# Commit Fully: 5 Essential Steps Before Launching Your Solo Venture
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Chapter 1: The Decision to Go All In
As I approached her desk, I could feel my heart racing. I paused, holding the resignation letter tightly in my hand. There was no turning back now.
For two years, I had attempted to build my business on the side, but my efforts were in vain. I finally acknowledged that managing a demanding job, training for ultramarathons, attending to my girlfriend, and starting a business was overwhelming. Something had to give, and I chose to leave my job behind.
I had no backup plan. Placing that resignation letter on my colleague's desk marked a pivotal moment—I had burned my boats. My only choice was to dive headfirst into this new venture.
On my way home that day, anxiety washed over me, but it reminded me of Hernán Cortés, the legendary Spanish conqueror who, upon arriving in Mexico, famously burned his ships to eliminate any chance of retreat. With no option to go back, his men were compelled to fight for victory against the Aztec Empire.
While many solopreneurs gradually build their businesses, I recognized that now was the time to fully commit to my long-held aspirations.
Initially, I tried to follow the conventional advice of establishing a sustainable side income, but it wasn't effective for me. The only viable path left was to go all in. The ensuing months were filled with anxiety, self-doubt, and a need to adapt. Yet, I never felt regret. Here are five valuable lessons I learned along the way.
Section 1.1: Evaluate Your Circumstances
Before making the leap, it’s essential to evaluate your ability to do so. Beware of justifications rooted in fear, such as "What if it doesn't succeed?" or "What if my partner ridicules me?"
However, there are legitimate reasons to delay going all in. For instance, if your family's financial stability relies on your income, and you have limited savings, it would be reckless to quit your job immediately.
I didn't rush into burning my boats. Instead, I maintained my full-time job until I cleared my student loans and saved some money. During that time, I developed my website, engaged on social media, and began writing on Medium, all while minimizing my risk.
Section 1.2: Craft a Vision and Mission Statement
When I opened a separate bank account for my business, I labeled it the "freedom account." I wasn’t entirely sure what my business would look like at that time, but I longed for a life of freedom—financial and temporal—to pursue my passion for ultrarunning.
My mission was to create a business that aligned with my values and helped others enhance their fitness and overall well-being. To guide my journey, I crafted a vision statement reflecting my aspirations:
"A society of individuals who are physically and mentally resilient."
This vision remains constant, rooted in my principles and guiding my direction. In contrast, my mission statement details my current efforts to realize that vision:
"Helping others transform their bodies and minds through physical fitness."
With clarity on my vision and mission, I began plotting my course, setting specific goals, and determining timelines for achieving them.
Chapter 2: Embrace Flexibility
Agility is crucial in business. Just as agility enhances athletic performance, it enables quick decision-making and implementation of changes in business.
An agile approach allows you to remain adaptable while focusing on your core mission. Key components of an agile business include the ability to swiftly respond to market shifts, address challenges, and launch new offerings.
To practice agility, I break down my annual goals into manageable monthly objectives, using weekly sprints to tackle my most pressing tasks. It’s vital to remain open to change, particularly in the early stages when you’re still learning about your target audience and refining your products and services.
For example, I transitioned from ultramarathon coaching to strength coaching based on client interest and accepted various writing gigs outside my initial focus. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about client interaction and meeting deadlines.
Section 2.1: Cultivate a Positive Mindset
Starting a business is challenging, but this difficulty also fosters personal growth. As an entrepreneur, you set your own rules, but you also bear full responsibility for your goals and progress.
Without the structure of a traditional job, it’s easy to succumb to procrastination. This makes it crucial to have a motivating vision and mission that inspire your best efforts.
Unlike a conventional workweek, where productivity ebbs and flows, entrepreneurship demands self-discipline to persist even when motivation wanes and doubts creep in.
Section 2.2: Build a Supportive Network
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that willpower alone is insufficient if your closest relationships are unsupportive. If the people around you lack ambition and positivity, it can hinder your progress.
It’s essential to surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you. While everyone faces challenges, some see obstacles as opportunities for growth, while others view them as insurmountable barriers.
I’ve realized I need the former in my life and must distance myself from the latter, despite our shared history.
Conclusion: Burn the Boats Wisely
Committing to an endeavor means eventually going all in. However, it's vital to approach this leap thoughtfully.
Assess your current situation carefully, and having a clear vision and mission for your business can provide valuable guidance. One often neglected aspect of entrepreneurship is managing relationships—both with yourself and with others.
Surround yourself with supportive, encouraging people who can help you thrive, and distance yourself from negativity. Understand your risk tolerance and when you feel ready, boldly burn the boats and elevate your life.