Growing your potential

Editor’s note: Michelle Stockman is an independent consultant with her company, Fort Smith-based Msaada Group. Stockman earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University-Chicago in communications and fine arts, and earned a master’s in entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University. Her thoughts on business success appear each week on The City Wire.

My mother passed away more than seven years ago from pancreatic cancer. Her circle of influence was felt across Bella Vista, Ark., and Chicago as she pushed for a life greater than the one she was born into. Her greatest moments came through several precious writings she left behind (worth far more than any valuables that could have been passed down). In the moments she inched towards her final days on Earth, she wrote the words “because greatness dwells within us.”

Greatness dwells within each of us and within every one of us. It’s a powerful idea that entrepreneurs subconsciously know is within them. Why else would someone risk their life’s savings, their creature comforts, their time and the strength of their family to pursue a business start-up? There is an inner drive that is so powerful that the exploration of a business is the only way to satisfy the vision that dances in front of their eyes.

Many dream about being a business owner mostly for the flexible hours theory. Many others become simple small business owners going through the business’s motions; however few become truly notable entrepreneurs.

A successful business is great news for everyone. However, an entrepreneur in the hunt for greatness through their potential is a treasure. When one can wake up each morning in the pursuit of learning, growing, innovating, ideating and pushing the boundaries is when the pursuit of true potential begins. Humility, generosity and the desire to create for the benefit of others over oneself is the fuel to reach greater places in life.

While there is only one Steve Jobs, Milton Hershey, Oprah Winfrey or Alexander Graham Bell, there is only one of us as well. What we do with ourselves is entirely up to our own freedom of choice. Our freedom to reach greater levels of potential is shaped by multiple factors within our lives, such as genetics, talents, our environment (past and present) and more. Who we have become, who we are and who we have yet to become end with our ability to reach our greatest potential.

In an age where we give up, say “I can’t,” wait for someone else to go first or avoid learning or growing all together are lousy excuses from growing and blooming into your potential. While most people only use a small fraction of their own inner ability, imagine what life would be like if the layers of insecurity were removed and the ability to use more of your gifts and talents shone through. The endless barrage of bad news, negativity and hopelessness may not seem so overwhelming anymore.

In business, overcoming your own business fears may simply be the answer. If the fear of finding enough money for payroll becomes your sole focus, the ability to see opportunity to grow the business (thus making money for payroll) is lost. Not taking the time to go to the next networking event or attending an accounting class that was recommended to you several times stunt your ability to reach the potential within you.

While my mother wrote about greatness (particularly in a spiritual context), seeking to move the bar on your own potential is greatness that lies within oneself. Potential is not an entitlement, it is your responsibility and your choice. No one can make you learn or grow; they can only open doors to help. You must choose to put fear, insecurity or any additional negative inner voice aside in order to walk through the door.

We admire those who have fought their way through the many obstacles that stop the rest of us, yet all of us have opportunities for our own versions of greatness. From getting your academic degree to making your first $100k, $1 million or $100 million, set your sights on what you can do, remove self doubt and jump over the obstacles (whether anyone likes it or not).

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Stockman can be reached at [email protected]