We all know that there is a whole lot more involved in starting a business than just deciding that you’re going to do it.
You have to think about legal structure. There are financial considerations. And, you need to face hard realities about whether your great idea truly has potential as a viable and successful business.
But having the right mindset is also important. It can make a huge difference when you’re making the decision to take the leap. And, it can come in handy as you encounter challenges along the way.
So, before you leave your day job and take the leap into business ownership, here are a few must-do’s to help you get mentally prepared to start a business.
How To Get Mentally Prepared To Start A Business
Identify Your Why
You may know you want to be your own boss, and you may have some ideas about how you want to make it happen, but you need to dig deeper.
You need to clearly define your “why.” What’s motivating you to take the leap? And is it a strong enough reason to keep you going when you have a pile-up of slow paying clients, a hard drive crash or some other crisis?
Develop A Values-Based Business Plan
Having a business plan is crucial to setting your venture up for success, but take it a step further by asking yourself how your business plan honors your values and the passion that you have for your business concept.
It can be easy to get started or get excited about something new. But, trust me, you will hit roadblocks. Some of them will make you want to give up and go back to your day job. That is, if they’ll still have you.
You have to be able to find the motivation and strength to keep going when you encounter challenges that seem insurmountable. If your business plan is in alignment with your most passionate values, it’s much easier to stay on course and power through whatever obstacle is in your way.
Having this foundation is an important part of being mentally prepared to start a business. If you don’t have it, you may be more inclined to quit.
Dismiss Self-Doubt
There are many forms of self-doubt, including your own thoughts. Self-doubt keeps you from achieving your goals by instilling a fear of failure. Learn to identify it and dismiss it before it gets the best of you.
Build A Support Group
We need people who can hold on to that dream for us when we lose sight of it.
Think of friends, mentors and family members who will be most likely to support your venture and reach out to them when you need a boost.
A support group can also help provide you with accountability and a healthy dose of reality when you need it.
Don’t Reinvent The Wheel
Research what other businesses like yours have done. Learn from their mistakes and their successes.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for advice from people who have paved the way before you. You may be surprised at how willing other business owners are to help someone just starting out.
When I first considered freelancing, I contacted an experienced freelance writer in my city and asked if I could take her to lunch to get some advice.
I was quite nervous when I made the call, worried that she might just slam the phone down (back when you could do that) and not be willing to help someone she might perceive as competition.
It wasn’t the case at all. She was very willing to share her experiences and offer helpful tips and encouragement. Later on, she hired me to do some work for one of her clients, and today I am delighted to call her a friend.
Put Together An Action Plan And Go
Finally, once you’ve established a foundation for a positive and powerful mindset, put together an action plan and start moving forward. This is where a lot of people stall.
You may have a great concept but it will stay exactly that unless you start moving forward.
Lean on that support group for encouragement and accountability and turn that dream of yours into a reality.
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