Begin again.

One of the challenges that is common to entrepreneurs is disappointment and failure. Detours from the path or things that don't work out as we thought they would can throw us off our game. While it can be disheartening and disruptive to experience failure, it is part of the journey.

The truth is that failure is part of the story of most successful entrepreneurs. There are processes that didn't work and ideas that flopped. There were businesses that started and stopped and products that never made it to market. The entrepreneurial narrative usually includes many do-overs and restarts. The difference for successful entrepreneurs is they begin again. If you are struggling with a failed project, idea or business, consider these principles:

⛔ Risk is part of the adventure. Risk includes uncertainty. It can be scary to venture into the unknown, to dare to pioneer a new idea, product or process. But, risk can also be exciting. Daring to step into uncertainty brings exhilaration few other experiences offer, so enjoy the ride.

⛔ Failure does not have to impact your identity. A failed effort does not make you a failure. Your story is unfolding and there will be many twists and turns along the way. Stay grounded in WHO you are apart from what you DO or achieve.

⛔ Count the cost. Entrepreneurship is not an excuse to be flippant and irresponsible. Do your homework, plan well and analyze the risks. Sure there will be surprises and unplanned events, but calculate your moves to anticipate what you can.

⛔ Keep meticulous notes. Set metrics and benchmarks that are reasonable and monitor your progress. Track the anticipated and the unanticipated. Learn what you can from the process, and when you stumble, identify where you missed the mark.

⛔ Begin again. It's always okay to start over and venture into something new. Entrepreneurs are rarely satisfied with the ordinary so keep your head up and plan your next. Learn from your past miscalculations, missteps or mistakes and start again.

Failure is a step off the path, not a new state of being. Entrepreneurs are forgers and trailblazers. As you consider your next adventure in the new year, dust the sand off your sandals and begin again.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP

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