Embracing the 'Just Keep Swimming' Mindset in Creative Entrepreneurship

Navigating Challenges with Resilience and Optimism

It's been six days since my last post—the longest hiatus since launching this blog five months ago. Time truly flies.

This space has evolved into a blend of business coaching, a personal journal detailing the highs and lows of managing my brands, and a platform enriched by contributions from you, my readers. Whether old friends from my 35+ year journey, new acquaintances, or those yet to come, I cherish connecting with each of you. After all, being a creative entrepreneur can often feel isolating.

Today, I'm feeling a resurgence of my usual optimism. I recently took a few days off, initially fearing it was COVID-19, but it turned out to be a severe bout of Influenza A. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Are things perfect? Not quite. Our entire warehouse was down on since Wednesday this week. Determined, I dragged myself out of bed at 5 am Thursday to fulfill wholesale orders with looming deadlines. I managed to get them out, but as the day progressed, more team members called in sick. It seems it's not just me.

I'm granting myself some grace, acknowledging that we'll catch up by Monday. It's slower than usual, but instead of panicking, I'm embracing my husband's perspective: perhaps the universe is offering us a moment to breathe. I'll accept that.

Embracing the 'Just Keep Swimming' Philosophy

In times like these, I find solace in the simple yet profound mantra from Disney's Finding Nemo: "Just keep swimming." In the film, Dory, the optimistic blue tang fish, uses this phrase to encourage herself and others to persevere, no matter the challenges they face. This philosophy is a powerful reminder that forward motion, even small steps, can lead us through difficult times.

Applying 'Just Keep Swimming' to Your Business

1. Maintain Perspective: Challenges are a natural part of any entrepreneurial journey. Recognizing that setbacks are temporary can help you stay focused on your long-term goals. As highlighted in an article on resilience, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth fosters a positive mindset.

2. Break Down Tasks: When overwhelmed, divide larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach makes it easier to maintain momentum and reduces the stress associated with daunting workloads.

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate minor achievements. These moments of recognition can boost morale and motivate you to keep moving forward.

4. Seek Support: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, or supportive communities. Sharing experiences and challenges can provide new perspectives and encouragement.

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Allow yourself to rest and recover when needed. Understanding that it's okay to pause ensures you return to your work with renewed energy and clarity.

The Power of Perseverance

Perseverance is more than just enduring hardships; it's about actively choosing to move forward, adapt, and grow. By embodying the 'just keep swimming' mindset, we equip ourselves with the resilience needed to navigate the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship. Remember, every stroke, no matter how small, propels you closer to your goals.

So, whenever you find yourself facing challenges, take a deep breath, and just keep swimming.

What questions do you have about pricing your handmade products? Feel free to reach out—I'm here to help. :)