We’ve all gone through this phase at one point or another… and most of the time it’s lonely, uncomfortable and not so flattering.
What phase are we talking about?
The ‘Awkward’ Phase.
You know, that period during the growth process (for ANYTHING – work, relationships, learning how to play the guitar…) that has you questioning what to do next?
Do you stick out that uncomfortable phase, or throw in the towel?
Do you let it grow or cut it off?
When you’re learning to play the guitar, your fingers might bleed a bit before they get callused over enough to handle the amount of playing you want to do.
Are you willing to bleed a little to reach your goals? Can you handle the awkward stumble of learning or building something new?
A few weeks ago, I had a big dilemma on my hands. Should I cut my hair or let it grow out?
Wait…what?
Why am I talking to you about cutting my hair or not?
Simple.
I was in that notorious ‘awkward’ phase.
It had grown in for a few months and was pretty long and scraggly, but I wasn’t quite ready to cut it. I wanted to grow it out and see how it felt, but I was on the fence…
While I wanted to see the full result of what it would look like a few months down the road, I (and by “I” I really mean my wife) also couldn’t stand to look at me.
So, what did I do?
It’s still growing!
If I want to call myself a true entrepreneur, in every sense of the word, I have to go for it. In the past, I have paid for leads instead my electricity bills. I’ve turned down short term deals and chose to go for long term leverage. It’s all about long-term winning for me, and hopefully it’s the same for you.
The awkward phase doesn’t really bother me too much; I understand its part of the game. And it’s easy for outsiders to look in and say “abort, abort!” or friends to joke with you and say “dude, I think it’s time for a haircut!” However, at the end of the day, you cannot hold it against others if they don’t have the same vision as you.
My amazing wife may not enjoy the awkward phase much… Okay, she hates it… but she still supports ME! She’s been there time and time again when my many business ventures have gone through this phase and she understands I play the long game.
With all of that said, it’s important that one stays realistic while in this awkward phase. In my opinion, numbers and results never lie.
I’ve been in countless network marketing and affiliate marketing businesses, owned multiple internet marketing businesses, ran and still do run agency model businesses.
What does this have to do with anything?
These experiences have taught me to the truth; the biggest indicator to look for during this awkward phase is the numerical trends.
Is your business growing in revenue? Is your business stagnant? Or is your business declining?
Many people in business today, especially with the online world, are not completely honest with themselves. They separate their dreams from the facts.
Growing my hair through the awkward phase guarantees me a result; longer hair. I know the facts. I look in the mirror every morning. I see the pictures from two weeks ago. I KNOW my hair is growing.
After all of the long nights, lonely days, deep and hard conversations, barely breaking even (if that), you’ve gotta know in your heart…is it worth pushing through to tomorrow?
If the answer is no, leave!
If the answer is yes, get real with the situation of your business, take a minute to get grounded with a plan of action and get comfortable with the awkward phase because this is all a part of the story behind your future glory.
Now, while I’ve been writing this post, I’ve been questioning my commitment to the long-term game of my hair and I have decided…
It’s time to keep trekking on. I’m in it to win it. I’m growing it out!
Elan
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