Last week we started discussed some reasons for starting a business, and this week we’ll finish that conversation. If you missed last week then take a few minutes to check Part 1 Here, it isn’t long. We’ll finish up this week with my three remaining business-starting values.
Freedom
As I’ve said, starting a business is hard; at times you’re going to work very long days and weeks, and there is so much responsibility on your shoulders.
But even with these intense realities, my schedule still belongs to me. Much of the scheduling in the corporate world revolves around other people’s preferences— what works best for them, when they feel like it— and your needs and desires end up meaning very little…
For example, going to the gym is really important for my physical and mental health. Like, really important. I usually go to the gym at 4:00 pm every day, getting home around dinnertime to eat and put in a few more hours of work. Now, this is how I choose to work and having my own business gives me that freedom. My resolve, will power, emotional stamina, physical well being, all of these things are dramatically healthier simply because I know that I work well in the mornings and going to the gym as a break in the afternoon puts my productivity into a whole new category.
Being free to work around my needs— to be sensitive to myself as well as others— is what owning a business allows me to do.
Another area of freedom is obviously financial. Financial freedom is a term that gets thrown around a lot but I think it is important to note. One of the main goals of starting a business is to make money, and most businesses fail because of poor execution, not because of poor dreaming. Assuming you execute wisely then there’s no reason why you can’t succeed and gain the financial freedom you need. Financial freedom basically just means the freedom to pursue whatever you choose because you are not limited monetarily.
Starting a business puts this power into your hands.
Control
We have already touched on control in terms of your values, your unlimited potential, and with freedom. However, now I want to talk about specific business control. Deciding everything from clients to merchandise to branding is amazing! I never thought I would say that, especially about branding. But seeing your dreams in real life, being a part of that and seeing it breathed out in fresh expression is nearly unbelievable. Having the control to call all of your vocational shots just ends up feeling right; once you start working for yourself you won’t remember why you worked for someone else to begin with.
Now a quick caveat is needed: Although it is “awesome” to make all the decisions, it isn’t entirely wise either. One thing I have learned is that surrounding yourself with good people makes all the difference. I may not be awesome at graphic design, but if I can find someone who is, it will turn out awesome. This caveat may seem like a “duh” moment, but almost more than any other, I see this one get overlooked.
Use control to grow, not stifle.
Build it around your passion
What would you build a business around?
Do you have something that you love? Do you have something that you could talk about for hours? That is what you need to start your business around. It doesn’t matter what it is, it can be done. Imagine being able to do what you love every single day. Pretty amazing, right? Kind of even makes sense…
Do you have a passion that you want to turn into a business, but aren’t sure where to start? I would love to chat with you. Businesses and business ideas fascinate me and I want to spend a large part of my life exploring them with people. I could talk about them all day, especially the financial aspect (accounting business owner). Realizing these passions inside myself and walking them out have changed my life.
Honestly, what are you waiting for?
