THE UNAPOLOGETIC PATH: DESIGNING A FULFILLING ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY

By Karese Laguerre

I have a great sense of direction and navigation, yet somehow, 7 years into my career I found myself uncertain and lost. It has never been more desirable to embark on the journey of entrepreneurship. Social media gurus, mavericks, experts, and influencers are abundantly sharing stories of successfully achieving more freedom–both personally and financially. It’s the new American dream that beckoned in a movement of side hustles and solopreneurship.

It lured me in and, in many ways, broke me down and almost claimed my family as casualty. While social media paints a pretty image of success, the truth is that 1 in 5 won’t survive the first year of business, and 70% will fail in 10 years (1). In fact, those who do succeed find the pursuit ends in a job that costs them more time and money than they originally bargained for. Yet, with the odds so high, why are so many women traversing the path of entrepreneurship?

As I began my journey, I envisioned an end destination. One where I would awake every morning with the autonomy to decide that day’s activities. Whether that’s spending the day with my husband on a daytime adventure, being present and available for the children after school, making dinner, and reviewing homework without the constraint of a commute. A concept that extended beyond the American dream into the peak of self-actualization and fulfillment. All while my bank account merrily accepted deposits that trickled in while I slept.

That end destination has yet to arrive as I enter my seventh year of business. In its place is a path littered with false promises, calendar appointments, and personal strife. I may be working from home, yet not mentally present. My husband has gained new cooking skills as I’m always on the go, traveling frequently, and often missing dinners at home in favor of networking. The business is an allconsuming monster that grasps quickly at every ounce I feed it and demands much more. My envisioned end point is a goal post that always moves, and I struggle to make it all make sense.

A realization came in the form of a poor decision. I attended a conference to network and speak on my daughter’s 14th birthday. Her feelings were hurt, but she understood work came first. My professional obligations were more important than her special day. That was not the message I ever intended or the memories I wanted to have branded on her mind about her mother’s love. A change needed to happen, but it had to derive from lessons learned.

An elusive goal lacks purpose. Realistically, the looming unknown of the end date for individual time on this earth is a primary motive for ditching long-term goal setting. Rather than working to make the life we desire, I suggest working daily to experience the life you envision while working towards professional goals. Aligning the path of entrepreneurship with lifestyle goals is the way to unapologetically experience fulfillment.

THE P.A.T.H

The PATH approach ensures daily accountability for conscious decision-making that establishes the worklife balance I unapologetically embrace. This proprietary approach is an acronym wherein the letters represent a methodical means to accountability: Prioritize, Attune, Tenacity, Honor.

Prioritize

Maps and compasses have historically guided travelers, offering step-by-step directions toward their destination. Today, we rely on GPS, which provides clear, concise instructions to inch us closer to our endpoint. Similarly, in pursuit of entrepreneurial success, establishing clear objectives acts as our navigational tool, guiding daily actions and steering us toward our ultimate goals. The P in PATH emphasizes the importance of prioritizing these objectives, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Breaking down tasks into manageable steps, akin to creating a to-do list, simplifies the path towards completing projects or business growth strategies, balancing workload, and reducing stress. Additionally, allocating time wisely and staying flexible are recommended strategies to adapt to the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship, allowing us to navigate challenges and identify new opportunities along the way.

Attune

Attuning to your body and mind is imperative for navigating the entrepreneurial journey with grace and resilience. It’s not a luxury but a necessity, requiring a conscious effort to heed the signals of physical fatigue, mental exhaustion, or emotional burnout. Addressing these challenges head-on is essential for maintaining your equilibrium, whether through taking breaks, delegating tasks, or seeking support. Remember, your well-being is the cornerstone of your success, deserving of utmost priority.

Practicing mindfulness and setting boundaries are key strategies for staying attuned to your body and mind. By incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine, you cultivate awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, enabling more effective responses to stressors. Additionally, establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life safeguards against burnout and fosters balance. Designating specific times for work, relaxation, and socializing ensures you prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy equilibrium, which is essential for sustained success in entrepreneurship.

Tenacity

Maintaining your pace on the entrepreneurial trail is only possible with tenacity and unrivaled determination, no matter the challenges. Achieving the audacious goals required to grow and scale a business is about dreaming big, setting ambitious targets, and refusing to settle for mediocrity. Whether it’s doubling your revenue, expanding into new markets, or launching a groundbreaking product–audacious goals stretch your limits and propel you to new heights of achievement.

Maintaining high levels of drive in the pursuit of audacious goals requires resilience and perseverance. Get laserfocused on your vision in the peaks and valleys on the trail. Practice vision board creation and editing as a primary strategy for remaining tenacious. Start by clearly defining your short-term and long-term goals, and fill your board with inspiring images and quotes that resonate with your aspirations. Organize it strategically, ensuring it makes sense to you and highlights the most motivating parts to stand out and boost motivation. Place your vision board where you’ll see it daily, and plan a cadence to revise it as your goals and motivations change. Accountability and focus on the vision board will aid your tenacity, so share it with someone you trust for added support.

Honor

Remaining consciously aligned with your goals is the key to integrating your entrepreneurial ambitions with your desired lifestyle. It’s about making deliberate choices that honor your commitments to yourself, your loved ones, and your well-being. In lieu of sacrificing your personal life for the sake of professional success, strive to create harmony between the two by checking in daily with yourself and honoring how you are striking the balance. Remember that your worth is not defined by your productivity, and that rest and relaxation are essential for recharging your batteries and sustaining long-term success.

Self-care is non-negotiable in ensuring your ability to reflect on your mental status. Make time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit, whether it’s exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Remember that taking

care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your overall well-being and success. Make time for this by setting boundaries around your work hours, resisting the temptation to constantly be on call.

By consciously aligning your daily actions with your desired life, you create a sense of harmony and fulfillment that transcends professional success alone. Strive to honor your commitments to yourself, your loved ones, and your well-being, and you’ll find that true success is measured not only by what you achieve but also by the quality of the life you lead.

CONCLUSION

I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your own goals and aspirations and consider how you can apply the principles of the PATH framework to achieve a balanced and fulfilling career. Whether you’re just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey or you’re a seasoned veteran, there’s always room to grow and evolve. In my daily evaluation of my entrepreneurial journey, I now take into consideration my family’s desires. Recently, my eldest graduated from high school, and I took an entire day off to dedicate my time appropriately to those memories. Choosing to follow my own path unapologetically has created a more fulfilling aspect of my journey and improved my relationships at home and my personal relationship with my business.

By prioritizing your goals, attuning to your body and mind, maintaining tenacity in the face of challenges, and honoring your commitments to yourself and your loved ones, you can create a life of purpose, passion, and fulfillment. So, take the first step today and embark on the journey of a lifetime. Your path to success awaits!

1. Tucker, Michelle Seiler. “70 Percent of All Businesses Fail. Make Sure Yours Isn’t One of Them | Inc.Com.” INC., 13 May 2022, .

About the author:

Karese is a registered dental hygienist, myofunctional therapist, author, and key opinion leader in sleep and myofunctional therapy. She founded The Myo Spot, a practice aimed at amplifying oral wellness to whole body wellness. Through tele-therapy she helps clients of all ages overcome tongue ties, TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, grinding, anxiety, and various breathing and orofacial dysfunction. Passionate about education and self-help, she published Accomplished: How to Sleep Better, Eliminate Burnout and Execute Goals. Passionate about registered dental hygienists practicing successfully and safely she not only founded the International Association of Airway Hygienists, but currently serves as President of the board.