I’ve spent about a third of my professional career in the controversial arms of self-employment. I’ve also worked with more than 100 small business owners. Like many of my clients, I’ve struggled to keep track of everything on my own; whether that’s admin or marketing, it’s tough to do it all.

That stuff that you don’t want to do or don’t know how to do…

This is the very stuff that normally puts someone off exploring an idea for a new venture or changing their vocation. It’s also the biggest energy drainer if you’re already busy with your startup and all you want to do is what you’re good at!

Luckily, there’s a way to deal with that. This being my third time working for myself, I learned that it really helps to first understand the following about yourself:

• Your personal needs, dreams and boundaries.
• Your talents, resources and constraints.
• Opportunities that are suitable for you.

First, let’s figure out your “hell yes”

I’ve seen how it’s just too easy to get excited (or desperate) and dive straight into creating a business, only to get frustrated or despondent in a few months. Everyone is always full of advice and suggestions, but it’s tough to get to that point of calm and clarity.

Keeping in mind that you don’t have to know exactly what you’re going to do, begin by asking a few questions from the Life+Venture Kit and answer in whatever order feels good to you: 

1. What ideas or opportunities do you have in mind? List and number these. 
2. What’s your reason for considering self-employment or starting a new venture?
3. What skills and talents do you have?
4. What do you enjoy? 
5. What are you passionate about?
6. What are you good at? 

It’s totally OK if you don’t know all the answers now. Just start where you are today and let the answers come to you in their own time! In the meantime… 

Now, get ready to say “no”

Understanding your boundaries and constraints helps you to say “yes” or “no” when faced with an important decision. Most importantly, this helps when you’re caught off-guard in a pressing situation. How and why? Because by then you would have heard and listened to your inner, true voice and know your answer.

For this part of the Life+Venture Kit, you can refer to past experiences that you wouldn’t want to repeat or anything that you’d like to avoid:

7. What don’t you enjoy doing and what makes time drag?
8. How much time do you have for your venture?
9. What areas of the venture do you need help with?

Again, it’s totally OK if you don’t know all the answers now. Make sure you have these handy on your phone or in a notebook, so you can contemplate and capture the answers as these arise.

Conclusion

Changing your vocation or starting a new business venture is quite an undertaking at the best of times, never mind doing so in the midst of a pandemic. I created the Life+Venture Kit to guide you through this change of creating your unique life-work balance.

Get the full 20 questions to help you explore your life and opportunities, on your way to finding your flourishing venture!