Stef Curcio

LinkedIn has too many people who flaunt results.

I considered deleting my account for this.

Until I realized one thing:

I was mostly reacting to jealousy.

Instead of using results of others as inspiration...

I used them to feel bad about where I was at.

What I realized is that I was not reacting to a lack of results...

But a lack of direction.

When I did not have a clear direction and plan...

Anything could sway me.

Now I have a clear plan that resonates...

And I do not doubt myself as much...

And I do...

I can more easily catch myself and get back on track.

Here is my takeaway:

- Create your unique plan
- Learn to celebrate other people's wins
- If needed, find someone who can help you with the above

P.S. Today I celebrate Jasmin Alić, Richard Moore, and Jacob Pegs, who are the people who inspired me the most on LinkedIn ❤️ 🙏

P.S.S. Who are the people who inspired you the most on LinkedIn?

Living in Okinawa was my dream.

Took me 11 years to make it real.

Was sitting on my couch when...

My sister in law was sharing her dream of moving to Italy...

And how as a designer...

She felt inspired daily by our beautiful Italian architecture.

All of a sudden, she asked me:

"If you could live anywhere, where would it be?"

Without thinking, I said:

"Exactly where I live. Okinawa"

And I paused there for a second.

If you are or want to be an entrepreneur...

You probably know what I am talking about.

That feeling of knowing something is exactly right for you.

Even when all the people around you...

Are making different choices.

My best friends were becoming:

Doctors, PHDs, and engineers...

When I was waiting tables in Sydney...

Making minimum wage..

To learn English.

Because I knew I felt I would need that skill...

To become the kind of entrepreneur I wanted to be.

Because something about Japan felt special...

And I wanted to move there.

And I knew I did not want to be an employee.

I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs after all.

I felt excited about the possibilities and freedom of entrepreneurship.

I still remember the 2 years turning down all invitations to hang out...

Because I did not have money to spend on dinners.

I remember the hardship.

Waking up in the middle of the night, anxious about running out of money.

The battles with the ego.

Every single chuckle of friends, family, and acquaintances...

When I share what my dream was...

I remember the lies I told to avoid admitting I did not have the money.

If feels like a distant memory.

But I can still feel those emotions.

And I am grateful for every single experience.

Now, I look back and I realize:

- I am exactly where I want to be
- With the people I want to be
- Doing what I love daily

If you are an entrepreneur struggling, this is for you:

- Do not give up

The best is yet to come :)