Maintaining momentum when doubts creep in about running your own business

I took flying lessons a few years back. It was one of the most liberating (and totally scary) things I’ve ever done. When I went solo for the first time I thought I’d never make it off the ground in one piece, but I did! (otherwise, I wouldn’t be here…).

One of the things they teach you when you’re learning to fly is how to recover a stall.

A stall happens when you’re flying too slow to maintain lift, the engine stalls, and the plane begins to lose altitude (it starts falling to the ground).

You might think you’re doomed, but it’s recoverable if you follow the rules and stick to the plan.

So what do you do in this instance, when the engine stops and you’re freefalling?

You have to apply full power and push the nose down towards the ground.

Yes! Go faster and in the direction you’re already falling…

It goes against everything that your instincts are screaming at you at that moment. “Why am I pushing the nose down towards the earth when I’m hurtling towards it?”

Your instinct is to pull the nose up because your mind is telling you to move away from the ground.

But what you need is momentum, you need to increase speed. You need lift, which is why pushing the nose down is going to save you from hitting the ground.

Forward momentum is what keeps you flying instead of falling.

It’s the same in business too.

The first few months after leaving your job behind, it’s crucial to build momentum. You have to keep moving forward. You need to be taking action, consistent action.

In the early stages, it can be easy to start having doubts. Just like a student pilot, your instinct will be to pull the nose up. You’ll tell yourself that you need to slow down. But do that, and you’ll lose momentum and then you’ll lose confidence and that is the last thing you want to do.

I’m telling you this because I know that it’s doable. You aren’t imagining it, you can create a thriving profitable business doing something you really love.

It’s time to take a look at where you’re holding yourself back. 

Ask yourself, how are you limiting your forward momentum?