Breaking from the rat race
I've been self employed for a few years now and it's so interesting to notice the changes in myself whilst seeing the changes in others around me. Let's face it, making a living from scratch isn't easy but the potential rewards are fantastic and for those that do it, the rewards outway the risks.
Whilst my own experiences of self employment have been in the fitness industry, I'm certain that many of my observations would be true for many other industries too.
Delivering courses, I have the honour of meeting trainers eager to start their own project and build a business. Having been there myself, I can completely relate with how it is at the start and it's very easy to see the common habits of trainers starting out. Comparing them against trainers who have been in the industry for a number of years, there are common characteristics and habits that seem to develop and change the way that trainers are; some good and others not as positive.
To explain the way that I see things, I'm going to compare these common observations against specific animals which will become more clear and my hope is that if you're reading this and you're able to relate with them, then look at what things you can change to help take you to the next level. That is of course assuming that you're looking to improve and become more successful.
Whilst my own experiences of self employment have been in the fitness industry, I'm certain that many of my observations would be true for many other industries too.
Delivering courses, I have the honour of meeting trainers eager to start their own project and build a business. Having been there myself, I can completely relate with how it is at the start and it's very easy to see the common habits of trainers starting out. Comparing them against trainers who have been in the industry for a number of years, there are common characteristics and habits that seem to develop and change the way that trainers are; some good and others not as positive.
To explain the way that I see things, I'm going to compare these common observations against specific animals which will become more clear and my hope is that if you're reading this and you're able to relate with them, then look at what things you can change to help take you to the next level. That is of course assuming that you're looking to improve and become more successful.
The rat race
It can be a struggle in business. It can feel like everything is going against you and that can be a lonely feeling. That is of course not the case and it's important to know that. The fact is, the world doesn't revolve around you so it can't be the case. The main reason for things appearing this way is that the world is an established place with systems, infrastructure, routines and agenda. When a new idea is born, if it is to work then the right people need to hear about it. That's fairly straight forward right? If it is something that already has potential competition then the idea not only needs to get the attention of people but also convince them that it's better than the existing solution. This is what you're marketing needs to do.
The Rat
Not intended in a derogitory way but most people starting in business are frantic, opportunist, busy and will go pretty much in any direction to spread the word of their business. Whilst hard work and persistance are absolutely crucial, this can be a hugely delicate period for an entrepreneur. In the madness of running around and doing pretty much anything to get things started, it is rare that 'the rat' will take time out to sit back and see things from a bigger picture. This phase of business is all about survival but in the midst of surviving, opportunties that are quite blatant are often missed. Similar to the rodent, many start up businesses are prepared to walk over other start ups to get where they need to.
The Cat
Upon surviving the rat period, the rat somewhat evolves into a smarter creature. A creature that is intelligent, marks it's prey much more cunningly and has loyalty towards its owners (clients). After all, it's the owners who feed them. Whilst the cat isn't as frantic, it still seizes opportunities but from a few paces back. More selective about when it moves, the cat carefully deliberates where it spends it's time, who it associates with and what it feeds on. However, the cat still makes mistakes, walking on tentitive territory and quite partial to confrontations.
This next point becomes a junction. Those that don't fully graduate from being a cat can become...
The Porcupine
This animal is a rodent as a rat yet not as frantic. It's lifespan is longer than a rat but after trying hard to progress, it doesn't share the optimism, social affinity or hope that once was there. The sparkle and enjoyment of this potentially tough road has gone and a solitary existence with a spikey outlook on the outside world push potential friends or acquaintances away. Slow to move and limited in resources, this wearily looking creature settles for it's share whilst fending off onlookers.
However, if the cat graduates then we have...
The Roebuck
The roebuck is strong, confident and experienced in making decisions. It is respected in the animal kingdom and popular within the masses. Having fought and won battles, the roebuck is a leader that has the trust of many. Successful in it's hunting, the buck provides not only for itself but for others too. Building friends and trusted companions throughout it's existence, the roebuck grows in strength but also in stature. However, still not quite the top of it's food chain, this creature still has to be wary and maintain it's survival instincts.
There are different paths that evolve from this stage in business. The two most typical kinds of business leaders that you get are...
