How to Navigate the Transition From the 9-5 to Entrepreneurship
Three years ago as I was driving home from my job, when I was hit with a wave of creativity. I had a brand, a name, and a whole bubble diagram filled with ideas. It was exhilarating to see it laid out on paper and how clearly the ideas came to me when it hit. I knew deep down that this was the path I was meant to pursue, but then the doubts begin to flow in.
Who am I to create this?
Wouldn’t I be silly to leave the job that I’ve worked so hard in?
What about my bills? How will I pay for what I need?
How will I do this??
Maybe you have felt this same way:
You have the ideas.
You may even have the support system.
Maybe you already have an entrepreneurial background.
Maybe you are stuck in a 9-5 that although you don’t enjoy, pays the bills.
Maybe you already know what your first step should be, but you're still feeling….stuck.
So when it comes to starting a business….well...where the heck do you start?
My friend–you are in the right place at the right time!
I want to share my top 5 strategies that propelled me to step forward into my purpose
Clarity:
Clarity is KEY my friends. You have to be crystal clear on what exactly it is you want to do AND why you want to do it. And I’ll be bold and say that the “how” is not important in the beginning as that can shift and change. When it comes to your vision, brain dump every idea you have on to paper. Could even create a bubble diagram like I did. See your vision and ask yourself, why is this important for me to create? If you are feeling moved by that answer, chances are you have found clarity in your vision.
Courage:
Being an entrepreneur is all about walking down the unknown path and doing that takes COURAGE. Having your own business is not the norm. You do not have a boss telling you what to do and in the beginning you may have ZERO idea of WHAT to do, but as long as you have the courage to go for it anyways, I promise you, you will figure it out along the way. Every big name entrepreneur did not bring their vision to life by solely thinking about it. They had the courage to take action, fall down, get back up, and try again. You will never know what will happen unless you have the courage to go for it. So today ask yourself, “What is one step I can take that will help me get closer to bringing my vision to life?
Consistency:
Consistency, consistency, consistency. Most visions do not come to life on the first try. You must repeatedly take action, and oftentimes the same action, to pursue what you love. When it comes to consistency this doesn’t mean the number of hours, after all you are leaving the 9-5 for a reason right? This is about being intentional and strategic with the hours that you have. What are things that you can do monthly, weekly, and daily to bring your vision to life? Lay it out and make your plan!
Community:
Community is everything. Being an entrepreneur is oftentimes a lonely path. You are on your own wearing all the hats. You may even face confusion and criticism from those closest to you because they may not understand. That is why it is so important to plug into a community that has your back. There are tons of paid and unpaid entrepreneur communities that you can become a part of. This gives you a place to grow together and reminds you that although this business is your own, you are not on your own.
Lastly, Commitment:
You commit everyday to someone else’s dream when you show up to work so why not commit to yours. You have this vision for a purpose. I 100000% believe that an idea or a vision would not be placed on your heart if it was not there for a reason. Today I want to encourage you to COMMIT. This is YOUR TIME and YOUR VISION to bring to life. You can do this.
Someone out there is waiting for what only YOU can offer.
I’m cheering you on!
And if you need support on building the foundation–check out The School of Passion!
x,
Haley