Many people
dream of leaving their nine-to-five jobs to start their own businesses.
Many successful entrepreneurs had to keep their day jobs until they
reached a point in their businesses when it was feasible to quit. This
transition time can be stressful and difficult, especially when you
don’t enjoy your job, but it doesn’t have to be.
While
ambition is important, it is not always enough to move you forward.
Maintaining your motivation and drive during your transition from
employee to entrepreneur is crucial. It’s easy to veer off course and
get discouraged during this transitional phase. Here are some actions
you can start taking immediately while you’re still at your day job that
will keep you on track and moving forward.
1. Get crystal clear on your reason for starting your business.
Connecting
with your “why” is the most important first step you can take. Maybe you
are motivated by being your own boss, financial independence, time
freedom, creative expression, being home with your kids or helping
others. Whatever your reason, knowing what motivates and drives you is
what will keep you focused and committed to your dream when times get
difficult.
2. Commit yourself to your dream.
Having the
desire for something to work vs. committing to it are vastly different.
When you commit to your dream, you are making a binding obligation to
see it through to success. It means you are “all in,” you find solutions
when faced with obstacles and you don’t quit, no matter what. Make that
pledge to yourself, and then tell the people in your life.
3. Create a personal vision for your business.
Think about
what you want in your business a year from now and write it down. Be
very specific and detailed. Describe in great detail in the present
tense your ideal day, what activities you engage in, who your
customers/clients are, how many customers/clients you have and what your
monthly income is.
Read your
vision aloud every morning and evening, focusing completely on the end
result -- your vibrant, flourishing business. By keeping your focus on
the result, you will be able to make the day-to-day choices to ignore
any negative thoughts that may arise.
4. Join a mastermind group.
A mastermind
group is a peer-to-peer mentoring group that meets regularly to support
each other, brainstorm ideas and share advice and work through
challenges together. A mastermind group can be excellent for helping you
stay accountable and motivated.
There are
mastermind groups that meet in person, online or on the phone. To find a
mastermind group, Meetup is a great place to start. If you cannot find
one to join, then create your own with people who are also starting a
business.
5. Immerse yourself in learning.
Research and
study anything you can find that is pertinent to your business. The
Internet provides an abundance of valuable information on building a
successful business. Take courses, hire a coach or find a mentor. Listen
to podcasts or audiobooks during your morning commute. The more you
learn and become an expert in your area, the more self-assured,
motivated and successful you will be.
6. Stay positive about your day job.
Every day,
acknowledge something you appreciate about your job. Perhaps you enjoy
your co-workers or always having holidays off. Maybe it’s just the free
coffee or your comfortable chair.
The point is
to look for the good things. The more you focus on what is positive
about your current situation, the more success you will bring to all
situations, including your business. Negative thoughts drain your
energy, making it far more difficult to move forward with your dream.
7. Set daily goals.
Take small,
measurable action steps each day toward your business, understanding
there will be times when it seems like you are making no progress at
all. Much of the work, in the beginning, will be tedious day-to-day
tasks. Realize it is all part of building your business. By taking steps
each day, which includes doing the mundane, you will start seeing
results. The more progress you make, the more confidence and
determination you have to keep moving forward.
By taking
these actions while still working your day job, you will stay focused,
motivated and committed to making your dream a reality. It will also
make the time spent at your job seem to go by faster.
Tupe Maoni Yako( Matusi Hapana )
