If you’re serious about starting a business, here’s your first to-do: Stop spinning your wheels and start asking yourself the hard stuff.

Too many people get stuck in “idea mode” and never take a minute to think about what they really want, what they’re willing to risk, and whether the timing even makes sense. That’s how dreams turn into disasters.

Here are a few questions to start with:

Why do I actually want to do this?

Is it about freedom, money and purpose, or are you just sick of your job and ready to try something new?

What does success look like to me?

Is it full-time income? A side hustle? A scalable empire? Pick a lane and stick with it.

What’s my real-life situation right now?

Do you have savings? Support? Bills you can’t ignore? All this stuff matters so factor it in.

Who’s counting on me financially?

If your family depends on your income, you can’t afford to ignore the math. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your entrepreneurial dreams either. 

Do I know how to find my first customers?

The “build it and they will come” approach rarely works in business, so be sure to put some time into this part of the planning process. 

The good news is that you don’t have to know everything upfront, but you do need to start asking the right questions. That’s how real businesses get built. 

Start where you are, be honest with yourself and take the next step.

Getting a business off the ground doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for some structure, support and real-world advice (minus the fluff), check out my courses First-Time Entrepreneurship: Your Complete Success Roadmap and Unleash Your Profits: The Strategic Business Plan Guide.

Developed for first-time entrepreneurs, these resources are all about helping you move forward with a plan that works. Not sure what type of business you want to start? Figure it out in 30 minutes or less with my FREE 5-page, interactive PDF. Click here to download.

Starting a business is hard enough. Don’t make it harder by believing things that simply aren’t true. Based on my experience interviewing dozens of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, here are four myths that trip people up before they even get their businesses started (and why you should ignore them): 

MYTH #1: You need a ton of money to launch.

No, you don’t. You need resourcefulness. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs started small and stayed scrappy. It’s called bootstrapping. The lower your overhead, the more control you keep.

MYTH #2: Your idea has to be totally original.

Quite the contrary. In fact, many times it’s actually better to jump on a well-beaten path instead of trying to carve out a brand new niche. Think of it this way: you’re trying to solve a problem in a way your audience values. That could mean doing something better, faster, or with more care than the next person. Don’t overcomplicate it. 

MYTH #3: You’ll have to work 24/7.

I mean, you can if you want to. A business will take up as much time as you give it, but that doesn’t mean you have to burn out. Set boundaries. Take breaks. You’re in this for the long haul. 

MYTH #4: You have to quit your day job first.

As many entrepreneurs who came before you have already proven, you can build a business while you’re still employed. Then when the business is stable, you make your move.

The bottom line here is not to let fear disguised as “conventional wisdom” slow your roll. Most people giving advice aren’t in the arena with you. Listen selectively, trust your gut and get moving.

Getting a business off the ground doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for some structure, support and real-world advice (minus the fluff), check out my courses First-Time Entrepreneurship: Your Complete Success Roadmap and Unleash Your Profits: The Strategic Business Plan Guide.

Developed for first-time entrepreneurs, these resources are all about helping you move forward with a plan that works. Not sure what type of business you want to start? Figure it out in 30 minutes or less with my FREE 5-page, interactive PDF. Click here to download.