We have all seen one form or another of this familiar meme: Leap! And the net will appear. Take the risk or lose the chance. Well, yeah. But why in the world would I leap when it is so incredibly cozy here? And the view! It’s so nice and familiar! No, thanks. I will just sit here and drink my coffee where I am not at the risk of failing, or falling on my face, or losing my life’s savings, or looking like a fool.
Then again, if I leap I could live the dream I’ve had since forever. I could be bigger than I ever imagined. I could live life on my own terms. I could have everything I have ever wanted.
But it is so scary. I am just not good enough. I don't know the first thing about running my own business. The world doesn't need another business owner doing what I do. Well, we could go on like this all day. What the world needs is you. After all, you are the only you. Even if thousands of other people are already doing what you dream of doing, there is something about you that makes that process unique and special. The world needs you to have courage and passion and just a little bit of blind faith.
Making a big move can sometimes be paralyzing. Whether it’s moving to a new city or finally quitting your daily grind in pursuit of that natural deodorant company you’ve been secretly doodling logos for, taking the leap can be terrifying. Taking the leap can also be exhilarating.
So how do you peel your stuck feet from the earth and jump (without asking someone to push you)?
Here are three simple steps to put in place this year to help you bust a move.
1. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People
Whether your dream business is still germinating in your head or already a daily side-hustle, get with people that think and act as you do. Every industry has a network. Start talking to people in the industry you are looking to enter. Visit networking groups where you can meet other business owners (in and out of your industry) that are a few steps ahead of you and learn what helped them succeed. People love to help others that share their goals and aspirations. A great place to start is your local Chamber of Commerce or local business networking chapters. If you are a woman (sorry, guys), I can not emphasize enough how useful and critical it can be to find a business women’s group that you jive with. They are everywhere, even online. Find them and connect.
2. If You Can Visualize it, then You Can Achieve It
Gift yourself some quiet time to daydream. Take your logic hat off and let your dreamy mind take over. Where in time would you like to see your success come to life? Is it in a year? Five years? Ten years? Put yourself there. Use your senses and connect with what your definition of success is. Take a look around. What does your family life look like? What does your workweek look like? Your workspace? How many people work with you? What do those relationships feel like? How do you interact with your customers? What does your bank account look like? Your retirement account? Practice this exercise daily. It won’t take you more than 15 minutes. Make it a habit as unbreakable as brushing your teeth or grabbing that cup of joe.
3. Script Away
Get it down on paper. There is something magical birthed from the process of writing down what you want and what you believe is possible. The tangibility of your words has the power of creating a certain level of unconscious accountability that will push you forward. So make a list of your goals and dreams, write yourself a letter that you can keep with you and read until you’ve got it memorized so you have no choice but to believe it. Why is owning your own business important to you? Get real. What will calling your own shots afford you? Flexibility? Financial security? The chance to do things your way? Get specific. What kind of life will you enjoy when you succeed at your dreams? What does it look, smell, feel like?
Yes, taking a leap of faith can be scary but you are the master of your life and your experience. This is your shot so take it. Let the little steps before the proverbial leap be what gives you the courage and fortitude you seek to follow your dreams. Want to start connecting with your community? Come hang out with us! We are here to serve and inspire you to see what is already possible.
Comentários