Five critical mindset shifts to become your own boss
Even before the virus, the world was changing. Uber made us realise you do not have to own a car - convenient trips around the city is but 5 minutes away. Food delivery means the only essential kitchen appliance, is a fridge and a microwave. Designer clothing rental allows you to dress in that one-of-a-kind designer dress and fabulous matching bag, without breaking the bank. Tomorrow night, somebody else will look stunning in that exact same outfit.
But the biggest mind-shift we can attribute to the virus, was to realise remote working is a real possibility. And formal employment is by no means the only alternative to earn an income. The world of work is changing - more women and men are becoming their own boss by working on a part-time basis or setting up their own online or knowledge businesses
I had to make some critical mind shifts moving from formal employment to being my own boss. Being aware means you can start moving forward quicker, get stuff done and start earning income.
1. Nobody is going to give you work
For years you have been programmed to align your goals and projects with company goals, to fit in with client’s demands. Almost all your daily tasks and big projects were aligned to something or somebody else. Overnight you became your own boss. At first it feels exciting, but after reorganising your stationery the umpteenth time, made sure you have enough files, counting whiteboard makers, you realise you cannot wait for somebody to ‘need’ you… you are your own task master.
So start anywhere, because the more you start, the more you will finish.
2. Regain your self-belief
Being in a formal work environment meant your work was seldom your own. You start an idea, a project, a document, but always dependent on input from others. It is a safety net of a shared responsibility. Now, you are on your own. You are your own task master, creator, quality check, implementor and stamp of approval.
Change your mindset and understand the worst action is in-action. Understand that you can pivot your decisions. There is no threat of a bad performance review - you make your own decisions and you can change it any time you want. When the penny drops, you feel liberated, excited - now you focus on what is valuable to you - knowing and believing that you can do it!
3. Don't wait for perfection
Make sure you deliver good quality work, but accept that it does not have to be perfect before you put something out. Half the fun of being your own boss is to always find ways to improve and you learn every time you do something. Be honest with yourself, understand what is inertia, what are delays and what is fear. Working for perfection is inertia - fear of being judged. Perfection is in any case a myth…
Just jump ahead and do things. Change your mindset - know that you can improve and revisit down the line.
4. Create your own 9h to 5h
Get to know your own workday and workweek rhythm. Find a daily schedule that works for you. Wake up earlier, do house chores in your less mentally productive time, be pedantic about the duration of tasks. Athletes will not train for seven days a week - their most important training day, is a rest day. Athletes know their bodies cannot operate at full speed every day. You need to understand that your mind can also not operative at full speed everyday, pace yourself. Take at least one day off - preferably an entire weekend. If that is not possible then, work half days. Go for a walk, a run or just sit...
More is not necessarily better - balance is better.
5. Find an accountability parter
Find someone whom you can touch base with regularly. A friend, an old colleague, a spouse - share your plans, ideas, what you intend to do. Your accountability partner is interested in your progress, and in turn will offer advice and suggestions. Find the right person, because he/she can be absolutely invaluable in helping you get stuff done.
Something really interesting happens when you start talking about your plans - it becomes real, it starts having a life, you get clarity and direction - you start doing…and your business start taking shape.
