Miley Cyrus and the Entrepreneur’s Journey: Are You Stranded on an Island or Have You Landed in Paradise?

Her song “Flowers” was everywhere - a bold, empowering anthem that had everyone listening. But it’s another track from her album that caught my attention, and it’s more than just catchy: it’s like a metaphor for the journey of building a business.

The song is called “Island,” and it stopped me in my tracks. Its chorus is both haunting and hopeful: “Am I stranded on an island, or have I landed in paradise?” That line speaks directly to anyone brave enough to start their own business. Starting up often feels like a leap into the unknown - a vulnerable place where you feel exposed, sometimes even alone, with everyone watching and wondering what’s next.

Building a business is a journey that looks thrilling from the outside but can feel isolating on the inside. You work tirelessly to build something new, often without the support you’d expect from those closest to you. Friends and family may not “like” your social media posts or share your work. They might not understand your dream, and while some may stand by you, others might drift away. The truth is, starting something meaningful, like a new business, can feel like you’re stranded on an island. But maybe, just maybe, it’s exactly where you’re meant to be - paradise in the making.

As business owners and entrepreneurs, we hold onto the comfort of our personal circles, hoping our friends and family will be our biggest cheerleaders. But here’s the reality: not everyone can join you on this journey. Not everyone sees what you see or understands what you’re working towards. As Miley’s lyrics suggest, there’s a shift that occurs when you pursue something extraordinary. You’re stepping out of the “safe bubble” of your life, creating ripples that naturally cause some people to fall away. It’s not because they don’t care - they simply may not know how to support your growth.

But what if, rather than seeing this as a loss, you could view it as landing in paradise? Building something as unique as your own business means you’re creating your own path, with you calling the shots. This journey might feel isolating, but it’s that solitude that offers you a new perspective, new confidence, and, ultimately, new connections. You’ll find your supporters along the way, people who understand your vision and share your drive.

The closer you get to your goal, the more natural it becomes to look back at where you started and realise that, yes, it was challenging, but yes, it was also worth it. That “island” feeling - being alone, adrift - is actually the place where the real magic and growth happens. So, if you’re chasing your dream, take a moment to ask yourself: are you really stranded, or have you just found paradise?

Go listen to the song. Trust Miley’s lyrics, and trust yourself on this journey."

Check Miley Cyrus's website out!