Brimming with business ideas? In the early stages of building your brand? Welcome. Whether your entrepreneurial journey is just beginning—or you’re a seasoned entrepreneur—you have passion, relationship-building skills, and integrity. You’re enthusiastic. You’re creative. You’re a go-getter. Best of all, your intuition is telling you there’s something more—something beyond the confines of your current job. That was me, five years ago, ready for a change. I wanted to take my passion and turn it into a career. Unbeknownst to me, I wanted to become an entrepreneur. Today, we’re diving into the signs you’re mentally ready to start a business.

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Mindset Is Everything

Whether you’re itching to create an innovative product or open a zero waste grocery store, remember that any successful business starts as a small thought—a crazy idea. The more you share your idea with supportive people, and chip away at it every day, the wheels will stay in motion. Most importantly, know that a strong mindset and unwavering dedication will take you far. And of course, remember that failure is inevitable. But failure isn’t synonymous with giving up. Failure is an opportunity to learn, grow, and turn an obstacle into an opportunity.

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6 Signs You’re Ready To Start A Business

Spoiler alert: knowing when to begin a business—or when to become an entrepreneur—isn’t clear cut. After all, circumstances will never be perfect. Accepting that is key. On one end of the spectrum, it’s easy to feel ready much earlier than you actually are. Vice versa, it’s equally common to let fear hold you back. With this in mind, you want to look for signs that you’re ready to take the leap. Think of them as conditions. While these aren’t cut and dry, they are typical signs you’re ready to start a business. Hopefully, they’ll give you the courage to take the leap.

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1. In your free time (or when you should be working), you’re researching what you’re passionate about and / or have started piecing together a business plan. In my case, for example, I started blogging long before I left my tech job. I began following other nutritionists and recipe developers. At the time, it was a hobby fueled by passion. Passion—and more importantly, purpose—is vital if you want to become an entrepreneur.
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2. You’ve done your market research and know there’s a need for what you can offer. Any great business exists where your passion meets demand. In other words, you know that people will pay for your product or service. Maybe, you’ve tested this theory and are already making a small income.
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3. Along those lines, you know who your competition is. In putting together your business plan, you know who you’re up against and what you can bring to the table.
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4. You have money saved (enough to cover all basic expenses for 6-12 months). You can absolutely start a business with very little capital. I did this. I started my health coaching business in the comfort of my kitchen. However, it takes time to be successful. Therefore, having cash saved will give you some wiggle room as your company grows. 
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5. Ideally, you’re not in the midst of a major life change. For example, I didn’t decide to leave my full-time job to pursue Wellness with Edie until my son was 16 months old, we didn’t have any immediate plans to buy a house, etc.
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6. You’ve weighed the pros and cons and understand you’re taking a risk. But with any risk, comes the opportunity for reward. Having the ability to understand and manage those risks is key.
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How To Stay Motivated As An Entrepreneur

You might be wondering, what if I lose steam along the way? What if I let self-doubt override my determination? You’re not alone. Everything from fear to being overwhelmed is—inevitably—a part of the entrepreneurial experience. It’s best to acknowledge and accept that you will have days (maybe, weeks and months) of uncertainty. This is normal. Ultimately, as an entrepreneur, staying motivated lies in your mindset. Inch by inch, day by day, your motivation will grow. In part, harness the power of Mindshine to keep you on the right track. By establishing a daily habit of using Mindshine, you’ll set yourself up for success. Consider Mindshine an integral part of your entrepreneur toolbox—mantras, motivations, and mind exercises to support your dreams and goals.