Putting on my big girl panties

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There’s no doubt that I’m stressed as I get closer to my crowdfunding launch date. So, I’ve been trying to fill my brain with things that will keep my mind positive and hopeful – essentially reminders to keep “putting on my big girl panties.”

big girl panties
Putting on my “Big Girl Panties”

One of the books I’m reading is from David Goggins titled, Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds. Any person who is willing to endure three Navy Seal boot camps in a calendar year despite injuries and fear of water, is a hero to me. The most inspirational part was learning how he used his horrendous, childhood memories to turn his body and mind into unbreakable machines.

When things were tough when I was younger, my mother used to remind me that, “we’re still better off then many.” I’m not sure that Goggins could’ve said that at any point of his childhood, and yet look what he’s managed to do. He’s an example of true toughness and what we are all capable of when our “why” is important enough, and we’re willing to give anything to reach a dream.

So, today as I stress about everything that is going wrong and could go wrong with my new business, I’ll keep “putting on my big girl panties.” I can only try to be as tough as Goggins (in my own way) as I push forward with my own goals.

Sweat, Tears and actual Blood

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The last week has been pretty stressful getting ready for my product launch and crowdfunding kick-off. I’m way behind schedule with a mile long list of tasks that can’t be delegated to anyone. Nevertheless it’s getting done, and after testing about a dozen ideas, I finally found a work-around for the prototype issue – but not before shedding some sweat, tears and actual blood.

Bloody injury
A little blood from attempted Fix #9 for the prototype

The most stressful part has been putting myself out there to invite people to the crowdfunding kick-off. If this business fails, I will be going down in massive flames along with the savings I’ve already put into this business, my reputation and perhaps a few relationships.

This self-doubt has probably caused me to procrastinate a few times. I suppose, it’s not necessarily self-doubt, but also concerns about the public’s reaction to my product ideas.

Will the product solve some of their pet problems as I had imagined? Can they overlook any deficits in the prototype knowing that these issues will be be fixed in the manufacturing process? Do they think it’s value for money? Will there be enough interest to meet the funding goal so that I can buy the moulds?

I’m at the pointy end of what I call milestone 1A. If we fail to get through this check-point, the entire business concept collapses, and I will be looking for a job sooner rather than later. Maybe the potential loss of a dream is actually what I’m more afraid of – the inability to see this business idea with an environmental mission through to fruition.

I can only hope that the potential customers can see what I can see – products that can help keep pets safe while protecting the environment at the same time.