First step for “one person business”

Do I need this first step? Do I really need to find my “Why”? The answer often seem obvious, right?

Well, the most obvious thing seems to be “the money”. Yes, it’s great having some extra income but why would I be giving up my free time to do something I don’t even know if it will take off?

Of course, it would be nice to be free from the usual 9-5 routine, daily commute, tiredness at the end of the day and lack of free time. But for me personally, it is also a lack of time for my own hobbies. I have lots of them and I simply do not have any extra time to develop them or just to keep them. My weekends are all about the family – which is great, don’t get me wrong but there is simply not enough time for “me time”. 

Hence, I started thinking to myself, how to get back to things, I truly love to do. And I thought to myself, why not making one or two of my hobbies into a side hassle. I know that there are lots of people, who will tell you that you should not think that your hobby equals a business. And they are right up to a point. But I do think that if you are going to commit few years of your life to something – you should be passionate about it and you should love it. Otherwise you will burn out really quickly. Let’s say that you are willing to work hard for 3-5 years on a side hassle, every day after you come home. Yes, then you need a strong motivation.

“Why” is also important for your customers. They do like your story. And you would not believe, how often I am asked why I bother doing something outside my regular job. 

So, when you are starting and staring at the blank paper – I recommend putting down 2 things.

1. “Why” I am doing this
2. How long will this “ Why” keep me going 

It seems fairly simple as something that can be done in 5 minutes. But I think that it is really helpful to take couple of days thinking about this. I would sleep on it. Definitely. Then, when you know your answer, write it down in your journal or print it out and keep it somewhere, where you can see it.

It will be a constant reminder and a very helpful tool, especially during those time, when things will not go right and you will want to quit.

I know that some people will feel: “I know, why I am doing this! I don’t need to be too philosophical about that.” And that is o.k. If you feel that way, you can jump straight into the next step and that is all about  the magic word “What”. 

Have a great week dear friends and make it a productive one 🙂