Winning a Mental Game of Entrepreneurship

 By: Nofisat Raheems


Winning a Mental Game 


"The greatest battles are fought in the mind." — Casey Treat

If you have ever attempted to start something from scratch, be it a business, brand, or even a side project, you are already aware that the hardest part isn't the market, the strategy, or the funding, but rather maintaining your sanity when everything seems to be falling apart.

Let's face it, being an entrepreneur is more than just a job; it's a psychological rollercoaster. One moment you're feeling great after winning a customer or having a post go viral, and the next you're questioning your entire life because your product failed or someone abandoned your proposal. Does that sound familiar?

Growth hacks and pitch decks are not the topic of this essay. The mental game is the key. Because no amount of hustling will save you if you don't learn to think reasonably.

§  The Real Battlefield: Your Mind

Being an entrepreneur will put your self-assurance, tolerance, and sense of identity to the test. You will experience rejection, uncertainty, and loneliness. While everyone is busy romanticizing the difficult work, few discuss the emotional expense.

In actuality, your company will only expand as quickly as your thinking.

§  How to win the Mental Game

Let's break it down: these are useful mental shifts that can help you stay grounded when the chaos strikes, not pretentious platitudes or ambiguous motivational speeches.

1.      Disentangle Your Value from Your Job

You are not a failure because your startup failed. If your product doesn't sell, it doesn't mean you're not good enough. Recognize that your identity is not the same as your results. Your KPIs are not you.

2.      Establish a Resilience Ritual

Find a daily practice that helps you reset, whether it's journaling, running, praying, or simply going for a stroll. Mental stamina isn't formed in crises; it's built in routine.

3.      Talk to Experts

Being an entrepreneur may be lonely. Seek out your tribe, which could include mentors, other entrepreneurs, or even creators. A TED Talk isn't always as soothing as venting to someone who knows how you feel.

4.      Honor Small Victories

You will become exhausted waiting for the "big break." Celebrate the little things, like sending the email, completing the pitch deck, and making it through. Instead of miles, momentum is measured in inches.

5.      Express Failure as Feedback

Every "no" is information, every failure is a lesson. You will develop more quickly if you can perceive failure as a necessary part of the process rather than its conclusion.

In conclusion, you are not insane. All you're doing is creating something that doesn't yet exist.
Congratulations if you're feeling overburdened, worn out, or even a little naive. You're doing a good job. Being an entrepreneur isn't meant to be easy. It's meant to make you stretch.

Remember this the next time your mind starts playing tricks on you: you're not just playing the game; you're designed to win.

If this struck a chord with you, tell someone else who is fighting in the trenches about it. I'd also love to hear your own survival strategies. Let's continue the discussion.

 

Nofisat Raheems


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