Why do you want to be an "unapologetic" entrepreneur? What does that really mean?
We're exploring these questions in this article so that you're one step closer to chasing your definition of success because it all starts here.
Why "Unapologetic"?
This word is strong and it's one I've said many, many times in the last 6 months of my life but before the moment I'm about to share with you, I don't know if I've ever even thought about it. But there I was interviewing people for my book and a business coach and mentor of mine said this:
"I unapologetically chased money until I was 30 and then I woke up and realized that it wasn't what I wanted to chase anymore."
That entire sentence was amazing but it was the words "unapologetically chased" that nearly knocked me over. I kept hearing it ringing in my head over and over and over again after the interview ended. I couldn't shake it.
I continued to think "I want to unapologetically chase something" and "I want everyone to unapologetically chase what they want". How beautiful is that?! Maybe you don't like the idea of "chasing" but you get the picture here. Unapologetically go after what you want.
But what do I want...
That was the question that continued to occupy my mind for months after the interview. What do I truly want to chase? I ask you the same thing today and if you're like me, this isn't something you'll be able to answer right away. This takes time, it's a process but it's so worth it because as you explore this, you'll uncover so much more than this answer.
**This was also a podcast episode (episode #173. Use the player below if you'd prefer to listen to this message.
My Definition Of An Unapologetic Entrepreneur
To be clear I don't ever plan to define what you will chase, that's up to you. But to me, an Unapologetic Entrepreneur is someone who's running a business based on how they have defined success for themselves first and their business second. They are creating a business that integrates into their life and are unapologetic about the boundaries they have in place to do so.
An Unapologetic Entrepreneur will continue to apologize when they make mistakes in business but they will not apologize for how they define success or the boundaries needed in order to chase that definition.
The Journey To Become An Unapologetic Entrepreneur
There isn't a defined timeline for this or a prescriptive method however, based on my experience and learning from others it includes these things:
A wake up moment (that could be this episode!)
A time of reflection (timing differs for everyone)
A time for changes to be made
A constant check in system for ensuring you're staying true to yourself
Your journey will look different from everyone else's and that's a good thing. While we will navigate similar things in our entrepreneurship journey, the way in which we navigate it will be different. Just like there are multiple routes to get to the your favorite store, there are more ways to navigate things in our business to get to a similar place.
The key to stepping into this journey of becoming an Unapologetic Entrepreneur is that you truly understand that YOU are at the center of this. While we aren't the center of everyone's story, we are the center of our own and that's why it's important to understand what you want.
In any way I show up to teach I will share what worked for me and highlight stories of others but your version will look different and that's a good thing. So be sure to take what inspires you, then take action and if you realize something doesn't work for you, make it your own.
But don't give up! Just because something doesn't work how it's described by someone else doesn't mean it won't work at all for you. It simply means you need to find your way.
I reference this as a journey because it's not a quick A to B map, it's a journey within yourself as well as taking tactical action in your business. Just like you can't just think about taking a trip and actually experience it, it's the same here. You have to actually get in the car (or plane or train or boat) and go.
This journey to become an Unapologetic Entrepreneur is a mix of thinking and taking action and we will explore both on this podcast. So buckle up my friend because it's going to be a fun ride!
Until next time give yourself permission to be an unapologetic entrepreneur and grace along the way. I'll talk to you soon.
"What do I truly want to chase? I ask you the same thing today and if you're like me, this isn't something you'll be able to answer right away. This takes time, it's a process but it's so worth it because as you explore this, you'll uncover so much more than this answer."
- Amanda McKinney
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