“The longer I put off starting my own business, the longer it can remain a dream. It’s not something I screwed up. It’s like I’m giving up before I started.” -Fictional TV Character
Do I have what it takes? It’s a question that I ask myself more and more these days. In my bucket list for this year I state that I want to make a considerable run at starting an internet or ecommerce business. This has been my “end goal” for some time. I finally have a few ideas that could become viable business with the proper due diligence and hard work. However, I’m scared shitless.
Do I have the passion and energy to bring these ideas to fruition? If so, why haven’t I started working on them yet? (I have taken small steps, but nothing substantial) I think the above quote rests on my shoulders like an anvil. I think about it all the time. I’m 26 and sometimes think (foolishly) my window of opportunity for entrepreneurship is quickly closing. Yes, I understand how ridiculous that statements sounds, but think about it. *What if I get married and/or have an unexpected child? I now have people that depend on me. I can’t just plop down my credit card, risk bankruptcy like I can now. Right now, the only person I have to answer to is myself. A family means that dreams are put on the back burner and basic necessities take the main stage. The longer you work for someone, the more comfortable you can get. This especially holds true if you have a family that has become accustomed to the lifestyle/security your salary has provided. Plus, there are always bills. There is always an excuse. Will I find the courage to overcome these apprehensions and dive into the torrential entrepreneurial waters?
“If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative.” – Woody Allen
After reading the article “How My Start Up Failed” I felt this sense of excitement and a rush of doubt. I loved what I was reading. I love reading people have the guts to put it all on the line, bust their ass, deal with failure, and start all over again. Yet, there was this splinter of doubt bothering me. Could I put myself $10,000 in the hole for this dream? I have been so financially prudent my entire life, that part of me says, that’s ridiculous to jeopardize my credit for the long term with this. The other half says, “Shut up you wanker and do it. Make yourself happy!” It’s sad that I actually consider option A.
Despite my monumental fears, I plan on working towards my entrepreneurial dreams, and won’t let myself be discouraged. I just need to put myself out there and keep plugging away. I’m sure this isn’t the last time you hear about my dreams, my fears, and my willingness to proceed. I hope everyone has the patience to come along for the ride.
*My friends and family have told me time and again that I need to stop worrying about “What If” situations. I put my mind and body under a tremendous amount of stress with these hypothetical situations that often times never happen. Maybe I should add this to my 2010 bucket list?
“Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It’s OK to fail. If you’re not failing, you’re not growing.” – H. Stanley Judd
Tags: Desire, Ecommerce, Entrepreneur, Failur, Fear, Jesse Bouman, Small Business
Remember, you’ve got a lot of friends (and family?) who can help you along the way. To a degree, even if you start sans partners you still aren’t starting your project “alone.” In your network you’ve already got people who’ve gone before you: stand on their shoulders.
Also, what is the success rate of any given internet project? I don’t know, but I can tell you it isn’t 100%. Some see this as a hindrance, but I see it as opportunity. All it means is I have to start X number of businesses before I hit the Dream. Starting one business is great, but what if you set out to start three by the end of the year? How does that change in thinking change your action plan for TODAY?
What you put your focus on you attract! So put your focus on moving forward with your own business! Visualize it! What is your gut feeling? What is your intuition telling you? Listen to that. I’m sure that when you decide that you are going to do it you will be very successful. I know that I don’t know you all that well I just have that feeling your going to do great things! I have to say ready this post make me stop and think as well! I know eventually I want my own business but I’m not sure yet what type of business?
Good luck my friend!