Starting Your Own Business: 5 Traps to Avoid

Trap 1 - Panic. Okay, right now I'm giving you permission to simply stop. Let your arms drop to your lap. Take a deep breath... slowly... then another. Close your eyes for a moment and repeat the breathing. Doing this for 1 minute will allow space around the situation. Don't needlessly suffer. Quite often we impose timelines that are just too much. When you find yourself feeling out of control, it's okay to ease up on the self-induced pressure. While it appears the world is screaming NOW, it's often only the voice in our minds. The good news is we get to decide whether it is exciting or excruciating.

Trap 2 - Limited knowledge or resources. There is an abundance of information available to you as you start a business. It isn't to say you need to know how to do everything, but you need to know how to find the information when the need arises. Go to the library, hit the bookstore, and look for high quality coaches online.

Trap 3 - TMI. That's right, too much information. Getting bogged down in details that are not imperative to what you have to accomplish right now is easy, isn't it? Too many details can scare us or make us feel like giving up. So, get practical. Break it down on a timeline. What has to be done this week, this month, 6 months and a year from now? Jot down a few notes that you can add to as time goes on. And remember, it is often helpful to outsource tasks that are too big or complicated for you to handle effectively. If you're an artist, doing taxes might scare the pants off you - so go to a tax preparer. Maybe you're a landscaper and want a website. Find a designer to do it for you if it is too daunting. The brain can handle a lot- but make sure it's being taken up with details that will grow your business, not slow you down.

Trap 4 - Let someone else's fear slow you down. Plenty of people wouldn't have the guts to do what you are doing- but they want to. When that jealousy pops us in conversation, just remember there is a big difference their between being cautionary and caustic.

Trap 5- Procrastination. Oh, the small To Do list that we grow into a big To Do list. Isn't it simpler to deal with an issue today than live with the constant nagging guilt? You know that stack of papers you almost knock over every day? Take 20 minutes to sort and file. Then it is over with. That incredibly dull but necessary document you need to prepared? Seriously, do it first thing and get it over with. The pain will subside and you can get on with doing what you enjoy.

Starting a business is one of the most exciting adventures we can take. The process will challenge every part of who we are. Be prepared for these 5 traps and you will have a greater chance for success, personally and professionally. Best of luck to you!