The dark, flip side of entrepreneurship – how often do we talk about it as raw as it can be? What’s the point in glossing over something thousands go through at some point in time?!

I love how we have been hyping entrepreneurs – it’s about time we did! India’s start-up scene is booming louder than the average Bollywood blockbuster, and that’s an extremely healthy sign for us, for the economy.

But, but, but – every entrepreneur, whatever be the scale or reach of the business, knows in their heart that this journey is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding simultaneously – exhilarating, but also a tad terrifying. One day you could be soaring high with success, the next you would find yourself plunging into the depths of doubt.

Though largely I have been quite upbeat and raring to go in my entrepreneurial journey, believe me I have had days when it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders, and I wonder if it’s all worth it. There have been days of mental block when it feels like my mind has stopped working.

Don’t get me wrong. I love what I do. I love, love all my ventures. If I weren’t in love, I wouldn’t be where I am today. But I do know what it is like to be empty. I do know what it’s like to pour your heart and soul into a project, only to see it fall short. I do know the disappointment of deals/collaborations falling through at the last minute, leaving you questioning your abilities and your choices. I know the apprehensions that come with watching the numbers in the business bank account dwindle, wondering how you would pay salaries and execute your brilliant ideas. Sometimes, it feels like a vicious circle with no way to shatter this cycle.

I won’t say that embrace the lows. It’s easier said than done. Do what your instinct tells you to do – embrace, kick, break or surrender. But what I can share is how I have practically sailed through such phases.

1. When those tough days hit, I remind myself that it’s okay not to be okay. I allow myself to acknowledge and accept my feelings. It’s normal to have doubts and struggles along the way. I keep telling myself repeatedly that I am a rockstar and will navigate this phase of feeling lost.

2. I seek support and encouragement indirectly (because I am pretty bad at asking for help or support otherwise) by watching or reading inspiring, real stories of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, or loved ones. Doing this also makes me feel that I am not alone.

3. I reflect on my ‘Why’. I reconnect with my passion and purpose. I write down in my daily journal why I started this journey in the first place and let it fuel my determination.

4. I have realised and drilled in my head that self-care is crucial during challenging times. Whether it’s through dancing, self-pampering, spending time with my closest people, or simply taking a break, I prioritize my well-being.

5. Even on the toughest days, there are some small wins to be found. I look back and give myself a pat on the back for my progress. I find inspiration in my own journey. I tell myself – “You have done it before. You can do it again.”

6. I continuously work on my own skills and creativity, no matter what. If something isn’t working, I sit down and take a stock of what more I could do to better what I am doing. This helps me stay afloat during challenging times because the focus is on ‘doing’ rather than thinking about a hundred ‘what-if’ scenarios. Remember my favorite phrase – it’s always ‘what next’ over ‘what if’. Also, doing this opens up new avenues and ideas to explore at times.

7. Brainstorming with a trusted person is an underrated process of moving beyond a rut in which you feel stuck. Sharing ideas, bouncing off each other’s perspectives, and finding new paths together can be the key to unraveling fresh solutions and perspectives. I do this with myself too when I sit with a notebook or board, and go all out scribbling everything in my head and then I start putting it all together logically to see if anything makes sense. More often than not, interesting ideas do come out of this deep exploration of my own mind.

This post has turned out longer than I had intended it to be, but that’s probably because all of this year, I have been doing a lot of digging within to revamp, restructure and reinvent. I have been talking to a whole lot of small scale women entrepreneurs on the many challenges and teething troubles that keep dipping their entrepreneurial spirit from time to time.

All I can say is the only way to look at this wild ride called entrepreneurship is to accept the lows as pit-stops on the road to success – your definition of success.

All we can do is keep hustling, keep innovating, and keep rebuilding ourselves through this journey.