1) Create a Vision
Without a vision of our life and work, we all float in a sea of every day tasks. Like a boat without a rudder, our lives have no direction. Ideas come and go, but we have no compass to guide us. Are you’re feeling like you’re caught in the drift? Take some time to visualize your ideal life. What would a perfect day look like for you? How does family, work, fun, learning etc. fit into your day? Imagine it with color and texture. Fill in all the details. The more clearly you create this vision, the more will it pull you on course to take the right actions at the right time.
2) Build a Support Team
Without a support team in our life and work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and often isolated. You tell yourself that you don’t even have time for a massage or have fun. And now we are talking about building a business? Yet that nagging feeling that there is more to life doesn’t go away. What can you do about it? Find people to support you. Find ways to reduce the energy-draining tasks in your life. Find out what gives you joy and pleasure. Focus on the ones that you love doing. Find help for the rest. This works in business and in life! Remember to base your success on the things that you’re good at. Focus on your talents and passions. Build a support team for the rest. Success will follow!
3) Explore!
Take some time to find books, search the Internet, find a coach or consultant, talk to successful business owners, and network. You need to research your market. Formulate your vision. And create a realistic business plan. It’s important to realize that your business is your product, not the cookies, hair cuts or counseling services. Start to think like a professional! Believe in yourself, be honest and learn what you need to know.
4) Take risks
As parents, we tend to be nurturing, caring, careful and cautious. It’s great for raising kids, but not for creating your ideal life. It’s scary to leave your comfort zone, but it’s also exciting. Ask yourself, if I were guaranteed success in my dream business, what would I do? Why not do for yourself what you do for your kids every day? Nudge yourself to try something new. Challenge yourself. Let yourself climb higher than you thought possible. Don’t be afraid of stumbling, you’ll get back up and try again!
5) Surround Yourself With Other Inspired Entrepreneurs
I can’t tell you how important it is to be supported by other like-minded people. We parents tend to work in isolation in our homes. We don’t have a company water cooler where we can bounce ideas off other people. We rarely do power lunches to connect and get inspired. Evenings in the cigar room or weekends on the golf course? Forget it! But it is important to connect. To know that we are not alone with our hopes and fears. And to find answers to our questions.
Fortunately, you have many options that will help you find like-minded entrepreneurial parents. You could join other entrepreneurs online, create a support group in your neighborhood, attend networking groups or join a coaching group. Once you experience the bonding and friendship-building that goes on in the group, you’ll truly appreciate how powerful it is.
