11 Emotional Stages of Starting Your Own Business

Euphoria

This idea is gonna change everything – the best thing since Netflix! Wide-Eyed Optimism

My team is so awesome, the office is so awesome. Screw hierarchy! Screw depressing office furniture! Everything we do craps rainbows and butterflies! That First Dollar

Cha-ching! I’m treating tonight because we’re makin’ it rain. Reality Check

Okay, I’m juggling quite a lot, but it’ll be fine. Just need to stay motivated. Obsession and Exhaustion

Why can’t I think about anything else? What is sleep?! Dwindling Optimism

Why doesn’t anyone like my idea? Please give me money – would rather die than go back to that cubicle!” Irrevocable Depletion of Optimism

WHY DID I GET MYSELF INTO THIS?! WHY DOES EVERYTHING I TOUCH DIE?! WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY CUBICLE ANYWAY?! Burnout

No. Can’t. Ray of Hope

This person wants to give me money? Hey, I must be doing something right! Let Me Be Smug

I knew this idea was going to work all along. It’s going to change everything. All Worth It

And repeat.