Alice in Wonderland as it Relates to Being an Entrepreneur
By: Dawn Nauman
It was at the end of July my best friend, Lola, and I decided to start The Loop Magazine. We had a vision and a dream, and we took action quickly. We had no money and no connections, but we had a vision of something that we felt like needed to exist. It wasn’t until awhile later that someone used the word entrepreneur in reference to us.
After that label befell me, I have felt things that I don’t think there are even words for, but for the ones that do- confused, paranoid, tired, scared…-no terrified, frustrated, and very, very competitive. Honestly, I recognized some of the same emotions on the face of a pregnant lady.
Pregnancy is similar to being an artist or business owner. You become pregnant with your vision, make, create and carry your “baby,” you nurture it until it’s time to “give birth” to it, and then afterward you are scared to death and make tons of mistakes your first year. Then you try to act like you know what’s going on, but really you have no idea and you are learning as you go.
We decided last week, The Loop Magazine is in its second semester of its freshman year, and we are planning our next big move and we are so excited…and scared, frustrated, tired, and paranoid…but mostly totally stoked! Over the course of this year, I have gained an appreciation and overwhelming amazement for business owners, artists, and those who are not afraid to see a way, take it, and then show others.
Although, I think there would be more people living their dreams if they weren’t living in their fears. I went on a cinematic adventure recently, taking in Alice in Wonderland. For some reason, I found connections between Alice’s encounters and the crazy ride that we have experience this last year.
Alice was tested through out the movie, which brought up the concept of impossibility and self doubt. At one point Alice said, “This is impossible.” To which, The Hatter responded, “Only if you believe it is.” I thought this was such a powerful statement. Take it a step further, what impossibilities do we have, other than ones that we create for ourselves? Even some of the most successful people can be imprisoned and stifled by their own thoughts.
I go on facebook and so many people are talking about their “Haters,” fair enough, everybody has one or twelve haters. However, how many limits do we place on ourselves by believing our fears and fearing our failures? Even in the movie, Alice wondered if she was the “correct Alice” and knew she would not be able to do what was needed of her. Proving that listening and believing in your fears brings death and unrealized purpose.
This issue also speaks to the power of beliefs and faith. Where is your faith at? Alice repeatedly said, “I believe in six impossible things before breakfast.” I meet people every week who are starting and doing things for themselves. Being among those who are struggling to create a vision, I believe it is important to truly believe in the impossible everyday. Honestly, what can’t be accomplished when fears, negativity and doubt are deleted from within ourselves?
Later in the movie, the queen looks to Alice and tells her she cannot live her life for others, but only herself because when the time comes, she will face that beast alone. True story. My advice for anyone looking to start a business or to create something, you better be damn sure because you will be facing “the beast” alone. Believe in what you are doing, saying, selling and creating through all adversity, and when you decide to make a move, do not look back.
Although it is a strange comparison, little, pale Alice is quite the model for a success out of trial and struggle. She never stopped dreaming despite her (dream killing and player hating) family. I think everyone knows a “dreamer”. Usually the word “dreamer” is used in a negative way because many times, a dreamer isn’t a doer. My advice, never stop dreaming, never stop aspiring, and remove all impossibility, become a dreamer AND a doer…Also go see Alice and Wonderland!
