When I was a student at university, I often daydreamed about becoming a full-time entrepreneur.
After I completed my assignments every night, I would research business inspiration and think about names for my future company.
Like many potential entrepreneurs, I had a romantic idea about entrepreneurship. Growing up, I participated in charity bake sales and other activities for a good cause.
Business seemed easy to my young mind and something I truly enjoyed. I loved interacting with clients and marketing a product. It felt natural to me.
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Yet when I graduated from university and ventured into entrepreneurship, things became challenging, especially as my business grew.
If I were to compare my business journey to the seasons, then my early stages would have to be winter. I faced multiple challenges and found running a company harder than I thought it would be.
I put in more hours to manage it every day and eventually learnt key lessons such as the importance delegating and ensuring that I was able to rest well.
As many of us around the world enjoy the warmer weather – and as I enjoy the transition of my business journey to spring – I reflect on the important lessons this season can teach potential entrepreneurs.
Tough times make us stronger
I wouldn’t be who I am today had it not been for the challenges that I faced with my business.
What many of us don’t realise when we celebrate successful entrepreneurs is the tough times they have experienced to reach where they are today.
Not all of us are exposed to their moments of weakness, breaking points and challenges that may have put their businesses at risk.
A successful entrepreneur acquaintance once told me how the challenges she faced toughened her up for the next phase of her business, which required another level of strength that she previously didn’t possess.
The harsh winter season prepares us for the spring ahead. The great thing about any winter is that it’s temporary and, like clockwork, spring always comes.
Live in the moment
There was a point in my career when I had invested so much time and effort into my business that I did not make any time for myself, my friends or family.
My work came first and last. My laptop was my travel companion and during a holiday with my cousin, while I was typing on the beach, she shook me and pointed at my unhealthy work pattern.
The thing about work is that it never ends. We have a saying in Arabic that goes: “Life ends, but work doesn’t.”
Make time to live in the moment. Everything is temporary, just like spring, so make the most of every moment.
As much as I love my work, I know that there’s more to life. Dedicate some time to doing the things you enjoy. As hard as it may be, aim to create a balance between your work and personal life.
You reap what you sow
In business, you will reap what you sow. If you put 10 per cent into your business, you will receive 10 per cent in return.
You don’t need to work hard, but work smart. You can end up doing less if you have invested in the right partnership, collaboration and the right product that will help you to yield the returns you are looking for.
Spring is the season of bloom and growth. It teaches us that no matter how long winter lasts, spring is bound to come through.
And when it does, we should learn to live in the moment and reflect on what winter has taught us – and how we can use the lessons to prepare us for the seasons ahead.
Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer and communications consultant in Abu Dhabi
