It is WILD to think that I have been a full-time entrepreneur now for 2 years. Today, two years ago I walked away from a full-time job making 6 figures and with tons of potential. I want to highlight just why I did this and 5 lessons briefly to share what I have learned.
Why did I leave my full-time job where I had tons of upside, made great money, and many connections to build something I did not know how it was going to go?
One word: Potential.
One of my deepest passions is seeing just how far I can go in all areas of life:
How much can I contribute?
How much can I love?
How fit can I be?
How much can I make?
How much can I create?
How many lessons can I teach?
My business potential was capped there. At least, for what I wanted to accomplish.
An entrepreneur is an ultimate business playground. Here are my 5 lessons amongst many I’ve learned.
You're Responsible - This is the most important point. How your life turns out is 100% up to you. It will be because of the choices and actions you take. So many people want others to take care of them or use people as an excuse for why they did not get where they want to. Every dollar we’ve generated in the businesses was generated because of an action. Want to change your life, change the actions you take daily.
Your Only Failure is Not Trying - It amazes me when people talk about their big dreams and things they want to accomplish that they don’t REALLY think it is possible OR they are unwilling to take the leap because of fear. What got me over the hump to leave was a video of Jeff Bezos saying that very thing “It is ultimately the things we don’t do in life we regret.”
You'll Want to Quit - From the sleepless nights, the long hours, the not knowing where to turn next, the mistakes, the “failures”, the doubts, the endless wonderings “do I have what it takes?” All of these things will happen when you chase something big in life. Don’t want a big amazing life? You won’t need to make a great sacrifice. Want a big and amazing life that only .01% of people live? Then, you must do what 99.99% won’t do. That simple. Whenever I’ve wanted to quit I tell myself this. Other people wanted to quit right here too, they did, you won’t. Keep moving.
Be The One - I want to be the one who actually gets it done. There are SO many people who talk. They run their mouth on what they desire to accomplish. While this is good to express and talk about, I’ve always said I want to be that example to show people what’s possible.
Choose Your Niche - If you have a desire to start a company this is probably the best piece of advice I could give. Choose a niche and go really deep in it to master that space. Then, once you have the financial resources you can expand and diversify into other spaces because you can hire and expand. DOMINATE YOUR SPACE.
(Bonus) - You’ll Amaze Yourself - When you take big risks in life you really find out a lot about yourself. These past 2 years I’ve found out so much about myself, both good and bad. I’ve pushed my limits, I’ve gotten really uncomfortable daily, I’ve learned new skills, and went to levels that used to always be only a pipe dream. I’ve made mistakes and handled things poorly. As I sit here reflecting I’m truly proud of myself though. For years I thought about what I have now, I am humbled and REALLY grateful. I’m living the way I always wanted to - complete freedom and the fun of growing a company.
What really lights your soul on fire? Figure that out and chase it with everything you’ve got and build a life you look back on at 90 years old with pure amazement.
Amaze yourself by who you become, who you impact and what you accomplish.
KF