The Crocodile
A successful survivor that spends over 90% of it's existence watching, waiting, studying before diving in. This dominant beast has many worthy habits. It knows the movement of what it wants inside out. It doesn't waste energy on pointless exercises or activities saving it's resources for when really needed. However, despite it's success, it is a fearsome animal that has many running for cover. The crocodile intimidates, is anti-social and is extremely hostile in character. Not the type of business person to work easily with.
The Lion
The most awesome of creatures. At the top of it's food chain, the lion is the ultimate survivor. Whilst many are in complete awe of this physical wonder, the greatest thing that the lion demands is respect. Dominant lions lead communities and make decisions for many. The lion is filled with wisdom, experience and knows it's territory better than anyone. The lion is respected by not only it's own community but it's enemies. Like the crocodile, the lion is not an advocate of waste, however, this creature has the perfect balance of spending time doing the surviving along with being social.
Whilst reading the above, you may have been able to affiliate some of the descriptions with people you may know. You may also be able to see where you fit in. The point is, you should understand where you want to go in the end. How do you want to end up? Spending every hour of every day working like a rat or maybe something beyond. Always look to further yourself and surround yourself with people that you see as mentors who can guide and advise you. Watch the habits of those you respect and decide whether similar habits would support you. Listen to advise but look to decide for yourself and always know where you're going.
The Cat
Upon surviving the rat period, the rat somewhat evolves into a smarter creature. A creature that is intelligent, marks it's prey much more cunningly and has loyalty towards its owners (clients). After all, it's the owners who feed them. Whilst the cat isn't as frantic, it still seizes opportunities but from a few paces back. More selective about when it moves, the cat carefully deliberates where it spends it's time, who it associates with and what it feeds on. However, the cat still makes mistakes, walking on tentitive territory and quite partial to confrontations.
This next point becomes a junction. Those that don't fully graduate from being a cat can become...
The Porcupine
This animal is a rodent as a rat yet not as frantic. It's lifespan is longer than a rat but after trying hard to progress, it doesn't share the optimism, social affinity or hope that once was there. The sparkle and enjoyment of this potentially tough road has gone and a solitary existence with a spikey outlook on the outside world push potential friends or acquaintances away. Slow to move and limited in resources, this wearily looking creature settles for it's share whilst fending off onlookers.
However, if the cat graduates then we have...
The Roebuck
The roebuck is strong, confident and experienced in making decisions. It is respected in the animal kingdom and popular within the masses. Having fought and won battles, the roebuck is a leader that has the trust of many. Successful in it's hunting, the buck provides not only for itself but for others too. Building friends and trusted companions throughout it's existence, the roebuck grows in strength but also in stature. However, still not quite the top of it's food chain, this creature still has to be wary and maintain it's survival instincts.
There are different paths that evolve from this stage in business. The two most typical kinds of business leaders that you get are...
The Crocodile
A successful survivor that spends over 90% of it's existence watching, waiting, studying before diving in. This dominant beast has many worthy habits. It knows the movement of what it wants inside out. It doesn't waste energy on pointless exercises or activities saving it's resources for when really needed. However, despite it's success, it is a fearsome animal that has many running for cover. The crocodile intimidates, is anti-social and is extremely hostile in character. Not the type of business person to work easily with.
The Lion
The most awesome of creatures. At the top of it's food chain, the lion is the ultimate survivor. Whilst many are in complete awe of this physical wonder, the greatest thing that the lion demands is respect. Dominant lions lead communities and make decisions for many. The lion is filled with wisdom, experience and knows it's territory better than anyone. The lion is respected by not only it's own community but it's enemies. Like the crocodile, the lion is not an advocate of waste, however, this creature has the perfect balance of spending time doing the surviving along with being social.
Whilst reading the above, you may have been able to affiliate some of the descriptions with people you may know. You may also be able to see where you fit in. The point is, you should understand where you want to go in the end. How do you want to end up? Spending every hour of every day working like a rat or maybe something beyond. Always look to further yourself and surround yourself with people that you see as mentors who can guide and advise you. Watch the habits of those you respect and decide whether similar habits would support you. Listen to advise but look to decide for yourself and always know where you're going.
