Initially, I thought starting a solopreneur journey was akin to embarking on a very challenging hike up a mountain. You begin at the trailhead, ascend a few hundred feet, and face obstacles such as wildlife, weather, hunger, thirst, and potential injuries. At the first viewpoint you get a quick chance to reflect on the ground you’ve covered to ascended up the mountain. Then you see another trailhead or two, and you must decide whether to join forces with another hiking group or head back down.
The reality of solopreneurship unfolds quite differently. The initial months are less about scaling a predefined challening path and more about searching for the right one.
It may dawn on you that there isn’t a mountain peak to conquer, or the summit you aimed for is unreachable. Perhaps, you’re on an entirely different mountain than you initially thought, or a formidable obstacle blocks your way, making you reconsider your journey—maybe it’s time to join another group or end the hike altogether. Along the way, you likely encounter a group moving at a steadier pace, offering a sense of security and tempting you to reconsider your solitary solopreneur quest.
It soon becomes evident that progress isn’t a linear climb to a summit but a continuous journey of adapting to new challenges, reassessing goals, and, at times, collaborating with others.
In the meantime it can feel like you’re exploring a circular walking path, uncertain whether it’s leading you to higher ground on a circular staircase or descending into a valley.
Time will tell. You’ve been hiking alone for your first time in this area, which is unadvisable, yet something you feel compelled to do. There must be an inate belief that every step is a step towards personal growth and discovery; an evolution. Even if the path is in fact circular or the hike is shorter than anticipated, I believe there is value in the movement.
Thanks to my friend Max for the trailhead metaphor.
unpublished alpha 