BY SHERIDAN C. WATKINS

This month is a special one. It’s my birthday month and it’s when I reflect on what has transpired in this chapter of my life as I enter into the next. Solitude is the best form of love you could ever give to yourself and I highly suggest it.

When I set out on my journey to entrepreneurial success, I didn’t know what I was looking for. As the first business pursuer amongst my friends and family, I didn’t have anyone I could call to keep me grounded and encouraged. Social media influencers, who were only showing the tip of their iceberg, were my only references and it caused me to feel inadequate. I didn’t know any better but I refuse to allow another woman to feel like she can’t do what’s in her heart. We don’t get these ideas and passions for no reason.

To avoid running in circles, spending money on the wrong coach, and delaying purpose, I asked God to help me transform. I learned some things along the way:

You will fail if you do it alone

We’re combatting every entrepreneurial myth that keeps us from progressing. One myth is thinking you can do it alone. If nothing else, your customers are a part of your journey because you couldn’t make money without them. If you’re a solopreneur, customers are your first circle of support. Use that support to improve your craft and customer service. As you continue to grow, you’ll realize you have more demand than you have time to fulfill. Ask for help! You’re amazing but you aren’t supernatural and being able to keep up with demand results in growth and repeat customers. Build a team, get volunteer help from friends and spouses. If the demand is there, it is possible to fulfill it but the key to not losing your mind is bringing in God to be the CEO. Let Him tell you what to invest in, what opportunities to pursue and decline, and what to get prepared for. Do all that and like they say, “You’ll never work a day in your life!”

You need rest

Take everything you’ve heard about “grinding” and throw it out of the window. Grinding literally means to reduce something to small particles or powder by crushing it. Many don’t realize that’s exactly how they are living their lives in pursuit of their dreams. They are reducing their potential because they won’t rest, eat, or take a break! Right now, ask yourself, “Is this what I really want?” There’s a lot of data and personal testimonies to support how resting is essential for overall health (and success). Look some up for yourself. I’ve seen the difference when I incorporated rest in my mind and body, and I get more done now in business than I ever did when I had a “grinding” mindset.

You still battle with imposter syndrome

I found out imposter syndrome never actually goes away. Blame it on being human but knowing we are not perfect will always keep the door open for us to fall into comparison. Being aware of this, however, is good so when a negative thought tries to knock on the door, we can choose not to answer. We can instead say, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14), and carry on with the next part of our day. It’s a muscle to continue exercising but the more you do, the quieter that discouraging voice becomes. Your role models experience imposter syndrome just like you do and they keep going and so will you.

The beautiful thing about being in your purpose is despite the turmoil, you will love what you do and choose it every single day. It costs the old version of you to step into what’s next so you can be the woman that makes things happen! It may be the biggest thing you ever invest in but take it in stride and believe everything that prunes you are those divine signs affirming you have what it takes. Let’s go boss, I have faith in you.

Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Shairpins, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending self-worth to all women. Her true work began after climbing out of a dark place with the help of God and therapy and her life mission is to provide tangible peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their life. Follow the mission on Instagram and Facebook: @shairpinsgarden