6 Brutal Truths About Starting A Business
6 Brutal Truths About Starting A Business
6 Brutal Truths About Starting A Business
1. You’ll Work More Hours For Less Money
- That 4-hour work week fantasy is actually an 80-hours grid for the first few years minimum
- You’ll make less than your employed friends while they question why you left stable job
What To DO:
Set a 2-Year financial runway and treat year one as investment not a paycheck
2.Most of Your Friends Won’t Understand You
- They’ll think you’re crazy for taking risks while they collect steady paychecks and benefits
- Your priorities won’t survive the transformational
What To Do:
Find one community of other business owners who understand the path you’re on
3.Your First Idea Will Probably Fail
- The market doesn’t care about your passion if it doesn’t solve a painful problem people will pay for
- You’ll pivot multiple times before finding something that actually generates revenue
What TO Do:
Validate your idea with paying customers before building the full product or service
4. Imposter Syndrome Never Fully Goes Away
- Even at six and seven figures you’ll wonder if you deserve success or if you’re just fooling everyone
- The more visible you become the louder the voice telling you that you’re not qualified gets
What To Do:
Keep a wins folder with every testimonial, milestone, and success to review when doubt creeps in
5.Cash Flow Problems Will Keep You Up
- You can be profitable on paper but still unable to make payroll because timing matters more than profit
- Late-paying clients, unexpected expenses, and seasonal slowdowns will test you constantly
What To Do:
Maintain 6 months of operating expenses in reserves and require deposits before starting any work
6.You’ll Sacrifice More Than You Expected
- Vacations get cancelled, relationships get strained, and your health often comes last
- The work-life balance you dreamed about becomes work-life integration where boundaries completely blur
What To Do:
Schedule non-negotiable time for health and relationships the same way you schedule client meettings