Entrepreneurship Under Pressure: Why Quitting Isn’t an Option (And How to Thrive)

"Quitting may seem like an escape, but to what? When you walk away from your vision, there's no destination—just the emptiness of abandoning what was meant for you." ~Jess.

Let’s be real. If you've ever been an entrepreneur for longer than a minute, you’ve come to a moment when everything feels like it's crumbling. You're staring at a mountain of tasks, a bank account that is depleting, maybe an empty inbox, and you start to wonder: Was this all a terrible idea? Should I just pack it up and call it a day?

I get it. In fact, I’ve been there more times than I could tell you. But here’s the thing- if you give up now, who are you really quitting on? You. You’d be quitting on you. And that, my friend, is a line you don’t want to cross.

Let me share a little story from my own journey as an interior designer. Oh yes, the glamorous world of color swatches, floor plans, and making all things beautiful. I remember one day vividly—I had been working on a project that was testing my every limit. Sitting on the floor of my client’s living room, painting trim, thinking of client demands, budget constraints, and my own vision that just wasn’t coming together quick enough. I was ready to throw in the towel and say, “That's it! Interior design wasn’t meant for me.”

But right before I hit “delete” on my social accounts, and announced that the doors to my business were closed, something hit me. This was my vision. I had been given this talent, this drive, this idea. It wasn’t just something I stumbled into, it was something that had been chosen for me. I realized that if I quit, I wouldn’t just be quitting a business—I’d be quitting on me and abandoning the vision that was given to me by God. I was capable of making this vision come to life. If I quit now, I’d be quitting on myself.

Under Pressure? It’s Not a Sign to Stop, It’s a Sign to Grow

Being an entrepreneur isn’t a cakewalk. It’s all fun when you’re establishing your name, website, branding, getting all your “ducks in order”. But the work must follow. The pressure is relentless. Some days it feels like you’re sprinting on a treadmill that’s only getting faster. But here's the thing: diamonds are made under pressure. Cliché? Maybe. True? Absolutely.

The moments when you're feeling the heat are the moments when you're learning the most. Every challenge you face, every obstacle you climb, that’s your entrepreneurial muscles getting stronger. If you back down every time it gets tough, you’re not giving yourself the chance to evolve into the business owner you were meant to be.

Quitting Won’t Make the Pressure Go Away

The truth is, quitting doesn’t eliminate the stress, it just shifts it somewhere else. You’ll always wonder, What if I had just stuck with it? You’ll spend more time regretting than you ever did stressing. And as someone who’s stood on that ledge, ready to dive into the safety net of giving up, I’m here to tell you that sticking with it—even when it feels impossible—feels a heck of a lot better in the long run. I have asked myself “quit to what”? God hadn’t given me another vision. And even if He had, there would still be work required and a mental toughness to acquire.

Your Vision Needs You—So Don’t Abandon Ship

Entrepreneurship is not a sprint; it’s a marathon, complete with water breaks, cramps, and occasional detours. But here's the good news: if you’ve been given a vision, it’s because you are fully equipped to bring it to life. That’s not wishful thinking; that’s fact. No one else can do what you can do in the way you can do it.

Your business, your dream, that idea that keeps you up at night—it’s all there for a reason. If you give up, you’re not just throwing away a business idea; you’re throwing away the opportunity to become the person who can make it happen. And that is way too precious to let go.

Final Thoughts: Keep Moving Forward

So, the next time you feel like tossing your laptop out the window, take a breath. Remind yourself why you started. Think about the moment you first felt that spark of inspiration, that vision of success. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s frustrating. But if you give it your all, you’ll discover that the pressure you’re feeling isn’t a sign that you’re not cut out for this—it’s a sign that you’re growing into the person who can handle it all.

You’ve got this. Trust me, I know it because I’ve been exactly where you are. And I wouldn’t be here today if I had quit.

So, buckle up, put on your favorite “let’s get it done” playlist, and keep moving forward. Your future self will thank you.

