A small business owner was one of the people I talked to last week. She kept saying that she had more patience and needed help. It was frustrating for her that the firm she worked at wasn’t performing well. She felt so depressed. She kept repeating that her patience was what would get her there. It will require patience, I replied.
My Webster dictionary definition of patience includes enduring with no complaint, tranquil waiting or expectation. These definitions are not my favorite. I don’t like the idea of a peaceful waiting time without expectation or complaint. It lacks energy. Webster defines patience as perseverance and endurance. You need to be consistent, persistent, patient, determined, motivated, and perseverant.
1. Discipline: Entrepreneurs must have the ability to sell, market and obtain the work of customers on a daily basis. Is your everyday behavior disciplined?
2. Consistency is a key ingredient for business success. Business owners must develop routines that are consistent and implement them. It is essential to be consistent in customer care, marketing, and sales every day. Is it okay to only try things for a few minutes and then quit when you don’t get immediate results?
3. Webster describes persistence as “the ability to persevere despite obstacles”. If you encounter a roadblock, there is a way around. Webster defines it as “a strong sense of being able to hold on to a worthwhile course despite all opposition or hindrances.” Is it better to persist or give in?
4. Endurance – Endurance requires energy. Good physical and mental health are important. You feel more energetic around people who are enthusiastic. A friend of mine was extremely lethargic, and I had to distance myself. My positive energy was drained by his negativity and I felt empty. I was irritated by his inability to do anything other than be a couch potato. Recently, I talked with a man who stated that he couldn’t comprehend why so many people believe they should be around like-minded people. For me, the simplest definition of being “like-minded” is having the same ambitions and drive.
Which level do you consider to be the most endurance?
5. Motivation is a key ingredient in entrepreneurship. I believe that entrepreneurs are aware of what it takes to reach their goals. Motivation is a problem for many entrepreneurs. Small business owners must be motivated to work hard and hopefully smarter than we are.
A long time ago I was a Certified Public Manager. In our introduction to motivation theory, we studied Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. In order to meet their needs, people need to be motivated. It is important for business owners to consider not only their personal needs but the needs of those they depend upon to accomplish work. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs includes the base physiological needs (air and food, water and sleep); safety and security; social friendship, belonging and self-esteem; recognition and self-realization; and finally, the peak complex needs for self-actualization (challenges and creativity; growth, achievement and advancement).
Maslow says that people can move to the next stage of the hierarchy if they have minimal needs. Have a look at yourself. Which are your most unmet needs? Are you looking for ways to satisfy your unmet needs by working with your business?
Nell Merlino is a pioneer of Make Mine a Million (M3) and the Count Me In program. She’s one of my favorites women owned small business advocates. Nell Merlino teaches women business owners to protect themselves. Nell’s book Stepping out of Line teaches that this helps create an environment of excitement around you similar to a campaign. You won’t get anything done if you wait in silence for your time or the day that comes. It might be possible to get things done by actively working through our weaknesses and unsatisfied desires.