How does it sound to build a thriving business for yourself before you ever have to work a 9-5? Today I'm giving you my full launch story (how I started my business before even graduating college) + tips on how you can do the same for yourself.
When I was in college, I started to really panic about what I would do after I graduated. It seemed like everyone else around me had their sh%t together and knew what they were doing for the next 40 years of their lives.
As much as I wanted to know what to do with my life, the thought of working the same job, with the same boss, and in the same boring office did not excite me. I realized the thought of working a corporate, 9-5 job was scarier to me than the unpredictable, often unstable, path of being an entrepreneur.
I went back-and-fourth for months, debating the best route for my future. After hours of meditation and self-care, I decided to chose from love rather than fear...and that meant starting my business.
Despite making this decision, I still came up with a ton of excuses to avoid getting started on my business. I felt like I should wait until I had at least some professional work experience. It was terrible timing because I was also leading a yoga teacher training program that took up over 20 hours of my time each week. Plus, at age 21 I felt too young to be taken seriously. Even though I had hundreds of excuses, I knew there would never be a perfect time to start. Thus, I got started right away...
Here is what I did:
1. I hired my first business coach.
While it was a big investment for me, I knew I needed the accountability and sense of direction in order to really see success in my business.
2. I felt the fear but moved forward anyway.
At any stage in your life, fear can really keep you paralyzed from taking action. Ultimately, deep down you have to know that this path is meant for you and trust yourself to make it happen.
3. I made a business out of what I was already doing.
The two primary things I was doing in my life during the four months I spent building my business were teaching yoga and pursuing a BBA degree. I created a business that literally blended these two commitments as a service. This made allowed my commitments contribute to my business rather than waste valuable time.
4. I made adequate time for self-care.
This piece was so important to avoid getting burned out. I took weekly yoga and fitness classes, made healthy food, got massages, spent time in nature, meditated, and had multiple at-home spa nights each week.
5. I made the higher choices.
I can't even remember how many times I turned down bar nights and parties throughout college. Of course it is still important to have a social life and spend time with your friends, but I skipped out on the events I knew would distract me from working on my launch and/or hinder my progress. Although it was a tough decision at times, I knew it was often necessary to make this dream a reality.
6. I cut the Excuses.
No, I was not too busy, too young, to under-qualified, or too broke to start my business. I decided I was pretty enough, smart enough, talented enough, rich enough, old enough, and good enough to start exactly as I was (and you are too!)
7. I started with what I was already good at.
I love writing, so I started with blog posts and newsletters before jumping into Instagram and other platforms that intimidated me. Don't feel like you have to be an expert at everything before you start.
I believe you can have any number of commitments--work, school, raising a child, etc.--and it is that it is still 100% possible to create a life for yourself.
