I have always had the Entrepreneurial spirit, yet have worked a traditional 9:00-5:00 job since graduating from college (more years ago than I want to confess…wink, wink). There is so much noise and distraction in society about needing the ‘security’ of outside employment. Really though how ‘secure’ is working for someone else? At any time the market could shift, a new competitor emerge or reasons for downsizing could pop up and suddenly that job isn’t so secure.
Even familial pressure plays a factor when they ask the questions, “What about health insurance, retirement contribution, or guaranteed paycheck, etc?” Those doubters obviously have no idea that being an Entrepreneur can provide all that and much more!
Unfortunately, the societal noise has led to fear and the decision to hold back on the Entrepreneurial dream for many people and I was once one of those people. The best thing I have ever done for MYSELF was to make that LEAP and started my own online business and podcast.
It was scary and my stomach was in knots, but in life we all can grow by facing our fears. To help in the process I have a quote that has quickly become my personal daily mantra and it is, “What is the worst thing that could happen?” and really what is the worst thing that could happen?
The worst thing in my mind is FAILURE, yet as an adult I should know that is how all of us learn…from our mistakes and failures. Have I had a few failures in my new journey so far…YES! Am I still alive, healthy and have my supporting family by my side…YES again!! In hindsight, the failures I have experienced have been an essential part of my journey and growth and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Becoming an Entrepreneur can be stressful if you attempt it alone. The biggest element that has been helpful to keep me sane during this journey is Support. I have found such inspiration, help and encouragement by being a member of a wonderful Mastermind group, Fire Nation Elite, which is comprised of entrepreneurs of all kinds. Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the 5 people that you spend the most time with.” Choose those five people well and be strategic.
If you want to become a successful Entrepreneur (online or otherwise) then surround yourself with successful entrepreneurs. Together as a group you can support, encourage and learn from one another. Thankfully by surrounding myself with like minded people (now friends), I KNOW that success is in my future. I will not give up and thankfully my support wouldn’t let me give up either!
The best thing about becoming a entrepreneur is a realistic opportunity for my long term goals:
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Freedom to run a business aligned with my goals, values and passions.
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More quality time with my children (they are going to be out of the house before I know it).
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Ability to travel more with my family as I will no longer be locationally dependent.
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Living a life of purpose and having more time to volunteer and help others.
Don’t be afraid and just do it! The rewards will always outweigh any fears and you will be so grateful of your decision to become an Entrepreneur.
This guest post was written by Celest Horton, Founder of How to Pay for College HQ
Celest Horton
Founder of How to Pay for College HQ
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