6 strategies for saving yourself (instead of waiting for a hero)

Have you ever felt so low and powerless that all you can do is look up and hope that someone will come in and take care of you? I have. I was always waiting, hoping, looking for someone to rescue me – to get me out of my situation, to take care of me, to love me and to protect me.

As a child living in a violent home, I sought that person out among teachers, mentors, and older friends. When I grew up, I thought that a man and a family of my own would save me. That’s not to say I felt hopeless all the time. There are fond memories of support and mentorship. But when I look back to my most empowering moments identifying that person who popped in? That person was me.

Related: 5 Ways to Help Yourself Grow Professionally

I’ve looked back over the past two and a half years and deciphered the history that shaped (or inhibited) the ruthless entrepreneurial woman I have become today. Writing my memoirs made it clear how much I needed to be my own superhero. From this perspective, I have identified some strategies to save yourself:

1. Make the most of every opportunity

The year I started Entire Productions, a mother at my daughter’s school invited me to share an office space with her. While I was reluctant to spend money on an office space I wasn’t sure I needed, I said yes. A few months later, she introduced me to my first corporate client, Oakland City Center, a $100,000 ARR client and one I still have today, 21 years later.

If something as seemingly insignificant as a conversation with a high school dropout parent could lead to my company’s first big break, what other opportunities did I ignore? Every chance has a possibility. Say yes, dive in and see what you can achieve.

2. See the opportunities in setbacks, reflect and increase those opportunities

Setbacks, failures, mistakes and dissatisfied customers are a goldmine for opportunity. Finding a weakness in yourself can be challenging to say the least. Take the time to acknowledge what went wrong and leave the shame behind. Investigate what happened. Instead of focusing on what you did wrong, what does this setback tell you about your approach? Can you change the way you move forward?

Nine times out of ten, a setback will improve your initiatives in the future. Start seeing mistakes as lessons, and failures will become something you look forward to dealing with, or at least don’t push you into the depths of regret.

Related: Why Real Entrepreneurs See Setbacks as Opportunities

3. Find mentors (inherent, no fee exchanged) and advisors (usually fee involved)

About 10 years ago I started looking for ways to increase growth. My business was thriving and I was happy where we were. But I missed one very important thing: I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

I joined a group called londonbusinessblog.com’s Organization, and through various mentors and networks I discovered that I was running my business with about 1% of the tools available to me. I learned to seek out financial advisors, CEOs of companies I admired, and professionals outside of my industry to see my business from a new perspective.

Since opening my world to professional mentorship, Entire Productions has been one of the fastest growing companies in America for three years in a row, and I’ve been an “londonbusinessblog.com 360” honorary twice in a row.

4. Consider mentors/advisors outside of the skills you are trying to acquire

The best advisor I’ve ever had is the CEO of a $4 billion insurance company. I’ll say it again, the person who has given me the greatest strengths to grow my event production business specializes in insurance.

Sometimes the best mentor is one that empowers you to be the expert in your field and take on the role of an expert in the areas you’re not so sure about. A mentor with a business like yours can help you build a business like theirs. But a mentor with an outsider’s perspective has the ability to look beyond the tried and true template and give you ideas that eventually become an “unfair advantage.”

5. Find courses, read books, blogs and newsletters from successful people you admire

As a young musician in the Bay Area, I flipped through magazines like Acoustic Guitar and JazzIz for tips on being a successful musician. A book about increasing your audience suggested a living room tour. That little suggestion sparked my idea to host a local concert series, First Saturdays in Alameda† I invited musicians from all over the world to play. Not only did I take a crash course in event planning, but I also expanded my network of musicians and clientele. Twenty years later, I now own and operate a multi-million dollar event and entertainment production company.

Take an idea and run with it. The worst that can happen is you learn something. Best? You find something you are really good at.

Related: Your Key to Valuable Online Courses for Life

6. Laser focus from where you are now to where you want to be

This one is difficult. When you feel powerless, it’s hard to separate personal and professional growth. It all ends in this jumble of fear and shame. I’m here to tell you that a setback in one area of ​​your life doesn’t have to affect everything else you’re working towards.

What if your professional life couldn’t be affected by whatever negatives are holding you back? What does that look like? Can you take pride in success while also having compassion for that person who is suffering inside? Try not to get distracted by the negative things happening in your life, distract you or weaken your mind.