Charting Your Path: The Wonderful Intersections of Entrepreneurship and Travel
The beauty of both travel and entrepreneurship lies in the unknown. I've always been drawn to entrepreneurship and travel because both require a combination of passion and courage. They both start with a plan or an itinerary, yet often end in unexpected experiences and destinations that you could never have foreseen. You end up embarking on an adventure to discover and rediscover parts of yourself you didn’t even know existed, which is truly transformational.
I was remembering my travels with my son where I learned so much about myself and the world around me. Surprisingly, I didn’t miss home much, as the thrill of adventure consumed me. Travel peeled back layers of my persona, revealing my intuitive nature and my inner guidance system. When away in a new place, a new world, you get to see new versions of yourself. You get to exercise parts of you that had been overshadowed by your routine, independence, and capabilities.
Travel and entrepreneurship share the need for boldness and vulnerability. During my travels, I had to ask for help, rely on others, and fully engage with my surroundings. I learned how to be led by vibes — how I felt about a place, a crowd, a person, or a situation. My focus was to trust my intuition and remain open to asking and receiving support from strangers who became part of my journey.
This same travel analogy applies to those on the entrepreneurial journey, especially for those striving to do things differently. We often find ourselves bombarded by the noise in the ecosystem about what to do, how to do it, and how to get it done quickly. However, we need to take some tips from our travel experiences. Here is some advice to keep in mind as you chart your path and navigate new territories in business:
Expect the Unexpected: Just as travel plans can change, the entrepreneurial journey might also take unexpected turns. Embrace these changes; they can lead to valuable insights and new connections that broaden your perspective.
Embrace a Learner’s Mindset: Approach entrepreneurship with the curiosity and openness of a child exploring a new country. Acknowledge that while books and online resources are valuable, real-world experiences provide unparalleled learning opportunities.
Lead with Vulnerability: Allow yourself to be guided by others. Seek advice, ask for help, and appreciate the people you meet along the way. Leadership doesn't always mean having all the answers; sometimes, it's about being open to new ideas and solutions from unexpected sources.
Trust Your Intuition: Listen to your inner guidance system, especially when something doesn't feel right. Trusting your instincts can steer you away from potential pitfalls and guide you towards more fruitful paths.
Keep Moving Forward: Persist in your journey. Remember, the milestones you've reached often seem closer in hindsight than they appeared on the horizon.
Entrepreneurship, like travel, is about charting your own path and embracing the journey with all its challenges and rewards. Remember, you are never truly alone. As someone who works with many entrepreneurs and is on my own journey, its important to tap into the networks, services, and the broader community that will support and guide you. With intention and faith, every step you take is supported.
Forever Evolving 🫶🏾