The Year of the Pig

Last Tuesday was the start of the Chinese New Year, celebrated by a fifth of the world’s population, and this time it’s the Year of the Pig. The Pig is the twelfth of all zodiac animals and according to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Pig was late because he overslept. Another story goes that a wolf destroyed his house and he had to rebuild his home before he could set off. When he arrived, he was the last one and could only manage twelfth place.

When you look at the list of animals in the zodiac, the pig might not stand out in a crowd, like the dragon or the tiger, but according to legend they are very realistic - others may be all talk and no action, but the Pig is the opposite. Though not wasteful spenders, they will enjoy life. They love entertainment and will occasionally treat themselves. They are regarded as a little bit on the material side, but this gives them the motivation to work hard. Pigs are seen as energetic and always enthusiastic, even for boring jobs and if given the chance, they will take positions of power and status.

While some people may consider this all as nonsense, there is no harm in applying the basic sentiment to business – what business would not benefit from a bit less talk and more enthusiastic action, while at the same time having fun along the way? We are facing uncertain economic times and only those entrepreneurs that are in action will successfully get through it. I recently read a business blog which said that taking action is one of the biggest things that holds back entrepreneurs, and the reason for hesitation – “Fear”. It is easy to fake the success of a business, but nothing has more importance than taking action. Ironically, action will actually create motivation. The minute you make the choice to take action, a rush of adrenaline will come over you and that will be enough to help remind you why it is important to dive straight in and tackle your to-do list.

Quite often I find that business owners forget why they even got into business in the first place. Your “why” is going to be what will get you through the tough times. When you remember why started up in the first place, you are on the right path and you will feel a lot more confident in taking action.

Have a plan you are willing to commit to and actually do it. I can’t tell you how many entrepreneurs I see creating a plan and then doubt it, or don’t act on it. Create a plan that you feel good about, and who knows maybe the Year of the Pig, the animal which symbolises wealth, will be a year of wealth for you.