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10 Reasons Why You Should Start Your Own Business Today

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Are you thinking of quitting your job and starting your own thing but not sure if it’s the right decision?

Are you scared of failing? of going broke? of living uncomfortably? of disappointing your loved ones?

Are you scared that you might not be able to live up to your own expectations?

Not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur. But if you feel it in your blood and feel an itch to start your own thing, you must do it. The reward is not just the money which most early-stage entrepreneurs don’t have. In fact, most businesses fail. But why am I still encouraging you to start your own thing if you have an itch to do so?

Below are the reasons why starting your own thing might be the best decision you’ll ever make in your life.

And believe me, if you’ve been pondering about doing it, you just have to do it!

 

1. You will delete the ‘what-ifs’ in your life.

Most of us are passionate about something. And if we are talented enough to be good at what we’re passionate about, surely we’d want to turn that into a career. But competition might be fierce. The market might be tough. Finances might not look so bright. So, we stick ourselves to the 9-5 because it makes us feel safe and secure.

But what if you’re bored in your job? What if you’re not excited about going to work anymore? What if you’re looking forward to doing something of your passion and having freedom with your own time?

Starting your own business might sound scary but it is a sure way to get rid of what-ifs in your life especially if you’re in your 20s and don’t have a family to feed. You have nothing to lose but a whole lot to gain.

 

2. You will accelerate your learning curve like never before.

One of the things you will learn when starting your own business is learning. Being an employee, you learn about your role and your industry. However, being your own boss, you have to learn everything – from marketing to accounting, operations, and finance. You will have to keep up-to-date with the new technology, tools, consumer trends, and industry news. You will learn like never before.

Before you know it, you will become a lifelong learner who loves the challenge of learning about something new. You will take life as a progressive journey as you do with business.

There is no better way to accelerate your learning curve like starting your own thing!

 

3. You will learn to be independent in your thinking and trust your instinct.

Starting your own business requires you to think on your feet a lot. Whether you start it on your own or with a business partner, you will have to make a decision without a boss or team members who are there for you bounce ideas of. Over and over, you will learn to make decisions independently and become more decisive as you grow. You will learn to trust your gut instinct because no one else knows your business like you do.

It is a wonderful feeling to feel that every decision you make is solely dependent on you.You don’t need to compromise with different opinions from your boss and your colleagues anymore. You make your own decision and you are responsible for it.

 

4. You will wake up every day driven and motivated to go to work.

Surely this is one of the main reasons why people start their own thing. Nothing feels as exciting as following one’s passion and dreams. You might have a few sleepless nights because reality keeps you up with excitement – thinking about different ideas and strategy, stalking your competitors, and dreaming about the possible dream-come-true. Even during down times not making any sales, you’re still motivated to go to work, fix the bugs, pump up the sales, and make it happen.

Because the business is yours and yours only. You’re not working for somebody else, so work hard and make it happen. The reward will be worth it.

 

5. You will become more daring and fearless.

Starting one’s business can be scary for any first-time entrepreneur without wealthy parents backing them up. You have to believe in yourself and make daring decisions over and over. From deciding that you will not get a full-time job to investing in the business and making several business decisions on your own.

Becoming an entrepreneur you will get rid of your self-limiting belief like never before. You will learn that nothing is to be scared of. You will learn that your comfort zone keeps expanding every time you get out of your comfort zone.

You will learn to initiate contacts and approach people. You will learn to make things happen and even if you have no idea about something, you will learn about it in every way you can without doubt and without fear. Over and over, this becomes a habit. You will have built this boldness in you and will become used to getting out of your comfort zone

 

Checkout Seth Godin’s Advice on Conquering Fear to Start Your Own Business

https://youtu.be/JkpfhmDdU3A?t=19s

 

6. You know what it feels like to truly follow one’s passion.

Some people might never understand why some people decide to become a struggling artist instead of doing something else for a living. After starting your own business, you will understand how fulfilled it feels to actually follow your dreams and your heart. The reward is not necessarily the money.

The reward is in being your own boss and in the art of creating something that you truly own and love. You will learn what it’s like to sacrifice external things that make you happy (like drinking and eating out) for things that make you happy internally (like making your business succeed).

Of course, a profitable business is what proves your capability as a businessman. However, what truly drives you is not the money; it’s the passion and fulfillment you get from following your dreams.

 

7. You will become a man of actions, and not just words.

A lot of people talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. As an entrepreneur you cannot just talk and don’t make actions. You have to keep your words and follow through. In fact, things will not happen unless you make actions.