Imposter Syndrome: Signs and Solutions

“I believe that greatness is measured by the obstacles you overcome and the impact you make on others”

~ Jess.

Have you ever felt as if you are just not good enough at your profession? Despite evidence of success and validation, have you felt undeserving of your achievements or that you'll be exposed as a "fraud"? Regardless of your success level, your industry, your background, please understand that this psychological pattern is not abnormal! It's known as "imposter syndrome", and manifests in various ways. Perfectionism, overworking, fear of failure, discounting positive feedback and self-doubt are all signs that you may have fallen into this trap that will rob you of confidence and a healthy mind-set.

This internal struggle can effect your personal and professional life, but by recognizing the signs and combating these invasive feelings with strategies, you can unlock your full potential! I understand, my friend! I've felt this before and when I find myself slipping into thought patterns that can hinder my growth, I approach it in these ways:

I acknowledge my feelings and often talk about them with trusted family or friends. Simply voicing your thoughts can provide relief and offer new perspectives.

I reframe my thinking by challenging negative self-talk with positive affirmations. For instance, remind yourself of your achievements and the hard work that has lead to it.

I celebrate successes! You have to acknowledge your growth, how far you've come and the strides you're making to keep rising! Keep a record of tangible evidences of your capabilities! You can read emails from happy clients or just think about past projects and future endeavors.

I embrace failures. It's not comfortable, but I believe it's necessary. It's part of growth and learning. View your setbacks as opportunities for development! This can reduce the fear associated with making mistakes.

I show myself some grace! I treat myself with kindness and compassion. Everyone has moments of doubt, but you cannot live in that space. Making a home in that space will diminish your worth and abilities.

Imposter Syndrome is a widespread issue, but acknowledging and addressing these feelings is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards self-awareness and confidence! I believe in you, my friend! And I want you to believe in you, too!

Juggling Life, Kids, & Dreams

“I’m not diminishing my victories anymore- they are all big. No small victories here! I’m celebrating them all! - Jess

A full-time job, holding down a family, and pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams- It's like balancing on a tightrope while juggling flaming torches, a laptop with a blaring conference call- all with a toddler hanging onto one leg! Sound familiar? Now, my kids are all grown-ish, but I know many who have a busy home life while living this self- employed life…. And also punching a clock while they build! This is for you!

The 9-to-5 Grind: The (Sort of) Stable Anchor

First, there's the “stable” full-time job. The one with benefits, a (somewhat) predictable schedule, and a consistent paycheck! It’s what keeps the lights on, but let's be honest, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Deadlines, meetings that could have been emails, meetings about the meetings (insert big eye roll!) and that ever-looming inbox. Navigating office politics can feel like you're back in high school, except this time, mortgages and college funds are at stake.

Kids: The Unpredictable Tornadoes

Lets’s talk about those delightful little tornadoes. Every day is a new adventure, from convincing a four-year-old that brushing teeth is not optional, to navigating the perilous terrain of teenage mood swings. And let’s not forget the school projects that somehow always seem to be due tomorrow, requiring supplies you don’t have and didn’t hear about until 30 minutes before bed time! I know this happens in your house, too!

The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Your Personal Passion Project

Your entrepreneurial venture- Your dream, the thing that keeps you up at night (aside from the actual baby). Whether it’s a side hustle or a full-blown startup, pursuing a personal venture while managing a job and kids challenging to say the least. You steal moments between conference calls to tweak your business plan or answer customer inquiries. Your weekends are split between family time and hustling to get your venture off the ground.I know this all too well!

But here’s the real challenge: Finding Balance. So, how do you balance it all without losing your mind? Some say balance is a myth. What you need is a sense of rhythm. Here are a few tips to help you find your groove:

1. Embrace the calendar. Block out time for work, family, and your venture.
2. Delegate Like a Boss: At work, at home, and in your business, delegate tasks whenever you can. Teach your kids to handle age-appropriate chores, and don’t hesitate to outsource tasks for your venture that others can do better or faster.
3. Prioritize: Some days, the business takes a back seat to family, and that’s okay. Other days, work might have to overshadow both. Accept that priorities will shift daily, and be flexible.
4. Self-Care Isn’t Optional: Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
5. Find Your Tribe: Connect with others who are in the same boat.

