Entrepreneurship can be an incredibly rewarding career path, but it can also be a challenging and unpredictable journey. To succeed in the world of entrepreneurship, it takes more than just a great idea and a lot of hard work. It takes mental toughness and resilience.

Mental toughness is the ability to stay strong and focused in the face of adversity. It's the ability to handle rejection, manage stress, and stay committed to your goals. Resilience is another key component of success in entrepreneurship. It's the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward.

While attending a recent industry conference, I heard legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk discuss his dedication to achieving his goals, despite numerous setbacks. He spoke of the process and learning through the struggle required to achieve his lifelong goal, landing the 900.

In 1999, he attempted to perform a trick that had never been done before in skateboarding history, the 900. The 900 is a two-and-a-half-revolution aerial spin that requires incredible skill, balance, and courage. Hawk attempted the trick numerous times and failed every time, leaving him with bruises and broken bones.

Despite these setbacks, Hawk refused to give up. He continued to push himself and eventually, after 11 failed attempts, he landed the trick. This moment not only made history in the world of skateboarding but also demonstrated the power of mental toughness and resilience.

Tony continued to share lessons in cultivating mental toughness and resilience in his professional life.

  • Self-reflection and self-awareness: Take some time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Identify areas where you could use some improvement and make a plan to work on them.
  • Goal-setting and planning: Set clear goals for yourself and make a plan to achieve them. Having a clear direction and plan can help you stay focused and motivated.
  • Building a support system: Surround yourself with supportive people who can help you through tough times. This could be friends, family, or a mentor.
  • Practicing stress-management techniques: Find techniques that help you manage stress and stay calm under pressure. This could include meditation, exercise, or breathing exercises.
  • Learning from failures and mistakes: Don't let failures and mistakes get you down. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Tony Hawk's journey to landing the 900 trick demonstrates the importance of mental toughness and resilience in achieving success. Whether you're a professional skateboarder or an entrepreneur, the ability to handle setbacks and keep pushing forward is what sets the best apart from the rest. By developing these skills, you can handle setbacks and challenges with grace and keep pushing forward toward your goals.

Whether you're just starting or you're a seasoned entrepreneur, it's never too late to work on your mental toughness and resilience. So, take some time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, set clear goals for yourself, and build a support system that will help you through the tough times. With a little practice and determination, you can become a mentally tough and resilient entrepreneur who can handle anything that comes your way.