Being an entrepreneur teaches you that things don’t happen as you wish, things happen as you do. You cannot ask someone else to do it for you or expect a colleague to help. You are on your own and only actions will bring your idea to life.

 

8. You will realize that there are so many talented and ambitious people out there.

Being an entrepreneur can be lonely at times. But if you make friends with other entrepreneurs in your community or even around the world, you will realize that there are so many talented and ambitious people out there. You’re not alone. You’re not on your own. And these people are more than happy to share with you their experiences, advice, and recommendations.

Suddenly, the world seems not so small anymore. There is a whole world out there waiting for you to discover, to learn, and to grow.

The more you get immersed into the entrepreneur’s world and interact with other entrepreneurs, the more opportunities you will spot and the more driven you will become.

 

9. You will never doubt yourself ever again.

Starting your own business takes guts. To be able to take a leap of faith in yourself and jump, you will have already gotten rid of your self-doubt. And on the process of working on your own business, you will become even more of a firm believer in:

Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.”

Most important of all, you will never hesitate to invest in yourself because it is the only thing that always multiplies and can never be taken away from you.

 

10. You will want to do it all over again.

You might have succeeded. You might have failed. But the fact that you have learned so much along the way makes it all worth while.  Starting your own thing gives you a sense of control in your own life and joy and fulfillment in doing something that you truly love.

The rush, the excitement, the fear, the tears, the sweat, and the countless nights sleeping next to your laptop – they are experiences you would never have if you haven’t started your own thing. You couldn’t have it any other way. And you’re always looking out for the right opportunity to do it all over again.

 

Quick Tips;

If you want to start your own thing but still don’t know where to start, follow theses steps;

1. Start by thinking about your true passion – what you want to wake up to doing everyday.

2. Think about a killer business idea and test it with the market. Make sure there is a demand for that and who your target customer would be. Get to know them. Learn about them as much as you can.

3. Consider the skill set that you have and that you lack. When starting your own business, be the boss in the area that you’re good at and hire someone to help you in the area that you’re weak in.

4. Take a leap of faith in yourself and just do it. You can always get money back but you can never get your time back. So follow your dream. Don’t waste any more time. If you succeed, you will be rich and happy. If you fail, well, at least you’ll become smarter.

 

Mo Seetubtim is a designer and founder of the Inspirational website "BrandMentalist", she is also a writer for other top publications such as Thought Catalog, Addicted2Success and The Huffington Post. She is also the founder of The Happiness Planner, a stationery brand that focuses on happiness, positive thinking, mindfulness, gratitude and self-development.

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15 Business Lessons From Napoleon’s Playbook

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Image Credit | Joel Brown

Unleash your business potential by harnessing Napoleon’s strategic genius.

From dreaming big and thinking bold to moving fast and staying agile, these time-tested tactics are your blueprint for success.

Learn how creative leadership, detailed planning, and relentless execution can transform your business landscape. Boost morale, lead with clarity, and embrace hard work to conquer your industry.

Don’t just survive—thrive with the power of Napoleon’s lessons.

Here are 15 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte

 

1. Dream Big, Think Bold

Napoleon wasn’t just playing small; he believed that “Imagination rules the world.” In the business world, boldness and creativity are game-changers. Don’t just aim to fit in—push boundaries and set ambitious goals that make you stand out.

Think of Steve Jobs, who didn’t just want to make computers; he wanted to revolutionize entire industries. Your vision should be so grand it almost feels unreachable. When you dream big, you inspire those around you to believe in the impossible and work together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

2. Move Fast, Stay Agile

Napoleon’s quick and secretive moves gave him an edge. In business, you gotta be nimble. Adapt quickly, move fast, and you’ll often find yourself ahead of the game, capturing opportunities your competitors miss.

Companies like Amazon and Tesla thrive because they constantly innovate and pivot when needed. Speed is your friend; it allows you to react to market changes and customer demands faster than the competition, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve.

3. Creative Leadership

Napoleon thrived on chaos and wasn’t afraid to switch things up. Unlike rigid leaders, he was flexible and adaptive. In business, embrace change and let chaos work for you. Being adaptable can turn unpredictable situations into opportunities.

Think of how Netflix transitioned from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. Flexibility and creativity in leadership allow you to navigate through turmoil and emerge stronger, transforming challenges into stepping stones.

