The Entrepreneur's BattleSample

Loneliness: The Death of the Lone Wolf

The role of entrepreneur is a lonely one. Even for those of us who have lots of friends and co-workers, we can still feel isolated.

Objectively, it doesn’t make sense. How can I be isolated if I have a lot of people around me? The key has to do with being fully known and fully loved. And for entrepreneurs, the barriers to entry for that type of relationship are high. 

The more success we achieve, the more guarded we become. All of a sudden it seems like people only want something from us, so we keep them at arm’s length. On the other hand, the more setbacks we face, the more we try to deflect and defend our reputation. We don’t want people to really know how badly we’re struggling. See, we’re our own worst enemy when it comes to vulnerability and authenticity. And it’s these two characteristics that are crucial to being known and loved by others.

But here’s the good news: Jesus knows all of you and loves all of you at all times. We can’t keep Him out. He knows the truth behind all of the facades we put up. The question isn’t will we let Jesus in on what’s really going on (He already knows that). It’s will we accept and enjoy His presence, and will we allow other people to be vessels through which God shows us His love?

For many of us, we’re comfortable with the theological idea that Jesus is always with us. That sounds nice, even when it doesn’t feel true. But when real people become the hands and feet of God, that changes everything. Suddenly, we have names and faces that belong to God’s love. This theological concept of God’s caring affection becomes solidified real quick when we find help in the arms of someone with whom we’ve been vulnerable.

But it takes risk. It takes stepping out of our protective shell and giving others the opportunity to love us. And it is never easy. So, if we find ourselves alone at the top, will we take a chance and allow someone to step into our office and stand on level ground?

Further Thought

• What is it about being an entrepreneur that tends to exacerbate struggles with loneliness or isolation? What about your work keeps you from connecting with others?
• In the past, where have you found Christ-centered relationships? Where could you go to find more friends like that?
• Who is someone in your life that doesn’t know about how lonely and isolated you feel? What would it take for you to go talk to them?