In the coming weeks, Business and Money columnist Niall McGarry will attempt to outline the secrets to entrepreneurial success. Step 2: Overcoming obstacles.
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They say life is a marathon and not a sprint. So if you want to enjoy a happy and fulfilling existence, you’d be better off aligning yourself to the measured loping style of a Sonia O’Sullivan rather than the chaotic but rapier like speed of a Usain Bolt. In business, however, it can be hugely advantageous to combine the two.
A calculated and strategic steady stride is the perfect accompaniment to an ability to produce the searing pace needed to quickly take advantage of an opportunity or any market gap that may arise.
While Bolt and O’Sullivan have both achieved the type of success that marks them out as household names, a lesser light of the running fraternity may offer an even stronger example of a key trait needed in all aspiring entrepreneurs.
For most people, the name Dayone Robles will neither roll off the tongue nor strike a particularly strong chord, but the 23-year-old Cuban snatched Gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 110 metre hurdles. He is also the current world record holder for the same event, so it’s pretty safe to assume Dayone is good at overcoming obstacles.
It is this ability, the characteristic that allows you to jump over or go round any barrier laid in your path either through creativity or downright belligerence, that can ensure someone new in business won’t fall, if you pardon the pun, at the first hurdle.
Endless hurdles
If you are planning on doing business here in modern day Ireland, you better plan on overcoming obstacles. It is essential not to give up in business and the sooner you realise that hurdling a seemingly endless amount of challenges is part and parcel of everyday business life the better.
It is the person who can cope with any encumbrance who will stand the best chance of claiming the business equivalent of a gold medal. Be prepared to put in the hard yards and always have courage and retain clarity in your convictions, so that when a serious problem arises it can be solved with relative ease.
For every barrier overcome, it’s another step taken towards achieving your business goals.
This ability is innate in some but can be honed in others. If it is something that you feel is not currently in your personality make up and you are about to start a business then time is of the essence. The best advice I can offer is to try and visualise every obstacle as simply another rung on the ladder to business success, for every barrier overcome, it’s another step taken towards achieving your business goals.
While as frustrating as these issues can be initially, there is usually a tremendous sense of satisfaction derived from finally putting them to bed, and you could argue that its a great way to exercise the brain and get you thinking outside the proverbial box. The other important thing to remember is that it tests your resolve, your patience and your mettle. Sure you can whine and moan when you encounter one of these roadblocks if that helps but just make sure it doesn’t stop you.
All these challenges will help build your resilience and mental strength, something which drives both athletes and entrepreneurs to success time and time again. So for Usain read Dayone and for Sonia O’Sullivan read hurdler and fellow Corkonian Derval O’Rourke. Hurdling obstacles quickly and effortlessly will ensure you glide to business victory in record time.
