Feeling Like You’re Not Ready to Start a Business? Here’s Why You Actually Are.

Monday, November 25, 2024

Primary Blog/Lifestyle Business Launc/Feeling Like You’re Not Ready to Start a Business? Here’s Why You Actually Are.

Eric Hodgdon

Monday, November 25, 2024

Starting a business can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to believe you need more experience, more money, or the “perfect” timing before you even consider taking the leap. But what if I told you that feeling unprepared is a sign you’re exactly where you need to be?

When I stepped away from corporate America in 2017, I didn't think I was ready either. And, many successful entrepreneurs didn’t feel ready when they started.

The truth is, the journey to building a business begins with a mindset shift, not a perfectly laid-out plan. Here’s why you might feel like you’re not ready—and why you actually are.

1. You’ll Never Feel 100% Ready—and That’s Okay
If you’re waiting for the stars to align or for the fear to disappear, you’ll be waiting forever. The idea of “readiness” is often an illusion. There will always be something that feels uncertain or imperfect.

Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, focus on what you do:
- A desire for more freedom.
- A drive to build something meaningful.
- A willingness to learn and adapt.

Entrepreneurship is about embracing the unknown and learning as you go. The first step is to trust that you’ll figure it out along the way.

2. You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
One of the biggest misconceptions about starting a business is that you need to know everything upfront. The reality? Most successful businesses evolve over time.

Here’s what you do need to start:
- A vision for the kind of life you want to live.
- An idea for how you can help others or solve a problem.
- The willingness to take small steps toward that vision.

Your business doesn’t need to be perfect on day one. Focus on progress, not perfection, and let your idea grow naturally.

3. You’re More Prepared Than You Think
If you’ve been working a 9-5, chances are you already have skills and experiences that can translate into your own business. Whether it’s communication, project management, problem-solving, or industry-specific expertise, you likely have a strong foundation to build upon.

Take a moment to reflect:
- What skills have you developed in your career?
- What do people often come to you for advice about?
- What have you learned from your challenges and successes at work?

These are your hidden superpowers, and they can give you a head start as you transition into entrepreneurship.

4. Fear is a Natural Part of Growth
Feeling scared about starting a business doesn’t mean you’re not ready—it means you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. Fear is a normal response to uncertainty, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.

Here’s the trick: don’t wait for the fear to go away. Instead, take action despite it. Start small:
- Create a vision for your ideal business and lifestyle.
- Talk to others who’ve made the leap from employee to entrepreneur.
- Test your idea with a side hustle before fully committing.

Every small step you take builds confidence and reduces fear.

5. The Right Time Is Now
There will never be a “perfect” time to start a business. Life will always be busy, finances will always feel tight, and uncertainty will always exist. But the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll begin building the life you want.

The question isn’t “Are you ready?” The question is, “What’s one small step you can take today?”

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

If you’ve been dreaming of starting a lifestyle business but feel held back by doubt, remember this: you don’t have to be ready to start. You just have to start.

Not sure where to begin? That’s where the Lifestyle Business Launchpad Community comes in. Join a group of like-minded people who are ready to transition from employees to entrepreneurs. You’ll get support, resources, and actionable steps to help you design a business that fits your life—not the other way around.

​Your dreams are closer than you think. Take the first step today.

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Hi, I'm Eric Hodgdon

Founder of The Grit Guy

With strategies and GRIT as our tools, this blog is your go-to for shattering limits, fostering a growth mindset, and navigating the path to success.


Let's redefine possibilities together on the Influential Grit blog!

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