I have talked about the life changing financial opportunity and freedom in blue-collar businesses, but none of that happens without the decision to take the leap. I first became serious with the idea of becoming a business owner back in 2020. I read countless books and evaluated hundreds of business ideas over the next year. I had all of the information I needed, but I kept telling myself I hadn't discovered the right opportunity yet. Deep down, I knew I was just scared.
The thought of leaving a six figure “stable” job that feels safe for something completely unknown is terrifying. The ‘what-if’ scenarios were running rampant in my head. But there were two main thoughts that eventually pushed me enough to go for it.
The first realization I faced was that I knew that the only way I could get the lifestyle I truly wanted was to get into entrepreneurship. This lifestyle I pictured wasn’t just about money, but about freedom and flexibility. To have real control over my time such that I could spend it doing things that mattered to me like my kids sports games, a random weekday beach trip, or helping a friend on a whim. I knew that a corporate career would not get me the type of freedom I desired. At least while I was young.
Secondly, I realized that I did not want to look back one day and regret not at least giving it a shot. I knew that if I tried and failed, I could always get myself back on track. But if I never tried, I would have to live with that feeling of regret forever.
Eventually I had to stop thinking, planning, and brainstorming and I had to take action. In 2021, when I quit my job to pursue the CertaPro Painters franchise, I thought all of my colleagues would think I am crazy. But I got a different reaction… Many people were actually very interested and some seemed kind of envious. This gave me confidence that I had made the right decision.
When you become an entrepreneur you are faced with decisions all of the time. Part of being a successful business owner is navigating those decisions with confidence. To this day, the hardest decision I’ve had to make is the very first one to quit my corporate engineering job and take the leap into the unknown. I used to be scared to fail, now I am scared to not go after the things I want.
Going after your dreams is hard, but so is grinding away at a job feeling like there is something greater in store for you. It begins with a choice.
Until next time,
Zac
P.S. Hit reply anytime. If you are considering a leap into entrepreneurship I would love to hear about it.