As an entrepreneur, sometimes you forget that being in charge doesn’t mean you have to know everything. When you feel stuck in an intractable dilemma and struggle with a seemingly intractable problem, remember that “get out of your head” is the personal equivalent of the Lean Startup mantra, “get out of the building.”
Learning this was a huge step for me to become a more successful entrepreneur.
I pride myself on being a young, driven entrepreneur and overcoming many business challenges. But sometimes in my career I faced problems that I could not solve. Sometimes these problems keep me awake at night worrying, thoughts racing around my head like a hurricane between my ears. I think of only black and white solutions, or no solutions at all, only the worst possible outcomes. I would go through this loop when my wife told me to “go to sleep” until I finally passed out from stress and exhaustion. Sometimes this went on for days.
If the problems were corporate politics, I’d be defensive and ready to fight the next day. (Relationship with sales and marketing department was a common food fight and problem). If it was a meeting my boss called, I was pretty sure I’d be fired (although I can’t think of any rational reason why). Half the time I’m surprised to find that there isn’t even a problem or obstacle I thought of. I highlighted a comment, document or interaction, and imagining the worst possible outcome allowed it to spiral out of control.
It took me a long time to see that there was an easy way to break this obsession and come up with much better options. The key, I found, was getting out of my head and talking to other people.
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you are not alone
I didn’t realize it as a child.
- Most of the problems I encountered at work were common problems. Others are experiencing these problems now or have experienced them in the past
- If other problems were encountered, there were solutions or at least good advice
- If I ever got stuck and needed help, there was plenty available.
- This applies not only to problems at work, but also at home.
1. These They were. Common problems: Others are experiencing similar problems now or have experienced them in the past
When I was trying to solve a problem, it never occurred to me that these problems weren’t just about me. I felt like they were mine alone. mine And that meant I had to figure it out on my own.
I had never been in trouble before so I thought no one was. (In hindsight, this was probably due to my age/inexperience.) Later in my career, I began to see common problems repeat themselves. But at that time I never thought that others faced similar problems.
2. If Others have faced these problems, then there are solutions or at least good advice.
Here’s a crucial missed opportunity. Some of them knew how to solve it, some of them made bad decisions and did not find a solution, but all of them had the experience of seeing a solution in one way or another. Some could tell you about their past, others could tell you what they did or didn’t do, and a few had real wisdom to share. And often I really get what I think is a very critical problem. It doesn’t stop my work or anyone really cares.
3. If I just shared that I was stuck and needed help, more would be available.
Need advice from others? Ask others for help? The thought never crossed my mind. (See item 1.) And if it had been, I would not have accepted it. why? So losing control, accepting failure, losing dignity, being embarrassed, etc. I thought I should have all the answers.
It took a network of mentors/coaches and mentors to get out of my own head and ask others for help. I didn’t have any/much at the start of my career. Later I realized how valuable they were. When I started dating, I learned not only how to solve my particular problem, but also to ask what worked. they Do they do when they feel stuck? How did they learn to do this instead of staying in their heads?
When I was an entrepreneur, a face-to-face meeting or a phone call was the only way to get advice. This was a stumbling block for many. Today, the Internet has removed most of these barriers. Go online, find other people who have had the same issues you’re struggling with and read how they solved them with a simple search.
4. This is not only for problems at work but also at home.
Like most people, I sometimes had personal issues like dating, marriage, etc. outside of work, which distracted me and made me ineffective at work. I finally realized that getting out of my head at home gave me space to be more productive at work. However, asking for help is often more difficult due to embarrassment, denial, etc. Problems and their treatment.
Lessons learned
- The “get out of your head” strategy is the personal equivalent of Lean’s beginner’s “get out of the box.”
- Don’t waste your time. Contact mentors, coaches and advisors for personalized advice. Use the web for general advice
- “Getting out of my head” to ask for advice and experience the art of becoming a more successful entrepreneur was a big step.
File under: Family/Career/Culture |
