You Will Never Be 100% Ready

... so just take the leap. 

Listening to a great podcast episode from a friend of mine this morning, I was reminded of this fact during my morning run.  The entrepreneur was recalling when he had started his business, and all the little (and some big) items that needed to be aligned to make it feel like he was ready.  The truth is, there was no end to the possible questions to ask or the situations to prepare for, so he just did it.  He took the leap, quit his job, and started his business. 

That comment so resonated with me. 

In late 2006, I was preparing to launch my recruiting firm.  I was a new dad, my wife wasn't working outside the house, and I had been out of the recruiting industry for a few years.  What I did have though was a little savings, a laptop, and a big dream... that I could do something different, something better, and make it on my own.  I diligently planned the best I could for a few months, quit my job, and started the firm on January 1^st, 2007, with a laptop, executive suite, and a phone.  No sure clients, but a little savings runway to get me by... and it worked.  I am so, so glad for what I didn’t realize at the time that may have made me hesitate. 

Now I have the privilege of working with new entrepreneurs as a coach.  Several that have been in various stages of launch in their own business.  The one thing that always exists is uncertainty.   

• What if I don't make enough?   

• What if I have to neglect family time?   

• Should I wait just a little longer, maybe a month or two...?   

  
  

The questions actually never go away.  There is always a reason to postpone launching a business.  Always some level of uncertainty or something that could be just a little more ready.  That's exactly why a decision has to be made.  Am I doing this or not?  What truly is the real downside? Losing a little money and going back to work for someone?  Not that bad actually when you compare it to passing up on your dream. 

I've worked with several entrepreneurs now that have worked through these exact issues.  When to launch, when to resign, when to go full-time, etc. One consistent theme that exists is that none of them, not one, regrets starting their full-time business.  Some were forced into it by an unexpected layoff that caused them to execute their plan early, but nonetheless, no regrets. 

If you are pondering whether or not to start because you just don't feel 100% ready, take the leap.  I'm not promising it will be easy, but I do guarantee that you will be happy you pursued your dream.  And for what it's worth, I believe you will figure it out along the way. 

I wish you the best in all your endeavors. 

Mark Goldman