Small Business Today Magazine JUL 2014 PHENOMENAL PRODUCTS | Page 21

EDITORIALFEATURE

Redefining Yourself Through

Entrepreneurship
By Aaron Kaplan 

W

hen we find ourselves experiencing a calamity such as a
job loss that immediately changes the landscape of our life,
we are often told that “everything happens for a reason,
and something positive will ultimately come from this.”  As
well-meaning and well-intentioned others may be in attempting to
offer sympathetic gestures of support and ways to attach a more
empowering and positive meaning to our present circumstances,
the reality is that statements like those I just mentioned are the last
thing one wants to hear in the midst of a life-altering crisis.  I know
because I’ve been there myself.  But after surviving an unexpected
job loss followed by an even unexpected divorce just a few short
weeks later that ultimately brought me to Houston about a year
ago, I am living proof that a lot of really great lemonade can be
made from what may seem like not many quality lemons.

The reality is that losing a job, regardless of whatever stage one
might be experiencing in their professional life, can truly be an opportunity of a lifetime to reconnect with their core authenticity
and, thus, redefine themselves and their environment.  Entrepreneurship provides the process in which to accomplish that.

The path toward entrepreneurial success begins with an honest
and forthright examination and clarification of your authentic
values and needs.  Focusing on our values helps us recognize and
apply our attention towards what matters most.  We can avoid
getting hijacked by the things tha \[