You’ve done the 9-5 jobs and you’re ready for something new. You’re tired of working for someone else and want to spend your time and money on building something that you love in your own business. Before you jump in, there a few things to consider as you start this journey.

1. Work Your Passion: When you’re deciding on what personal business you want to own, make sure it’s something that you can’t get enough of. If you’re motivated by money or status, you won’t stick with it when times get hard. You can easily burn out and lose interest if you aren’t working your passion.

There is a flip side to this: when a hobby becomes your job, you may lose some of the passion that you once had for it. When something becomes a task that needs to be done, rather than a fun way to spend your downtime, your perspective can change. Keep that in mind while you decide which passion to pursue. Try to have other hobbies and activities outside of your new job to relax and release stress.

1. Delegate Tasks: As you start your business venture, you’ll be the marketing team, the production team, the accounting department, and everything in between. It’s important to know your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t try to do everything by yourself. It’s humanly impossible, and you’ll get frustrated by constantly running into roadblocks. There are only so many hours in the day, and you need to focus on the main operations of your business. Delegate the other tasks that you don’t have time for to others who have the knowledge and expertise. Whether you have business partners, friends, or hire someone–you need to give certain tasks over to someone else so that you can be successful.
2. Maintain a Work-Life Balance: Along with delegation of tasks, you need to remember that you need time to reset as well. It’s hard to put down the work and focus on relaxing when there is always unfinished work, but you have to learn how to make time for yourself. It’s not healthy for you or your family to constantly be working. To be the best version of yourself everyday, you need time to take off the stress of the day and spend time with your loved ones. This rest gives you the fuel to come back the next day with the same passion and drive as you did at the start. Without this reset time, you’ll quickly lose steam and burn out.
3. Be Ready to Fail: Something is going to happen, and things won’t go perfectly. You may even look ridiculous from time to time. It’s ok. Give yourself a break. You’re human, and falling down is part of the learning process. Figure out why it didn’t work and fix the problem. You will fall at some point, and that’s ok. The trick is learning how to get back up. Failing can make you better and stronger if you take the time to learn from your mistakes.

The other ugly truth is that not everyone is going to like you. You’ll encounter a customer or client who complains no matter what you do. Accept that you can’t make everyone happy. Remain strong in who you are and why you started this business and move forward. You’re allowed to politely decline service to a customer or client who is unhealthy for you and your business.

1. Celebrate Every Success: Every victory is worthy of celebration. When you’re tired and feel like you’ve been hit at every angle, it’s important to see the little positive steps that are in front of you. It’s easier to focus on the bad, but keep your eyes on the progress that’s being made. Every day you get a little better and each sale or positive review is a huge success.

Owning your own business is incredibly rewarding and incredibly exhausting. Nothing worth doing is easy, and if you love what you do, then you’ll be glad to put in the work at something you feel passionate about. Don’t be afraid of the parts you don’t know. There are others out there who are willing and able to help you along the way. Be brave and live your dream!