How Introverted Mompreneurs Can Avoid The Pitfalls of the Lone Wolf Syndrome
One of my first thoughts about becoming an entrepreneur was imagining the thrill of working for myself by myself. I loved the idea of becoming the boss of me. Self-employment would give me the opportunity to set my own schedule and appeal to my own high standards of creativity and integrity. It would allow me to make my own rules (and break them when I wanted to). It meant that I would be 100% responsible for my successes and my failures. To me, this felt exhilarating. Like many of you, I’m an introvert (a sensitive INFP for the Myers Briggs aficionados). I’m energized by having ample time to process, reflect and re-group on my own. I look for moments of deep connection rather than hours of polite conversation. Introverts are well positioned to be successful entrepreneurs because we are fiercely independent in our work. Until the day that we lean so far into our independence that we catch the dreaded: “Lone Wolf Syndrome”.
Signs & Symptoms of the Lone Wolf Syndrome in Mompreneurs
- overthinking EVERYTHING
- minimal support system to talk out ideas and get feedback
- taking an extremely long time to launch new ideas because we’re too busy talking ourselves out of them
- stalling out because our creativity feels stagnant
- exhausted from doing everything
- diluting our zone of genius because we aren’t willing to ask for help
- slower growth rate because we’re hiding out instead of showing up (online and in person)
- observing more than acting (we could scroll the internet for hours!)
- letting our inner critic be the CEO in our business
- choosing perfectionism over experimenting
- not investing in ourselves or our business because we believe 1) we can just figure it our ourselves and/or 2) that chunk of money should go to our family
If you’re familiar with any of these experiences I want you to know you’re not alone. Almost every woman entrepreneur I’ve met has found herself struggling to find the right mix of support and structure for herself and her business. However, the introverted mompreneurs I know are especially prone to this kind of struggle.
Here are 3 ways introverted mompreneurs can avoid the pitfalls of the Lone Wolf Syndrome:
1. Make peace with investing in yourself. Even though you can probably figure everything out on your own doesn’t mean you have to. None of us have endless amounts of money to throw around so it’s important to be discerning about who and what we invest in. The point is to make peace with asking, receiving AND paying for help. There’s someone out there that has the exact right personality and skillset to help you. And, you are so worth it. Imagine gifting yourself with more support, education, accountability, and TIME. It could absolutely transform your experience and set you up for a much more fulfilling and profitable business. 2. Find another soul with a similar vibe. It’s ok if big mastermind groups aren’t your Thing. All you really need is one other person who gets you. Find your person and connect with her regularly. Create a system of support that works for both of you. Share ideas. Listen. Reflect. Challenge and champion each other. Sometimes just getting out of the house and co-working, side by side can ramp up your creative flow and energize you. (Note: your spouse doesn’t count. Sorry!) 3. Consider working with a Thought Partner. Like a coach, a thought partner will leverage her client’s wisdom but she will also freely share her own wisdom and experience. The expectation is that you can move forward faster, more strategically, and with less self-sabotage by utilizing the experience and support of a thought partner. Thought partners help you to cross-pollinate your idea pool. Innovate. Stretch your thinking and your courage. They help you ride the wave of what is possible all because you have someone else intimately aware of the details of your business. Think of it as another brain and heart holding your vision for growth and impact with you. Sharing the load of this can feel like a massive relief, one that will allow you to get out of your own way and into consistent and intentional action. This kind of support can make all the difference between aimless exertion and incremental success steps in your business. Remember: ideas won’t make income unless you put them into action. These strategies have allowed me to create a business experience that feels empowering and full of momentum and meets the uniqueness of my own personality. I hope they help you too. In the comments tell us how you honor your personality in your own business.