The Encumbered

Before I launch head long into updating you upon my recent business exploits - I think that I should firstly draw your attention to my observations upon human nature. Now, these observations are not all incompassing and like most humans I get confused and make mistakes from time to time - so take them with a pinch of salt. I would like to add, please do not throw out my opinions because you don't understand them either. Try them out, research them and perhaps chat them over with your friends, family or mentors.

When I first told my friends last October that I was to part company with my employer as a team leader, with great prospects and an effective team working under me - most of my friends couldn't hide the surprise (horror) in their faces... that was until I filled them in with my new found career plan. As it turns out, a general rule is - if you turn to family and friends for advice on serious issues like career and business, they may colour their advice to you with their knowledge of your ability, AND their own fears of failure. As I said this is not the same for everycase, just most cases.

The main reason for this as I see it is that your close friends/family only want the best for you, and not to expose yourself to unecessary risk or harm. It is normal to assume that they will get flashbacks to their own failures or fears of tackling such importants issues - in essence they will relive it for you and give to you their residual 'feelings'. Perhaps they have already tried and failed to break their life mould, who knows - all you need to know is that you get their life baggage added to the deal.

My advice to you, is to seek impartial advice. Try online - there are plenty of business new-starter forums for you to pose questions to, I would also suggest speaking with a business mentor too. A quick sweep of your local area may unearth a buiness-link startup bootcamp or a networking organisation who are willing for you to meet with their members.

A stranger will not unecessarily draw attention to the pit-falls of business ownership, or put you off begining or your own journey to becoming your own boss. They are business owners themselves and will feel urged on to regale you with tales of success and professional freedom! You aspire to become one of them, and they will be more than happy to offer advice.

So, what am I trying to tell you? Do your research. Find out what it is that you have to offer that no-one else does and use this to calm your thoughts if you suffer a bout of self doubt... because when things are going bad, and when your life seems so much more complicated than working the 9-5, then you will need every ounce of will power, to trust in your own decision making.


Engine[er]