My mom is the most amazing woman on the planet. When she was 34 years old, she suddenly had a baby to raise on her own (me). With only $64, she needed a job. So, she got scrappy and decided to use her baking skills to earn money.
She started out by renting a small showcase window at a candy store in downtown Nashville. She woke up at crazy hours and worked long nights. She hustled, pushed through fear and overcame it.
Now, over three decades later, my mom is still baking. Her beautiful and delicious creations have been part of thousands of birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries—some of the best moments in her customers’ lives.
But of all the lives my mom has influenced, her greatest impact has been on me. Because I grew up watching my mom and working alongside her, I developed a passion for helping women make money doing what they love.
So, I have a question for you: What do you love to do? Is there a dream in your heart you’ve been dying to chase? Do you want to use your skills and passion to make money so you can do the things that matter most to you?
Small Business Week is coming up from May 2 to May 8, and I want to take this opportunity to share three reasons why you should finally give yourself permission to go for your dream.
It’s Easier Than Ever to Start a Business
Twenty years ago, starting a business meant investors, capital, a brick-and-mortar location and a landline. But the internet has transformed what we thought was possible. Today, you can turn your ideas into a business with just a laptop (or a phone) and the determination to learn. The barrier to entry is low—you’ve just got to decide if you want to put in the work.
There’s No Such Thing as Ready
You’re never completely ready for the big things in life. At some point, you’ve got to do it scared. I can guarantee my mom was scared the first time she put her cakes in that storefront window! But like anything else, you learn best when you’re on the job. Sure, you need to have a plan for your business, but at some point, you’ve got to take action. Quick wins build confidence. And confidence leads to momentum, which will keep you moving forward.
What simple action can you take today to get you where you want to be next year? Just like my mom’s cake shop, the impressive things in life always start as unimpressive things.
You Get to Define Your Version of Success
Sadly, too many of us spend our lives chasing other people’s versions of success. But your business—just like your life—should exist to meet your needs. If you want to freelance and earn $5,000 a year so you can take your kids to Disney, that’s success. If you want to scale a business like crazy and earn millions, that’s great too. The important thing is to define what success looks like for you and build your business around those goals.
Ultimately, my hope for you is that you have the confidence to follow your dreams, no matter what they look like. If you’re looking for more practical tips on how to live the life you want, check out this episode of my show!
Christy Wright is a personal development expert, host of The Christy Wright Show, and best-selling author. Follow Christy at ChristyWright.com and on Twitter @ChristyBWright.
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