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As a psychologist and author of Mindfulness, one of the most common questions I come across is about using mindfulness to reduce stress and anxiety in career pursuits. But for professionals embarking on entrepreneurship, a shift in perspective may be necessary. Rather than seeking comfort through mindfulness, the true potential may lie in facing discomfort and embracing the concept of “antifragility.” In this article, we explore how mindfulness can be a powerful tool in helping entrepreneurs overcome the challenges of their endeavors.
Reframing antifragility on career creativity
Author Nassim Nicholas Taleb introduced the idea of ”antifragility” in his book of the same name, highlighting how certain things thrive in the face of instability, randomness, and stress. doing. Unlike resilience, which is simply the ability to withstand shock, resistance to brittleness increases when subjected to pressure. This prompts important questions for entrepreneurs. Do you aim for the same resilient career you had before, or a better, fragile creative journey?
Problems with entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship poses unique challenges, especially for professionals who have not been trained in the cutthroat world of business. Approaching these challenges with a resilience mindset may not be the most effective strategy. Let’s take a look at some common issues and how adopting an antifragility mindset can provide a different perspective.
1. Self-doubt
Resilience paradigm: If you endure self-doubt, things will get better.
Anti-fragility amplification: As part of your entrepreneurial journey, challenge your self-doubt. Ask, “Why not me?” And without a doubt explore what else exists at this moment.
example: Instead of brushing off your self-doubt right away, consider keeping it in the back of your mind. While you continue to chat, focus on anything else you might notice in the moment. Challenge your doubts by asking, “Why not me?” Be willing to explore despite uncertainty.
2. Restlessness and anxiety
Resilience paradigm: calm down please. Cultivate optimism.
Anti-fragility amplification: Recognize anxiety as an option. Dig deep into your underlying fear and use it as fuel to understand the important aspects of your creative ideas.
example: Instead of looking for immediate calming breaths, look for restlessness and anxiety. Dig into the fear behind these feelings. By fully feeling and embracing discomfort, you may discover valuable insights that are essential to your creative journey.
3. Frustration and Blame
Resilience paradigm: Calm down before creating.
Anti-fragility amplification: Question your expectations and deal with your frustrations. Recognize the unpredictability of pioneers and stay connected to reality.
example: Rather than rushing to relieve your impatience, question whether it stems from unrealistic expectations. Antifragility involves accepting the realities of the entrepreneurial journey and understanding that deviations from expectations are part of the process.
4. Intense desire or craving
Resilience paradigm: If it feels right, stay the course.
Anti-fragility amplification: Recognize that the journey is not always a desirable one and emphasize the deeper purpose behind your entrepreneurial pursuit.
example: Don’t rely solely on desire, and realize that your entrepreneurial path doesn’t always align with your immediate emotions. Connect with the deeper purpose behind your ideas, and let it guide you through moments when motivation wavers.
5. Fatigue, fog, or burnout
Resilience paradigm: Take a break; change gears if you get confused.
Anti-fragility amplification: Find opportunities in the moments when you are tired. Stay in the discomfort and discover subtle new angles and perspectives.
example: Resist the urge to quickly escape from fatigue and confusion. Instead, explore the opportunities hidden in these moments. Stay curious and pay attention to subtle changes that can lead to revolutionary breakthroughs.
Active Mindfulness: Owning Moments of Opportunity
To build a career marked by creativity, connection, and impact, embrace active mindfulness, or “owning” difficult moments. This involves fully engaging with the physical, mental, and emotional experience without trying to eliminate the discomfort. The important thing is to be aware of all possibilities and nuances and become the owner of the moment, even in the face of unpleasant situations.
Take-out
Shift from seeking calm and resilience to accepting the uncomfortable moments in your entrepreneurial journey as antifragile owners. Every moment offers an opportunity for growth, learning, and clarity. By adopting an anti-fragile mindset, you can unlock the true potential of mindfulness and develop creative possibilities for yourself that a play-it-safe mindset would never allow.
References
Taleb, N.J. (2013). Not easy to break. Penguin Books.
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