A Checklist to Finally Take the Leap
So, you’ve got a brilliant idea and a solid plan, but every time you think about taking the plunge and starting your business, you freeze up like a deer in headlights. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. But guess what? The time to act is now! Whether you’re stuck in “someday” mode or just waiting for the stars to align, here’s a balanced (and slightly tongue in cheek) checklist to help you get your business goals off the ground in the new year.
First Things First: Get Your Mind Right
Before diving into the logistics of how to start a business, do yourself a favor and read these two things:
- Mel Robbins on Overcoming Doubt – Seriously, no excuses. Her advice on pushing through self-doubt and taking action is exactly what you need to set and achieve your business goals.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – Yes, everyone recommends this book. But this time, really read it. It is literally the LEAST overwhelming thing you will read all year. We promise it will help you form the habits you need to keep going, even when Netflix and your couch are calling your name.
Stop Doing This:
- Talking Yourself Out of It: You know the drill. Maybe next year…maybe when I have more money…maybe when I’m older and wiser…JUST STOP. The time is now.
- Waiting for the Perfect Moment: Spoiler alert – there is no “perfect” moment. If you wait for all the stars to align, you better prepare yourself for more years of corporate drudgery.
- Treating Your Time & Money Like You Have an Unlimited Supply: Newsflash, you don’t. The sooner you realize that 2025 will demand more from you than 2024, the better.
Keep Doing This:
- The Thinking: Keep refining those business goals and ideas. The fact that it’s still in your head means it’s worth exploring. Stay curious, stay open-minded.
- The Talking: Chat with your circle. You don’t need to spill the whole business plan, but get feedback, refine, rinse and repeat.
- The Prototyping: Whether it’s your product, your pitch, or your first social media post – start small, but start now. Perfection is overrated; progress is everything.
Start Doing This:
- Writing: Write down your business plan and your first pitch email. (Pro tip: we’re literally writing a book right now – Chapter 1 is in progress. Yes, we’re putting our own advice into action.)
- Doing: Here’s a challenge: Do one thing each day that pushes you out of your comfort zone and moves you closer to your business goals. ( For us, it’s testing our first-ever online course on topics we have been mentoring on for years.) What’s yours?
Final Thought: Don’t Wait for Perfection – Just Start
Starting a business is like jumping into a pool. You can stand at the edge, overthinking everything, or you can dive in, splash around, and figure things out as you go. So, go ahead, make this the year you finally take the leap. Your future (financially secure) self will thank you.
