The hardest part is not just starting, you have to persevere

Starting a new venture, be it a business, a career shift, or a personal project (health, mariage, children, family, etc.), is undoubtedly challenging. The initial phase is often filled with excitement, anticipation, and a bit of anxiety. Many people believe that getting past the starting line is the hardest part of any journey. However, while starting requires courage and determination, the real challenge lies in persevering through the inevitable obstacles and setbacks that follow. Perseverance is the key to turning initial efforts into lasting success.

The challenge of starting

Taking the first step in any new endeavor is a significant milestone. It requires overcoming inertia, fear of the unknown, and often, the skepticism of others. I remember when I started my companies whether it's Save Our Agriculture Koko'Chick or other businesses I'm involved in, we've always been laughed by so many people who were certain our ambitions were too high for small us coming from nowhere. Our ideas were always met with a mix of enthusiasm and doubt. The process of establishing the business, securing initial funding, and setting up operations was daunting. But starting was just the beginning.

Starting requires a leap of faith. Whether it's launching a startup, pursuing a new career path, or embarking on a personal development project, the initial phase is filled with challenges. You need to muster the courage to step into unfamiliar territory, often with limited resources and a lot of uncertainties.

For instance, take the story of Airbnb. When Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia first launched the platform, they struggled to find investors and users. Their concept of renting out air mattresses in their apartment seemed outlandish to many. They faced numerous rejections and financial difficulties. But they persevered, constantly iterating on their idea and improving their platform. Today, Airbnb is a global phenomenon, valued at billions of dollars and used on 5 continents by people who even don't know how it started. They have changed their narrative.

The reality of perseverance

Starting may be hard, but the real test comes after the initial excitement fades. Perseverance involves maintaining momentum, staying committed, and pushing through the tough times. This phase is often marked by obstacles, failures, and moments of self-doubt.

Statistics show that many startups fail within the first few years. According to a report by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in the US, about 20% of new businesses fail within the first year, and approximately 50% fail by the fifth year. These numbers highlight the harsh reality that success is not guaranteed simply by starting. It requires sustained effort and resilience.

Our journey with Koko'Chick for example exemplifies this. After the initial setup, we faced numerous challenges, from logistical issues to market competition. There were times when it seemed easier to quit and cut our losses. However, the belief in our mission to provide high-quality, chemical-free poultry products and the positive feedback from our customers kept us going. With perseverance, we were able to improve our process and products, attract investors and change the local game in the poultry industry by relying on what they were calling "illiterate" women. Yes, those illiterate women are killing the game.

Perseverance is also about adapting and evolving. It's when our initial distribution channels faced hurdles that we pivoted to creating this network of women distributors in Douala. We trained them in sales and provided them with the necessary tools. This not only helped us overcome distribution challenges but also empowered these women, creating a positive social impact.

Real-life examples of perseverance

Successful individuals and companies often have stories of perseverance behind their achievements. Take the example of J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Before she became a household name, Rowling faced numerous rejections from publishers. She was a single mother living on welfare, struggling to make ends meet. Despite the setbacks, she continued writing and submitting her manuscript. Her perseverance paid off when Bloomsbury accepted her book, leading to one of the most successful literary franchises in history.

Another inspiring story is that of Walt Disney. He was fired from a newspaper job for "lacking imagination" and faced multiple business failures before finally achieving success with Disney Studios. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering belief in one's vision.

In the entrepreneurial world, Elon Musk's journey with SpaceX is a remarkable example. After several failed rocket launches and near bankruptcy, Musk persisted. His determination and resilience led to SpaceX becoming the first privately funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station.

Unfortunately, entrepreneurs in our African environment have not communicated enough about their stories so that we can draw inspiration from them to encourage those who have already made great strides. But I often point out that they became famous after a good thirty years of entrepreneurship. Nobody knows what happened during these 30 years, it's not always rosy. We have all recently witnessed the regrets and complaints of the immense Aliko Dangote about his oil refining plant which was on the verge of bankruptcy even though the project had been praised a few years ago by the most eminent economists on the African continent. Let's stay focused!

Practical tips for perseverance

Perseverance is a skill that can be cultivated. Here are some practical tips to help you stay motivated and overcome challenges:

1. Set clear goals: Having clear, achievable goals gives you a sense of direction and purpose. Break down your larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the journey less overwhelming and allows you to celebrate small wins along the way.

2. Stay flexible: Be prepared to adapt and pivot when necessary. The path to success is rarely linear. Embrace change and view obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. Flexibility allows you to find alternative solutions when faced with setbacks.

3. Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision. Seek mentors, join professional networks, and connect with like-minded individuals. A strong support system provides encouragement, advice, and a sounding board for your ideas.

4. Maintain a positive mindset: Your mindset plays a crucial role in your ability to persevere. Practice resilience by focusing on the positives, even in challenging situations. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and positive affirmations can help you stay optimistic.

5. Take care of yourself: Physical and mental well-being are essential for perseverance. Ensure you get enough rest, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet. Taking care of your body and mind enhances your ability to handle stress and stay focused.

6. Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress boosts morale and reinforces your commitment to your goals.

7. Learn from failures: View failures as learning experiences rather than setbacks. Analyze what went wrong, extract valuable lessons, and use them to improve. Failure is often a stepping stone to success.

8. Stay persistent: Consistency is key. Keep showing up and putting in the effort, even when results are not immediate. Persistence builds momentum and eventually leads to breakthroughs.

It's not that simple. But you are the king(queen) you think you are.

Perseverance is the cornerstone of success. Starting a new venture is commendable, but the journey doesn't end there. The real challenge lies in staying committed, overcoming obstacles, and continuously striving towards your goals. As an entrepreneur, I have experienced firsthand the power of perseverance. It has transformed my businesses into thriving enterprises, despite the numerous challenges we faced.

Remember, the hardest part is not just starting; it's persevering through the tough times. Stay committed, stay resilient, and never lose sight of your vision. Success is not a destination but a journey, and perseverance is the vehicle that will get you there. Keep pushing forward, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.