Five Things I'd Tell Someone Starting their own Business

There are a million articles out there about starting your own business. Some are super helpful, some are a little overwhelming - and everything in between! The resources are abundant! However, there are a few things I have learned during the last eight months that nobody told me before I quit my job to start my own business. I thought I'd share a little bit of insight from down here in the trenches. 

1. Know when to walk away. 

Some days, the creative juices just aren't flowing. Some days, you're going to be super antsy and unfocused. Know when to step away from the computer. Take a break. Go for a walk around the block. Do whatever you need to do to clear your ahead.

One of the perks of self employment is being able to work during your prime hours. If you're a night owl, don't feel like you have to be hustling at 6 a.m. If you're like me and you do your best work before the sun is up, don't feel guilty when your brain shuts down at 3 p.m. Find the rhythms that make the best use of your time and brain. 

2. Take advantage of the flexibility. 

You might not see a paycheck for a verryyyy long time. Enjoy the other, non-financial perks, of your new gig. You're also probably going to work some very long hours, grinding away until something only you can do is just perfect. When you have slow days or your mom is in town, enjoy being able to take a break. 

3. You might be tempted to punish yourself for "not having a job."

I still struggle with this one. Some days, I feel like I should do 100% of the work around the house since Chris goes to work and I don't. I feel like I shouldn't ask him for help since I don't technically have the demands of a nine to five. But, the truth is, if you have this attitude, you'll never create the time and space you need to make your small business into a full-time job. So set your work hours and protect them fiercely. If one of your student-schedule friends consistently wants to talk on the phone at 10 a.m., let her know you love her (so much!), but you'd still like to talk during non-business hours. The more you treat it like a business, the more other people will, too. 

4. Slow down and celebrate the little things. 

One of the funny things about working on your own is there are no coworkers with whom you can celebrate. Find someone who will do a little celebrating with you, then celebrate everything. The blogger you didn't expect to reply? Celebrate it. The radio show you didn't anticipate being on? Live it up! Celebrate the wins a little bigger, because the losses hurt a little more when it's your own business.  Take a breath and treat yo self :). 

5. Remember that money isn't everything.

This creative business you're in? It sustains you. It keeps you sane. It makes it so you can breathe deeply, think clearly and appreciate life a little more. Write all of the reasons that you quit your job down somewhere. On days when it's super hard and your budget is tight and your friends are in Ibiza and you're gonna have to settle for camping, look at that paper. Remember that sanity and living in your purpose are more important than a trip to Ibiza. 

PS: You probably already know this, but: you're going to make mistakes, critical feedback and want to quit. Don't quit! It's part of the process. You can do this. On those days, have this book handy. Read it, highlight it, read it again.