Don’t be paranoid

Why don’t they return your calls?

You send in a quote and you don’t hear back for a week. What’s happening, have they rejected the offer and not come back to you? Do they think your price is too high but they aren’t willing to negotiate?

It gets worse. Every day you don’t have paying work your credit card debt goes a little higher. Your friends are telling you that you look so stressed they are worried about your health and suggest you just give up and get a job. The deafening silence from your partner in life about ability to pay the mortgage turns into yelling at you to do something. This just makes you feel worse.

Now you are focussed on the meaning of every conversation you have, every email you receive, every time you don’t hear back from someone.

Welcome to the anxiety and paranoia that goes with a start-up. This means you are a normal human being.

The main emotion you are going through is feelings of ostracism – now recognised as one of the most powerful emotion.

When you are having really paranoid days – and they do happen – take time off. Recognise the anxiety you are carrying and let it go. Don’t ring people up to have it out with them. When your employees are annoying you – let it go. Your attitude is such that you will cause permanent damage to your relationships.

Also, remember what it was like when you were on the receiving end of calls from people like you. You meant to respond, but a week or two goes by with all sorts of busy work before you remember, and sometimes you forget to respond all together. People aren’t usually mean. Relax, and gently get back in touch later.