By Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

Turns out, I’m actually a pessimist as an entrepreneur. I was reminded of my pessimistic thoughts last night as my husband proudly spoke of my company’s successes in the last few weeks.

As I lay in bed, he was in the next room while we caught up on the events of the day. He enthusiastically pointed out the progress I have made for the last month. He spoke with so much excitement that it made me pause and think…why was I not sharing his fervour?

Firstly, I felt bad. I started to mull over my negative thoughts. In fact, it kept me up for another hour, while he happily fell asleep. Strangely enough, I always thought he was the pessimist between the two of us!

But as I write this article the morning after, I am wondering if they are pessimistic if they remain private thoughts? What if I do not speak about them and just keep them secret? Maybe then they aren’t technically pessimistic thoughts but just that of concern for my business and its welfare?

Upon deeper introspection, I realized that because I am so intricately involved in my business, I do not see it objectively. Thus when success comes, I do not celebrate it enough! Even the small victories!

I have also learned that I am too hard on myself. As good news comes through, I should be reflecting on and appreciating the effort I have put in to take my business forward. Instead I start thinking of how I want more. More product, faster growth and a bigger client base.

So here’s what I am going to do from now on. When the successes come, BIG or SMALL, I will pause and enjoy them. I will remember where I come from and how hard I have worked to get here. I will forget my failures and mistakes, and focus on the good; the favour and the good that envelopes my life...I WILL CELEBRATE IT ALL!

Lizl Naude is the founder of Lilly Loompa in South Africa, a company that creates beautiful and usable furniture pieces made with recycled material. Lilly Loompa's “Rubbish Range” is the result of Lizl's craving to deliver pieces that are completely "green". Lizl is a self taught designer and started designing and making furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy new pieces to furnish her home. She started to scout and source for budget material and quickly realised that most people discard of very usable materials. This led to her building and designing beautiful furniture items that she used in her home.