The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur

June 14Seed of Faith

I only hope … that you are still happier than you are sad, and that you remember that the smallest seed of faith is of more worth than the largest fruit of happiness.

Henry David Thoreau—Familiar Letters (1894)

Genius, or the kind of obsession some associate with entrepreneurial vision, is often accompanied by personal demons.

Working in isolation to create something out of nothing can lead to a risk of depression. Not exactly a cheery topic, but one that has some data to back it up.

But a little madness goes a long way, too. In the words of Nassir Ghaemi, author of A First-Rate Madness:

Most of us make a basic and reasonable assumption about sanity: we think it produces good results, and we believe insanity is a problem.

Holding on to the smallest seed of faith is the answer. When we encounter any setback, it's not the setback that's the real issue—it is, of course, how we feel about it that gives it control.

Once again, we'll call on our friend meditation. Often how we feel about something is hardwired into our subconscious, and meditation unlocks the door between the conscious and subconscious.

Taking time to change how you think through a process that science proves rewires your brain and turns off the chemicals that cause stress is the magic tool for nurturing the seed of faith and reconnecting with why you're doing this all in the first place.

Start or end your day today, and perhaps every day, with 10 minutes of meditation and gratitude.

Challenge ...