The Freedom to Be Yourself: A Guide for Asian Entrepreneurs in the Cannabis Industry
Contributer: Seibo Shen
In the relentless pursuit of success, especially in a burgeoning and competitive market like cannabis, it’s easy to get caught in the trap of being too hard on yourself. For many Asian entrepreneurs, the weight of societal expectations, cultural norms, and the pressure to outperform can feel suffocating. But what if I told you that true success, fulfillment, and freedom come not from conforming but from aligning your actions with your innermost desires? Let’s explore how you can embrace this freedom, overcome self-doubt, and step into your personal power.
The Perfectionism Trap: A Cultural Legacy
Many of us grow up internalizing the idea that hard work and perfectionism are the keys to success. While diligence and discipline have their place, they can also become chains that prevent us from truly thriving. In the cannabis industry—an industry still shrouded in stigma for some—there’s added pressure to prove legitimacy, professionalism, and worthiness. The result? Many entrepreneurs push themselves relentlessly, afraid of failure and consumed by the fear of disappointing others.
I’ve seen this pattern in my own life. When I first began sharing my vision with the world, I constantly worried whether my ideas would be accepted. Would I be laughed at? Judged? I tried to mold my actions to what I thought society wanted, and in doing so, I lost sight of the joy and authenticity in my work.
Then, one day, it hit me: The world does not need another person trying to conform to its expectations. It needs people willing to be themselves.
Overcoming Self-Doubt: A Lesson from Within
Self-doubt often arises when we compare ourselves to others or when we think we’re not enough. The truth is, you will never achieve greatness by copying someone else’s path. Your power lies in your uniqueness.
One of the most significant shifts I made in my journey was reframing failure. Instead of seeing failure as a reflection of my worth, I began to see it as feedback—an opportunity to refine my approach. For entrepreneurs, especially in the cannabis market, this mindset is crucial. This is an industry built on innovation, disruption, and pushing boundaries. The very nature of this work requires taking risks and embracing uncertainty.
Instead of asking, “Am I good enough?” ask, “What can I learn from this moment to grow into the person I’m becoming?”
The Illusion of Societal Standards
Many of us carry the burden of cultural expectations. For Asians in particular, there’s often a deep-seated belief that success must look a certain way—stable, respectable, and traditional. But here’s the thing: The standards you’re trying to meet were not set by you. They are societal constructs, often outdated and irrelevant to your unique journey.
I’ve met countless entrepreneurs who’ve sacrificed their passions because they believed their dreams didn’t align with societal expectations. But what is society? It’s nothing but a collection of individuals, most of whom are too preoccupied with their own lives to judge yours.
Instead of trying to meet the expectations of a world that doesn’t understand your vision, define your own standards. Success is not about conforming; it’s about creating a life that feels true to you.
Tapping Into Your Personal Power
The secret to aligning your actions with your desires lies in cultivating an inner state of clarity and calm. When you quiet the noise of the external world and listen to your intuition, you access a wellspring of power that no external validation can match.
Here’s a simple practice to help you reconnect with yourself:
Pause and Reflect:
Each morning, take five minutes to sit in stillness. Ask yourself: What truly matters to me today? What do I want to feel?
Set an Intention:
Instead of focusing solely on tasks or outcomes, focus on the energy you want to bring to your day. For example: I will approach my work with joy and curiosity.
Take Aligned Action:
Each day, choose one action—big or small—that aligns with your deepest desires. This could be as simple as reaching out to a mentor, creating something inspired, or even taking a break to recharge.
Remember, your personal power is not something you gain from achievements or external success. It is the natural state you embody when you are aligned with your truth.
A Call to Action: Embrace Freedom
As Asian entrepreneurs in the cannabis market, you are pioneers, breaking barriers in an industry that challenges societal norms. But your greatest contribution is not just your work—it’s the freedom you embody when you live authentically.
This week, I challenge you to take one step toward greater inner freedom:
Let go of one expectation that no longer serves you.
Commit to one action that feels aligned with your heart, not just your head.
Spend five minutes each day reconnecting with yourself through silence or reflection.
Success is not about how much you achieve but how true you are to yourself while achieving it. By stepping into your power and embracing your uniqueness, you not only elevate your life but inspire others to do the same.
The world doesn’t need more perfectionists. It needs more pioneers like you—bold, free, and aligned. Now go and create the life only you can imagine.
