This article comes from Entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurs are risk-takers by nature. They are problem-solvers that find solutions where others see problems. Entrepreneurs understand that the most brilliant ideas are often born out of struggle. They are resilient and persistent.
If you want to become a more effective entrepreneur, here are four strategies for building a successful business using personal setbacks.
If you have looked defeat in the eye and prevailed, you will find your next challenge easier to manage because you know your capabilities. You will likely take gambles that don’t pay off as an entrepreneur. Perhaps the first product you designed failed, or maybe a promising business partner let you down. Financial hardships and lost relationships can be challenging to bounce back from, but the perseverance to start up again builds inner resilience.
Remember that most entrepreneurs have experienced failure, but the best of them have returned stronger. Whether you have dealt with a health setback, been burned by a colleague, or been distracted by outside family issues, each hurdle has strengthened your tenacity and allowed you to grow as a business leader.
The skills learned in managing personal problems will teach you to have backup plans for your backup plans. This could be emergency funds or a list of go-to people that will lift you when needed. The next time you face an impenetrable barrier, remind yourself that success could come on your later attempt. Stay determined — that is how you will triumph.*
As an entrepreneur, you know that success does not arrive with a snap of the fingers. Instead, it is a long journey over rocky roads. You might have tested many different products that failed or invested in a project that didn’t go as intended. These obstacles have taught you to remain patient and trust the process.
You can now use what you’ve learned to your advantage. For example, instead of feeling rushed to put together a team during a hiring process, take time to keep interviewing people until you find the perfect fit.
Rather than agreeing to work with the first fulfillment company that reaches out to you, do more extensive research to compare which business has the best ratings or price.
If you plan to start a new investment or partnership, don’t leap into it without first asking questions and understanding who you are working with. It might be tempting to go with the more straightforward or faster route, but your hardships have taught you that patience pays off in the long run and that efforts now can ease your struggles later. Just as it takes time for a stone to turn into a diamond, it requires persistence to cash in on your winning idea.
Think back to why you initially became an entrepreneur. It is probably because you had a fire for creating something out of necessity. Your natural vigor and excitement allowed you to keep your head up and your eyes forward after each obstacle or stumble.
Click here to continue reading this article.