The Takeaway: Embrace the Madness

Balancing a full-time job, raising kids, and being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s about finding joy in the chaos and celebrating the victories (whether “small” or big)! So, take a deep breath, you’ve got this!

Finding Your business Niche: A 3 Step Guide For Entrepreneurs

“Leverage your strengths and passion-

If money is your only pursuit, you’ll soon find that it’s not enough”- Jess

Identifying your niche is one of the most crucial steps in building a successful business. A niche is a segment within your business market that you specialize in that caters to a specific audience. When you tailor your products or services to meet their unique needs, you stand out. Here's a few tips to help you identify and capitalize on your business niche. Also (and this seems to be a subject that is argued), niche is pronounced both “nich” and “neesh”, depending on where you are from! Don’t kill the messenger!

Understand Your Interests and Strengths

The journey to finding your niche begins with self-reflection. Consider your passions and interests. What’s really your cup of tea? What excites you or what problems do you enjoy solving? Leveraging your strengths and interests will make your entrepreneurial journey more fulfilling. For instance, if you have a background in fitness and a passion for wellness, your niche may be health coaching or personalized fitness plans.

Research Market Needs and Trends

Once you have a general idea of your interests, the next step is to research the market. Identify current trends and growing needs and utilize tools like Google Trends, industry reports, and social media to gather data on consumer behavior, likes & dislikes. Look for underserved markets or problems that are not adequately addressed by existing businesses. Just don’t fall into the trap of thinking your target market is oversaturated and doesn’t need you! Think about what you may bring that is unique.

Analyze Others In Your Field Of Interest

Take a look at other businesses that operate in your area of interest. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What unique value do they offer to their customers? By examining others, you can identify opportunities to differentiate your business. Perhaps there is a specific audience they are neglecting, or one in which you can offer a superior customer experience. Finding a unique angle or a gap in the market can help you develop a successful niche.

Finding the right niche requires a combination of self-awareness, market research, competitive analysis, and continuous refinement. By following these steps, you can identify a niche that aligns with your passions and has strong market potential, setting the foundation for a thriving entrepreneurial venture.

Time Management Misconceptions

“Manage yourself, or your time will have you in a choke hold.”- Jess

Time management is one of the most important skills that any business owner can master. I actually like to refer to time management as "self management", because we cannot control time and we cannot plan every moment. However, we can work to control our actions to maximize productivity. Setting clear goals is important, but without time management it's like embarking on the trip of your dream, being fueled by the thrill of possiblity, and arriving to the airport without realzing that you need a passport to board. I learned about the importance of time managment by first exhausting myself, becoming painfully disorganized and discouraged. Here is a few key things to consider while running your business- so your business doesn't run you.

Time management does not allow you to do everything. It is very tempting to fill every slot of time with items from your to-do list, thinking that as long as you keep working you'll finish everything. However, you will find that no matter how hard you try, some tasks will remain unfinished. Learning to understand the balance between prioritization and efficiency will allow you to focus on what truly matters. Making the most of the time that you have (managing yourself wisely) begins by categorizing your tasks based on urgency and importance. Once you have a clear view of your priorities, it's essential to break down larger tasks into more manageable chunks. Set small, attainable goals and give yourself the opportunity to celebrate the small victories along the way.

Time Management is not hours of uninterrupted, undivided focus. In our world of emails, phone calls, and meetings- on top of family time and a 9-5 if you are working as you build your own business- effective time management is scheduling your time and being flexible without getting side tracked by other responsibilities. Unavoidable interruptions are sure to happen. Try to anticipate when and how your time blocks will be disrupted and plan accordingly. It's o.k. to add time in your schedule with no tasks allocated in it at all. You can add something to the day's tasks that you were saving for another time, or take a much needed break. Rest is imparative to your success.

