Stop Seeking Validation; Start Making It Happen
As Beyoncé says: don't’ talk about it, be about it. Entrepreneurship is a journey that demands more than just great ideas—it requires action, resilience, and a relentless focus on execution. Too often, I see the aspiring entrepreneurs I mentor get stuck in the cycle of seeking validation, asking for opinions, and pitching their ideas, when what really matters is rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. If you’re serious about turning your dreams into reality, it’s time to stop seeking validation and start executing.
Here’s some free mentorship advice from me to help you take those crucial first steps:
You can’t truly know without doing
It’s natural to want approval and encouragement when you’re starting something new. However, constantly seeking validation can become a trap that keeps you from moving forward. The truth is, what makes you an entrepreneur isn’t the number of people who believe in your idea—it’s your ability to execute. Instead of asking around for reassurance, focus on doing the work. Research your market, develop your product or service, and test your ideas in the real world. The best way to validate your business is to bring it to life and see how it performs.
Know when it’s time to put the research down and the work in
Every successful entrepreneur knows that there’s no substitute for hard work and thorough research. Before you launch, take the time to deeply understand your industry, your competition, and your target market. What problem are you solving? Who are your customers, and what do they really need? This research forms the foundation of your business strategy and helps you make informed decisions. But once you have this knowledge, it’s time to put it into action. Start building, testing, and refining your product or service. Remember, success doesn’t come from dreaming—it comes from doing.
I’ve actually heard it said that a strategy for procrastination, whether conscious or not, is “productive procrastination,” where we fill our time with productive things we tell ourselves are helping to accomplish our goal, such as double research, fact checking, and validation seeking, but I’d argue that at some point, it’s time to simply do the hard thing - take the leap, and start on the big stuff.
Grit will take you farther than reassurance
Grit is a skill and muscle to be practiced, to persevere through challenges and setbacks, and it’s one of the most important qualities any entrepreneur can have. Starting a business is rarely a smooth journey; there will be obstacles, failures, and moments of doubt. But what separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest is their grit—their determination to keep going, no matter what. Grit isn’t about never making mistakes; it’s about learning from them and continuing to push forward. If you’re serious about your entrepreneurial journey, cultivate grit and embrace the challenges as opportunities to grow.
A great way to exercise your grit muscle is by listening to the stories of failure from successful entrepreneurs - you may not want to fill your mind with negativity, but a common string you’ll hear from every successful venture is how many failures it took to get one thing right.
Start small. But start!
One of the biggest hurdles for the new entrepreneurs I mentor is getting started. The idea of launching a business can be overwhelming, especially if you’re waiting for everything to be perfect. But the reality is, there’s no perfect moment to start. The key is to begin with what you have, even if it’s small. Take the first step, whether it’s creating a prototype, setting up a website, or making your first sale. Starting small allows you to test your ideas, learn from the process, and gradually build momentum. Don’t wait for permission or perfection—just go.
Another key piece of starting is to surround yourself with the right people. Building a business isn’t a solo endeavor—it requires a network of supportive, knowledgeable individuals who can help you along the way. Seek out mentors, advisors, and peers who have experience and wisdom to share. These people can provide guidance, encouragement, and perspective, helping you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. And remember, if there’s a skill or strength you lack, don’t hesitate to hire someone who has it. Building a strong team is a crucial part of executing your vision.
Dreaming is the easy part; action is where the real work begins. If you find yourself constantly dreaming and planning without taking concrete steps, it’s time to shift your focus. Break down your big vision into actionable steps and start tackling them one by one. Set clear, achievable goals and hold yourself accountable for making progress. Remember, every small action you take brings you closer to your ultimate goal. Entrepreneurship is about turning dreams into reality, and that requires consistent, focused action.
In the end, entrepreneurship isn’t about how many people you can convince to support your idea—it’s about how effectively you can execute that idea and bring it to life. I’d absolutely encourage you to do the research, but remember to see your idea through: put in the work, and embrace the grit needed to push through challenges. The sooner you start executing, the sooner you’ll see your dreams become a reality!
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