Embrace the Shit Phase

Aright, listen up. The path to success is messy. It’s gritty, it’s tough, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. We all go through this "shit phase" – that period where nothing seems to go right, and you feel like you’re grinding with no end in sight. But here’s the thing: that’s where the magic happens. Those who push through this grind with relentless hustle and patience are the ones who come out on top. So, get comfortable with being uncomfortable and let’s turn this grind into greatness.

The Reality of the Shit Phase

Let’s get real: the journey to success isn't a walk in the park. Most aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives hit what I call the "shit phase" – a period loaded with frustration, failure, and doubt. This phase is not just inevitable, it’s essential. By facing it head-on, you can turn this struggle into a powerful catalyst for growth.

Reframing the Struggle

You need to flip the script on the shit phase. It’s not a dead end; it’s a rite of passage. Here’s how to shift your perspective:

• Acknowledge the Struggle: Every successful person has been through this. It’s not a sign of failure; it’s part of the process.
• Learn from Failures: Each setback is a lesson. Analyze what went wrong, tweak your approach, and keep moving forward with new insights.
• Stay Committed: Persistence is everything. The more you push through and adapt, the closer you get to your goals.

My partner and I have walked through the shit phase many a time. We've been determined to generate passive income for years, trying everything—forex, stocks, you name it. Eventually, we stumbled upon Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and decided to dive into it. We spent nearly a year building a brand around bamboo toilet paper, putting our hearts and souls into it. This was all pre-COVID. We shipped out our stock, and just as it was on its way, the pandemic hit. Suddenly, Amazon imposed restrictions, and we were in a bind.Every morning, I would call Amazon from Australia, dealing with different representatives and getting conflicting information. Some said our stock would be fine, while others warned of restrictions. When our shipment finally arrived, the restrictions were in place, and we were given a tough choice: pay to ship it back or have Amazon destroy it for a fee. Our stock sat in the warehouse for three months, accumulating storage fees.Finally, Amazon offered to ship the stock to a warehouse for free for all impacted sellers. We worked with an external agency to sell off our entire shipment. It wasn't profitable, but it was a massive learning experience.

Harnessing the Shit Phase for Growth

To transform the shit phase into a period of growth, you need to:

• Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you. Break it down into actionable steps and tackle them one by one.
• Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset will keep you motivated and resilient.
• Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with like-minded people who can offer support, advice, and motivation. Join communities, attend workshops, and seek mentors.

Think about all the successful entrepreneurs who faced major setbacks before hitting it big. Their ability to persist and adapt set them apart.

• Steve Jobs: After being fired from Apple, the company he co-founded, Steve Jobs used his experience to fuel his creativity. He later returned to lead Apple to unprecedented success, demonstrating that setbacks can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and growth​.
• Thomas Edison: Conducted over a thousand failed experiments before inventing the light bulb. Edison's relentless persistence in the face of repeated failures underscores the importance of a growth mindset and the value of learning from each setback​​.

Even our entrepreneurial Shit Phase did ok in the end. Scarred by having to buy so much stock and take such a risk, we decided to try something with lower stakes: dropshipping.Dropshipping turned out to be a small success. This new venture took off quickly. We sold over $50,000 worth of phone cases in under three months. However, we got stung by Facebook ads, which became incredibly expensive leading up to Q4. Despite the challenges, we walked away with a chunk of cash and, more importantly, invaluable lessons.Failure is not a dead end but a stepping stone to greater achievements. By setting clear goals, developing a growth mindset, and building a support network, you can turn your own shit phase into a period of significant growth and progress.

Turning the Process into a Game

Make this grind engaging and motivating by turning it into a game:

• Create Milestones: Break your journey into smaller, achievable milestones. Celebrate each win, no matter how small.
• Track Progress: Use tools, and apps to keep an eye on your progress. Seeing your achievements can boost your motivation.
• Reward Yourself: Set up a reward system for when you hit your goals. It could be anything from taking a day off to treating yourself.

Step-by-Step Advice:

1. Identify Pain Points: List the major challenges you're facing.
2. Set Micro-Goals: Break these challenges into smaller tasks.
3. Find Solutions: Research and implement solutions for each micro-goal.
4. Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and reward yourself for completing each task.

Embracing the shit phase means recognizing that struggle is a crucial part of the journey to success. By changing your perspective, leveraging growth opportunities, and gamifying the process, you can turn tough times into the foundation of your success story.Remember, every successful person has faced their own shit phase. It’s your persistence, adaptability, and resilience that will get you through. Embrace the challenge, stay committed, and watch as you turn adversity into triumph.

Article inspired by video below: