🌊 The Pressure We Carry: Tales from a Woliday Warrior
Chasing perfection, missing the catamaran and learning to breathe along the way.
Dear Entrepreneur,
I have a quick question for you, one I don’t want you to answer lightly, but really sit with for a moment:
How much pressure do we really have?
And how much of that pressure do we put on ourselves?
That deadline you set? Was it really from the client or was it your own? That spelling mistake in an email, that follow-up that didn’t happen exactly at 8:06 a.m. like you planned.
I don’t know how you handle the imperfections of entrepreneurship, but for me? It’s a constant challenge. And if I’m being honest, sometimes I lose my mind when it’s not absolutely perfect, whether it’s on myself, my incredible team, a supplier, or even a client. Yes, I take no prisoners. If something’s on your table, it better leave as something you’re proud to sign your name to.
There’s a quote my mom, aka The Mothership used to say:
“If what you’re doing today ends up on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow, would you be okay with it?”
Now granted, I think she said this mostly to keep us in line before high school house parties… but kudos to her, it worked! :)
They say your early childhood years shape your internal compass—and I can honestly say, mine set mine like steel. I grew up in a home where participation medals weren’t a thing. Second place was tolerated only if you hit a personal best. But winning? Winning was the standard. That mentality shaped me into someone who strives to win at all costs. And God help you if you get in my way.
Over the years, I’ve worked—and continue to work—on myself to handle imperfections with more grace. I don’t always get it right, but I’m trying.
It’s not just about upbringing. It’s also about the sacrifices we make as entrepreneurs, especially in the early years. Those sacrifices leave scars. Not always bad ones, but they stay with you. They remind you how far you’ve come.
And now, I’ve come to realise something else:
Sometimes, it’s okay to breathe.
To adjust a deadline.
To let the imperfections go.
Health over hustle—always. Mental and physical health alike.
However, I also never want to lose my edge. I’m grateful for my upbringing. It’s helped me build businesses with boldness and fire. It’s just about taking a pause when needed. Being realistic. Reminding myself (and maybe you too) that consistency wins the race.
I don’t know your background, your business journey, or where your head’s at right now. However, I want to leave you with this:
Keep building.
Micros = macros.
You’re probably doing better than you think.
Take short breaks. Refill your mental capacity storehouse. Focus on the right things at the right time.
Below is a photo of me having a Woliday (work + holiday) in Mauritius.
Talk about pressure on self. I should’ve been on a catamaran sipping a freaking martini!
We live and we learn :) xx
