Brave For 24 Hours

When you decide to be an entrepreneur it’s scary. However, all it takes to start is being brave for 24 hours. It always begins with paperwork, right? You’ve got to start an LLC or sole proprietorship. You’ll need to get a resale tax license, and probably fill out 88 other forms (in a government building that has two employees and a line of customers out the door). Then, when it’s all done and you officially have a business, you get to start the really brave part… showing up in front of the world. Now, you get to start telling them you have a service or product that you think is pretty incredible, and they should spend their money on enjoying too.

The joy of setting up your business

Whew! It’s a lot. I didn’t even talk about opening a bank account, purchasing a client management software, honing your skills, building your website, creating your brand, understanding your ideal client, networking with other businesses…. you get the point. And guess what? If you’re a creative entrepreneur you’ll be sharing your service or product, that likely feels like an extension of your soul. Your soul will be out on display for the world to critique. Totally not terrifying, right?

The silver lining

I’ve got the best news though. Through all of that hard (and often boring) work of getting your business set up, you’ll be building that brave muscle of yours. That bravery will help you to thrive in business. It will be essential, in fact. Every step in our journey is like climbing a staircase. We get stronger along the way, and we get closer to our goals. I’m not sure I could have ever imagined that my business (and artistic skill) would look like it does today. The key to it all is staying brave and consistent in showing up in your work.

The gems I learned along the way

I was recently interviewed on the “Brave on Video” Podcast with XayLi Barclay. I shared about my journey into photography (and video content), launching my online education course, strength found in vulnerability, and the magic of using Instagram stories. All of these lessons (and success) in life and business have come because I was brave for 24 hours. That’s all you need. One day at a time, one foot in front of the other, just 24 hours of bravery… over and over again.

I hope you pop over to the podcast and listen to the episode, available wherever you listen to podcasts! And, if you’ve listened, let me know your favorite takeaway in the comments below.