 

4. Organize Like a Pro

Napoleon’s mind was like a supercomputer, processing vast amounts of info to make smart moves. Businesses should do the same—stay organized, use real-time data, and adapt strategies based on fresh insights to keep that competitive edge.

Utilize modern tools like CRM systems, analytics software, and AI to manage information efficiently. Staying organized and informed means you can make better decisions, foresee potential issues, and react promptly.

 

5. Keep It Simple

Napoleon knew the power of simplicity. Overcomplicating things can bog you down. In business, streamline processes and focus on what truly matters to hit your goals efficiently.

Apple’s product design philosophy under Jobs was about simplicity and user-friendliness.When you remove unnecessary complexity, you reduce errors, speed up processes, and make it easier for your team to focus on what’s important, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

 

6. Execute Relentlessly

Once Napoleon decided on a course of action, he went all in. In business, once you pick a direction, pursue it with full commitment. Execution is where success is truly made.

Look at how Elon Musk commits to his vision for SpaceX and Tesla. Relentless execution means overcoming obstacles, staying focused on your goals, and not getting distracted by setbacks. It’s the determination and persistence in execution that ultimately leads to triumph.

 

7. Play to Your Strengths

Napoleon only fought battles he knew he could win. In business, focus on your strengths and avoid head-to-head fights in areas where you’re weak. Know your advantages and leverage them.

Microsoft leverages its strength in software development and cloud services rather than trying to compete directly in hardware. Understanding and maximizing your strengths ensures you play a game you can win, using your unique capabilities to outshine competitors.

 

8. Plan in Detail

Napoleon planned for every possible scenario. Businesses should do the same—conduct thorough planning and prepare for various outcomes.

Detailed planning helps you stay ready for anything. Scenario planning and SWOT analysis are tools that can help you foresee different futures and prepare accordingly. When you’re prepared for multiple scenarios, you can adapt smoothly and continue to drive forward, no matter what challenges arise.

 

9. Seize Opportunities

Napoleon saw luck as the ability to capitalize on accidents. In business, be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities. Agility is key.

Companies like Uber and Airbnb seized gaps in the market by being ready to pounce on opportunities when they arose. Always be on the lookout for opportunities, and when they come, don’t hesitate. Preparation and readiness to act quickly can turn unexpected moments into major breakthroughs.

 

10. Learn from the Past

Napoleon studied the greats who came before him. Entrepreneurs should always be learning from the successes and failures of others. History is full of lessons waiting to be applied.

Warren Buffett is famous for studying businesses and market histories. By learning from the past, you can avoid repeating mistakes, understand what works, and build on proven strategies. Continuous learning from history helps refine your strategies and improve decision-making.

 

11. Boost Morale

Napoleon knew how to keep his troops motivated. Business leaders should do the same—keep your team inspired and engaged. High morale leads to high productivity.

Companies like Google and Salesforce invest heavily in employee well-being and motivation. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more productive, innovative, and loyal. High morale fosters a positive work environment where people are excited to contribute and excel.

 

12. Lead with Clarity

Napoleon believed in the power of a strong, decisive leader. In business, clear direction and strong leadership are crucial. Ensure everyone knows the plan and follows it.

Leaders like Jeff Bezos provide a clear vision and direction, ensuring their teams know what they’re working towards. Clear, decisive leadership aligns your team, fosters trust, and drives coordinated efforts towards achieving your business goals.

 

13. Reflect on Failures

Napoleon analyzed both his wins and losses. Businesses should review their successes and failures to keep improving. Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in his book Principles. By conducting post-mortems, you can understand what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine your strategies to avoid future pitfalls and drive success.

 

14. Action-Oriented

Napoleon was all about turning thoughts into actions. In business, decisiveness and execution are vital. Don’t just plan—act on those plans with energy and determination.

Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson embody this principle by constantly moving from ideas to actions. Action orientation ensures that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis but instead drive forward, making things happen and turning visions into reality.

 

15. Embrace Hard Work

Napoleon lived and breathed work, saying, “Work is my element; I am born and built for work.”

In business, a strong work ethic and relentless dedication are key to success. Think of how Howard Schultz rebuilt Starbucks through sheer hard work and determination. Embracing hard work means being willing to put in the necessary effort, staying dedicated to your mission, and continuously pushing towards your goals, no matter the challenges.

 

By implementing these lessons from Napoleon, businesses can sharpen their strategies, strengthen leadership, and execute with precision, driving sustained success.

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