make your heart race with excitement? What challenges ignite your problem-solving spark? Your core passions, when woven into your professional journey, not only sustain you but also inspire those around you.

Failure and Growth

The entrepreneurial path is riddled with challenges and setbacks. Yet, it’s in these moments that your core is tested and refined. How do you react when faced with adversity? What lessons do you draw from failure? Your core values and beliefs will determine not only how you weather storms but also how you emerge from them—resilient, wiser, and ever-evolving.

Authentic Leadership

In the realm of entrepreneurship, authentic leadership is a priceless currency. Your team, clients, and investors are not just buying into your product or service; they are investing in you—your vision, your integrity, and your authenticity. To lead authentically is to lead from your core, inspiring trust and loyalty.

The Constant Unveiling

Discovering your core is not a one-time affair; it’s an ongoing process. As you navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, your experiences, insights, and reflections continually shape and reshape your core. Embrace this evolution, for it is the key to staying relevant, innovative, and true to your purpose.

In Conclusion

Beyond the spreadsheets and elevator pitches, take the time to delve into the depths of your being. Who are you at your core? What legacy do you wish to leave in the world? It is in the excavation of these fundamental questions that you find the enduring fuel for your entrepreneurial journey. As you embark on this adventure, let your core be your compass, guiding you through the complexities, uncertainties, and triumphs that define the path of entrepreneurship.

You can read part two of this article here.

Also read: Believe in Yourself: 5 Ways to Build Your Confidence and Successfully Start a Business

Beyond the Eureka Moment: How Perseverance Shapes Exceptional Ideas

Mindset, Motivation

Two lady colleagues discussing new project, businesswomen using digital tablet together in office

Have you ever wondered how those incredible ideas come about? You know, the ones that seem to come out of nowhere and revolutionise the world as we know it. It’s easy to chalk it up to luck or a stroke of genius, but the truth is exceptional ideas are often born out of pure perseverance and hard work. In this blog post, we’ll explore the journey beyond the Eureka moment and how it is the sweat and determination that truly shape these game-changing ideas.

The Myth of the Eureka Moment

We’ve all heard the story of Archimedes discovering the principle of water displacement and shouting “Eureka!” as he ran through the streets naked. These tales of sudden flashes of inspiration make for great anecdotes, but they are often just that – myths. In reality, the Eureka moment is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s the culmination of countless hours of hard work, experimentation, and problem-solving.

Thomas Edison, the inventor of the incandescent light bulb and countless other innovations, famously said, “Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.” Edison recognised that great ideas don’t just magically appear out of thin air. They require relentless effort, trial and error, and a refusal to give up. It’s this perseverance that ultimately separates the inventors who change the world from those who simply have great ideas.

The Power of Iteration

One of the keys to shaping exceptional ideas is the power of iteration. This involves repeatedly refining and improving upon an initial concept or prototype. Every version brings new insights and pushes the idea closer to its full potential. It’s a process of learning, adapting, and evolving.

Take, for example, Apple’s iPhone. The first version of the iPhone didn’t have all the features we now associate with it. It lacked the App Store, 3G connectivity, and even copy-and-paste. But Apple didn’t stop there. They listened to feedback, identified areas for improvement, and released new iterations that addressed these shortcomings. Through this iterative process, the iPhone has become the revolutionary device we know today. Apple may never have achieved such groundbreaking success without perseverance and a commitment to constantly refining its ideas.

The Role of Failure

Perseverance also means embracing failure as part of the journey towards exceptional ideas. Failure is not the end; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and pivot. When something doesn’t work, it’s a chance to reassess, adjust, and try again.

Some of history’s most famous inventors and innovators experienced their fair share of failures before achieving greatness. Thomas Edison famously created thousands of prototypes before finding the right filament for his light bulb. Winston Churchill famously said, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” These words encapsulate the spirit of perseverance and the understanding that each setback is an opportunity for future success.

The Importance of Grit

Perseverance is not just about putting in the work. It’s also about developing a mindset of resilience and a deep-seated belief in one’s ability to overcome obstacles. This mindset is often referred to as “grit.”

Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and author, defined grit as “a passion for a particular long-term goal, coupled with a powerful motivation to achieve that objective.” Duckworth’s research has shown that grit is a better predictor of success than raw talent or intelligence. It’s the determination to keep going, even when the going gets tough, that fuels exceptional ideas.

In Conclusion

While the Eureka moment may capture our imaginations, it’s the perseverance, hard work, iteration, and resilience that truly shape exceptional ideas. Behind every breakthrough innovation lies countless hours of dedication, countless failures turned into stepping stones, and an unwavering belief in the potential of an idea. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for that light bulb moment, remember that it’s the sweat and determination that will truly take your idea to new heights. Keep persevering, keep iterating, and you may just be the next game-changer.

Also read: From Startup to Success: How a Growth Mindset Drives Motivation in Business

Image source: stock.adobe.com