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Have you ever heard of the psychological concept of “learned helplessness”? I only recently learned of this term, but essentially it is when an individual experiences negative events that are outside of their control. After many experiences, a person comes to believe that they have little or no control over their environment. As a result, they are almost always in a state of hopelessness and feel helpless in the face of any adversity that may come their way.
The year 2023 has come to an end. That's no surprise to anyone who feels this has been a pretty turbulent year for him, whether for reasons specific to himself or factors related to the current state of the world. Learned helplessness is a phenomenon we need to be wary of heading into 2024. And this is especially true for entrepreneurs. The journey can weigh heavily on the psyche, with an expected roller coaster of ups and downs. When faced with a setback that is too big.
In this way, a new year with a blank canvas gives us a chance to reset. Despite everything, moving forward is almost certainly the best way to combat learned helplessness. So instead of thinking about what went wrong with your business plan, why not spend your time finding a completely different revenue stream? Perhaps a new one that adds to what you already offer? It may be worth considering the field. Or the golden ticket idea may be found on a previously unexplored path.
At the end of the day, it's worth remembering that a founder's journey is not defined by the challenges they face, but by their tenacity in facing them. I have often felt that perseverance and steadfastness are under-appreciated as principles essential to entrepreneurial success, but there were times when learned helplessness led me to question my abilities. So, its importance cannot be ignored. After all, resilience is more than just an abstract concept. It is a transformative force that moves us forward. Move forward at top speed!
Related: Mistakes are part of an innovator's journey – don't let them be the end
