When I was a young entrepreneur a few years ago and struggling to grow my business and achieve my goals, I used to wonder why other young entrepreneurs in my industry seemed to have better control of their businesses than I did. They had more impact, influence and income than me. And I wanted to know how to have the same control over my business like them.

I have discovered that when it comes to building a successful and thriving business as a young entrepreneur, you are your own greatest threat. A great business, a great team, a great life, and a secure future is something you create yourself. The sooner you realize that, the better it is for you.

Being true to yourself as a young entrepreneur is like falling in love. You can’t fake it. You have to be vulnerable. There are no guarantees that the other person will love you back. Some people will love you back and some people will reject you. And that’s ok.

I used to think passion was enough to grow your business, go through life as a young entrepreneur, and succeed with your team. I was wrong, very wrong. I discovered the hard way that you need strategy. I discovered you need to learn how to lead yourself first before you can lead anyone else.