The notion of rest often seems like a luxury rather than a necessity. In fact, rest is very important to effective time managment. Rest needs to be prioritized and added to your schedule as part of your daily business practices. You should not expect to operate at peak performance without rest to fuel creativity, productivity and overall well-being. Not only is a good night's rest vital, but some short breaks during the day can really help increase productivity, reduce stress and promote mental clarity.

Being a wife and mom has made me a serial multi-tasker, but I've learned that being busy does not equate to being productive. It is not about cramming as many tasks into your day as possible- it's about purposefully prioritizing and execution. Juggling multiple responsibilities, strategic planning, daily operations and creating a sound work-life balance requires a well-structured approach.

3 Major Reasons why Entrepreneurs Lose and what you can do to win

“Maybe you just need to go sit down somewhere.”

- Jess

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is a thrilling adventure, but along the way discouragement can plague even the most determined individual. One of the most common challenges to face is the fear of failure. As people often do, we operate under the flight response to protect ourselves and quit instead of facing our giants. The uncertainty of the future, compiled with the risk of starting your own business, pressure to succeed and, often times, the mental weight of the lack of support from family and friends, will keep you on the hamster wheel of self-doubt and hesitation.

Before you make any drastic decisions or display any knee jerk reactions- go sit down somewhere. Literally. Because odds are, you are needing a bit of rest. You may feel mentally or physically exhausted, or both. You might have said to yourself, “I can’t deal with people anymore” (who hasn’t???) and maybe you’re feeling like this journey just isn’t for you. So, sit down and take some time to evaluate what is really making you feel as you do. In the interest of time, I won’t go into some of the most intriguing from-the-bottom-to-the-top stories that I’ve found (I’ll save that for later), but I’ll share with you the top reasons why small businesses fold before they really even get started, and how you can combat the urge to surrender to defeat.

Number One- Burn Out.

You may feel tired and “all over the place”. How can that change when you have a job, a family, a social life and big, big business goals that keep you up late and wake you before the sun is up?

-Get organized! Inadequate planning, taking on things that do not line up with your goals, and not understanding your business processes will leave you feeling unnecessarily stretched. You will quickly lose your passion when you consistently run out of steam.

It is normal to experience some stress, but how you deal with it is detrimental to a healthy mind and body. Taking some time to put things in place to lessen your burdens would benefit you in the long run. For instance, automating tasks, investing in education, and mentoring with a business coach can benefit you in tremendous ways. A work/life balance is something every business owner needs so we don’t burn out.

Number Two- Lack of funds.

Your financial hurdles may feel too big to jump over. How can you keep going when you have little capital or negative cashflow?

-Work with what you have! A step in the direction of your goals will get you further than doing nothing at all. You are not alone on this journey if you are funding your own dream. Almost 70% of entrepreneurs use their own personal funds to start their businesses.

What if you don’t have any funds to spare at all??? Understand that your business portfolio may begin with you offering free services and products first, then using these experiences and testimonials to build your client base. For instance, if you are branching into being a personal chef, offer to cook your friends a delicious meal (they buy the food) and use the power of free advertising to post pics of your dishes on social media platforms. After all, who will see your potential if you don’t give them anything to sample?

Number Three- Quit.

You will fail if you quit. How can you continue when you feel like you just can’t get it right? How can you keep going when it’s taking you so long to hit the mark? You know this won’t be easy. It’s not easy for anyone. Some people just make it look easy. You may not see their struggles, tears, and frustrations. There are no over night successes, remember?

- Learn to rest, and not quit.

You need to understand that quitting is the opposite of success, not failure. When you push forward, but your goals still feel so far away, you have a chance to learn invaluable lessons to apply to your future efforts. We “fail forward”… we learn by doing.