Four Ways to STOP Working for Others

Whether you are a freelancer or a salaried person, you work for others. But you know that there is another reality and, moreover, it really speaks to you: being your own boss. Not in the way they usually sell it, but in a way that gives you true control over how you do things and, more importantly, when. Your time is your most valuable asset, after all. In short: you want to start a business to improve the world. And yours too, by the way.

If you haven’t given it a try yet, maybe now’s the time. We won’t go on about the benefits of testing your idea risk-free with Santander X Explorer, supported by a community that has your back when you need it. Instead, let’s break down the four most common excuses for not starting your own business: we will present the reasons for you to overcome these limiting beliefs and embark on the adventure that will change your life. 

“I don’t have the time or the money”

The famous “I can’t afford it” and “you need money for that” are the number one alibis when no other arguments are available. Here’s the truth:

• Money: In 95% of cases, all you need to start is a computer, an internet connection and your imagination. Chances are, you already have all three, so no expenses needed. Zero.
• Time: We’re not telling you to quit your full-time job or neglect your family. But we are saying: get your priorities straight. Log off social media. Put that series you’re watching on pause (just for now). Set aside one hour every evening for your work, like it’s the most important thing in the world (because it kind of is). You’ll be surprised how much something can grow when you dedicate even the smallest amount of time to it consistently. And eventually, that “plan B” might just start earning enough for you to say goodbye to your “secure” job (note the irony: relying on a company is often riskier than betting on yourself).
• Extra tip: Don’t confuse having no time with having no energy. If energy’s the issue, do a bit of inner work before launching your project. Start with tiny steps, simple routines you can stick to. These goals may seem insignificant, but they always add up to a bigger victory. In fact, it’s the way to know that every decision, every effort, counts. And it’s also a very good way not to waste time on fancy ideas that won’t help you in your short-term goals.

“What if no one buys my product or service?”

Having this doubt is the most normal thing in the world, but you can do two things:

• Make sure (as much as possible) that what you’re offering is actually sellable. How? By giving your potential clients something they already want to buy. Focus on solving their problems, on meeting their needs. That’s what will move the needle.
• Don’t run away from this fear. Embrace it for what it is, a completely natural feeling that doesn’t actually mean anything. That doubt is paralysing you, but the truth is, you’re not in danger. Nothing terrible will happen when you launch your idea, so go for it!

“I’m not an expert (and, besides, there are plenty of others who are)”

This excuse sabotages you in two ways:

• First, it makes you think you’re the problem, that you wouldn’t be able to sell something even to yourself. Solution: the one you have to sell your product or service to is your users. And they are not in your head; they don’t know your fears or insecurities. The only thing they need to know is that you are going to solve one (or more) of their pains. You don’t need to revolutionise the market, but help a group of people with your idea.
• Making you believe that everything has to be perfect before you launch**. Solution: work with what you have**, with what you can do, instead of focusing on what you can’t do. If you fall in love with a product or service that requires tools or skills you don’t have to bring to market… you’re setting yourself up for failure.

“I never finish what I start”

You’re putting obstacles in your own way before you’ve even begun. Try stripping your idea back to its simplest form, the bare minimum that still works. Then throw yourself into that smaller project with everything you’ve got. A more manageable goal will get you results faster. And later on, you can always add back in the bits you removed. No one will know they were there all along, in fact, your customers will just see them as great new features.

In short…

Keep these tips handy for the next time you start doubting yourself:

• Be realistic about what you can do, and when.
• Keep a clear mental image of your end goal, and the why behind your business. It’ll help you reach a profitable idea faster.
• Build a system that makes it easier to work than to procrastinate (make a task list, schedule dedicated time for your project, set up tomorrow’s session before ending today’s…).
• Treat your “plan B” with the same respect you give your “real” job.

And, above all, don’t feel guilty if things don’t work out the way you thought they would, because it will lead you into a cycle of not trying again. Instead, surround yourself with a community like the one you will find in Santander X Explorer, where you can validate (or not) your idea without risk. Ready to be the CEO of your own life?

Ready to become the CEO of your own life?

Source: Stacking the Bricks.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash.