Find your passion and what you can share with others. Develop your passion for your hobbies. Think of the first thing that you think of doing for others—that’s what you should be focusing on. Have confidence in yourself and know that you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to.
Know that it takes time to build up a business, so be persistent and keep working hard at the things you love. Plus, it’s never too late for a career change. People change, situations change, and if you love to do one thing, it won’t feel like hard work—plus, you’ll get paid for it too!
When you set your mind to better your professional path, a good start is to continue your education. Stay curious and in search of learning new things. Even go out and tell your closest friends and family what you’ve been dreaming of doing. This way, you’ll commit to making them happen.
Instead of saying: “I would like to try this.” commit yourself and say: “I’m going to do this.” or “I am going to find a passion for doing this.” In doing so, even the hobby that you’re most passionate about can become your full-time job; you will still treat it professionally. You’ll have plenty of time to fool around once you turn off your computer, walk out of a classroom or a gym, or when the camera lights turn off depending on what your job consists of. Keeping a professional attitude will attract many more sympathies in the long run than throwing all your best attributes to the table right away.
Normally, if you pursue your dreams for your work, your work never stops. If nothing else, you think of it constantly. And you think of ways how you can improve, form new connections, what else you can research, write about your findings and possibly help others with what you have learned. At the end of your day, you have multiple clients that might be more demanding than one boss that you have at your 9–5.
You should and have to be your biggest fan. Fake it until you make it is not just a saying made up for nothing. You should exuberate what you are selling. Don’t shy away from telling everybody what you’re up to and own up to it.
Set up a schedule and stick to it. It is all understood that you won’t be able to sit behind your computer for 12 hours straight, so take breaks in between to recharge. Be honest with yourself. Discipline just means knowing when you’re working and when you’re taking a break so you can make the best out of both. And always do your best, whether it is a 5-minute meditation in between or a full-on work session. Know that there is always room for more. Organize your activities, so when you look back, you don’t have regrets. Instead, realize how you fit it into the bigger picture.
Before getting discouraged before you even start, understand that rejection is a part of the game. Reaching out to new clients will put you in a vulnerable position. Being on the market, you sign up for this. Just don’t take rejection personally and let it boost your will to work even harder.
One thing is sure, that being an entrepreneur comes with many unknowns. Embrace them, and have fun. It changes and evolves you, so as much as you keep to your path, go with the flow too. Listen to your gut; you never know where it takes you. Don’t stubbornly stick to your goal, but rather check in with your plans at smaller steps.
You have to know why you are doing this. It is everything. And don’t answer because of the money, because money is always the answer. Your why needs to come from within if you wish to be successful.
Even when things are hard, or you’re asked to do something that you’re not 100% comfortable doing, know that it is all worth it. Sure, there are times when you would be rather doing anything else but work. But, if you really enjoy the process, you can get a million benefits out of it. Look at life from the bright side.