When we first got our flat here in Czech Republic, I was on a mission to quickly get the place renovated, decorated, and ready to go.

But ready to go for what?

I was focused on this baseless timeline for a non-existent event… and I was behind.

My husband kindly asked one day

“What is the hurry for? What does the house need to be ready for?”

I didn’t have an answer.

Most of my friends live 6000 miles away.

I didn’t have anyone coming over.

There were no future party plans.

In fact, home-hosted parties are rare in Czech culture (and Europe in general).

So what was this rush?

I realized then and there, that I had these mythical people in my head that I was preparing to impress.

This amalgamation of people that would judge me for not having it all together.

They would criticize me for having plants but not the planters…

For not having the matching duvet cover…

For not having the throw pillows for the couch…

And yes, I realize how absolutely bat sh*t crazy that sounds.

And yet, I also know I’m not alone.

The Truth About The “Tribe”

At the recommendation of my incredible colleague, Paul Crick (connect with this incredible human right away), I read the book “Going Pro” by Stephen Pressfield.

In his book, Stephen highlights that it’s not just about the external signs of success or recognition but instead it’s having the internal shift in your own mind and taking full celebration of your work. By personally recognizing and embracing your professional identity, you can fully commit to your mission, overcome obstacles, and ultimately achieve your goals.

That’s all nice and stuff.

BUT THIS PART is the kick in the pants I needed to hear.

(It contains some language, but I encourage you to hear it for what it means)

“The amateur dreads becoming who she really is because she fears that this new person will be judged by others as “different.”

The tribe will declare us “weird” or “queer” or “crazy.”

The tribe will reject us.

Here’s the truth: the tribe doesn’t give a shit. There is no tribe.

That gang or posse that we imagine is sustaining us by the bonds we share is in fact a conglomeration of individuals who are just as f**ked up as we are and just as terrified.

Each individual is so caught up in his own bullsh*t that he doesn’t have two seconds to worry about yours or mine, or to reject or diminish us because of it.

When we truly understand that the tribe doesn’t give a damn, we’re free.

There is no tribe, and there never was.

Our lives are entirely up to us.”

In short, it’s not about anyone else.

It’s about what YOU see.

It’s crucial to reflect on how we might be holding ourselves back or second-guessing based on the expectations of a tribe that doesn’t even exist.

• How can we shift our focus from external validation to our own perception of success?
• How we let go of seeking external validation or conforming to others’ expectations?
• How can we recognize and embrace our professional identity?

It’s time to take full responsibility for our work and commit ourselves to the journey, regardless of what others might think.

Pressfield’s words struck a chord with me, reminding me that the tribe we imagine sustaining us is merely a collection of individuals battling their own insecurities and fears. They don’t have the time or capacity to worry about our perceived imperfections.

Ask yourself:

• What imaginary people are holding you back?
• Are you second-guessing your true self out of fear of judgment?

Let’s shed those shackles and embrace your authentic self with fearlessness and confidence.

Take action by understanding that the only opinion that truly matters is the one you hold of yourself.

Embrace your uniqueness, set your own standards of success, and let go of the need for external validation.

Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage your growth and celebrate your journey.

As an entrepreneur, your path is yours to create.

Break free from the constraints of imaginary judgment and step into the realm of self-discovery, embracing who you truly are.

Your entrepreneurial journal awaits, filled with limitless possibilities.