The Founder's Reality Check
How to Navigate the Real Path to Success
We all expect the journey from 'Idea' to 'Success' to be a straight line. The reality is a zigzag of problems, failures, and self-doubt. This worksheet helps you build the resilience to navigate the real path by preparing for it in advance.
Part 1: Anticipate the Obstacles
The easiest way to handle a punch is to see it coming. Instead of just dreaming about success, let's get real about the obstacles.
- My Big Idea/Goal: _________________
- What is a 'Failure' that might happen? (e.g., A product launch gets zero sales, a key client leaves) _________________
- What is a 'Problem' I will likely face? (e.g., Running out of cash, a supplier flakes, my software breaks) _________________
- What is a 'Doubt' I will probably feel? (e.g., "I'm not good enough," "This will never work," "Everyone else is smarter") _________________
Part 2: Build Your "When-Then" Resilience Plan
Now, create a simple 'When-Then' plan. This is your pre-programmed response to keep you moving forward when you inevitably hit these obstacles.
"The entrepreneurial journey is not about avoiding failure, it's about building the resilience to get back up, every single time."
- WHEN I feel [The Doubt]: (e.g., "I'm not good enough")
- THEN I will: (e.g., "Review my 'brag file' of past wins for 5 minutes" or "Call my mentor.")
- WHEN I hit [The Failure]: (e.g., "My launch fails")
- THEN I will: (e.g., "Take a 24-hour break, then perform a 'Failure Reframe' to find the one key lesson.")
- WHEN I face [The Problem]: (e.g., "A supplier flakes")
- THEN I will: (e.g., "Immediately spend 1 hour sourcing 3 new backup options and not let it derail my day.")
You can't control the path, but you can control your response. That's the key to the journey.