If you’re thinking of venturing into the world of self-employment and trying to make money from home you’re in for a rollercoaster of emotions. Yes, it’s become incredibly cliched, but it’s true. No other endeavour I have ventured into has given me such a ride of emotion. From the highs of getting customers and great feedback for a job well done, to the lows of worrying where your next client will come from or if you’re really cut out for all this – you’ll experience it all. And often on a daily basis!
Something I like to refer to on a regular basis (especially when I’m experiencing a dip in the entrepreneur rollercoaster) is the scale of emotion by Abraham Hicks. This scale takes you through 20 emotions all entrepreneurs know only too well. I’ve adapted it from the original version taking into account mine (and my peers) experiences as entrepreneurs!
1. Elation
The intense joy felt when you sign a new customer, receive an accolade or overcome a challenge you’ve worked hard on.
Characterised by a feeling of “THIS is why I started my business”. Often experienced when a customer tells you how happy they are with your product or service.
2. Empowered
When you feel stronger and more confident in your skills, ability and knowledge coinciding with a sense of control of your business.
Characterised by a feeling of “I can do this”. Often experienced after delivering a talk.
3. Inspiration
When you are struck by a timely or brilliant idea for your business or for a customer and it feels like it’s come out of nowhere. Characterised by a feeling of creativity and motivation to put your idea into action immediately. Often experienced in the shower!
4. Joy
A feeling of happiness and great pleasure found when things are going well and you are satisfied with your work.
Characterised by a feeling of warm fuzziness inside and a big smile. Often experienced when you think about people with jobs commuting and you’re working in your PJs from the comfort of your sofa!
5. Contentment
A sense of calm happiness and satisfaction felt over a period of time when things are all going to plan and as they should in your business.
Characterised by a feeling of peace and lack of doubt or worry. Often experienced when in the ‘flow’ of your work and time passes without notice.
6. Excitement
A frenetic joyful energy experienced in anticipation of something good happening soon and when you are looking forward to an event.
Characterised by a feeling of butterflies in your chest and stomach. Often experienced when you get to travel for business or are going to be interviewed for the press about your business!
7. Anticipation
Similar to excitement with a heightened sense of expectation. Characterised by a feeling of enthusiasm toward a future event. Sometimes with joined by some trepidation. Often experienced when an entrepreneur is expecting a client to say yes to a business proposal but the invoice has yet to be paid!
8. Hopefulness
Wanting something to happen in your business that is out of the norm and sometimes combined with a feeling of trust and certainty that it will transpire as planned.
Characterised by a feeling of expectancy and once thought about, put aside (or forgotten) until it happens. Often experienced when setting income goals and targets for the year ahead.
9. Boredom
An intense feeling of apathy or lack of interest in the task in front of you.
Characterised by a sense of sluggishness and often combined with procrastination. Often experienced when an entrepreneur loses pleasure in their work or has too many mundane tasks on their to-do list that they can’t delegate!
10. Frustration
Exasperation felt when upset or annoyed that you are unable to change or achieve something.
Characterised by a feeling of irritation and wanting to push your work aside physically. Often experienced when your laptop stops working for no apparent reason and you’ve a deadline to meet.
