“You are giving me excuses when I am looking for solutions,” I yelled at my teenager when he was late for curfew, again. It’s always easy to get angry at his list of excuses for not doing what he needed to do. However, I need to get angry at myself for my own excuses. I should yell at my own self, “Stop giving me excuses, Portia!”

Excuses are the choices we give ourselves to not take action. In a recent webinar, the main excuse for not starting a business was, “I don’t have the money.” How much does it really cost to start a business with today’s technology? Not very much. A matter of fact, probably less than what you pay to eat out for lunch all week.

I want to change how you think successful businesses got started. You don’t always need to take out a second mortgage. But you do have to be hungry. You have to move your goals from your wish list to your to do list. It’s time to reach out to an accountability partner. I love that my kids will ask me where I’m at with my book. Since I’m their role model, I have to stay on top of it. An accountability partner will do the same for you.

It takes action

Getting started is action. Here are some steps to take and the excuses you may be giving them.

Step 1 Building your website:

– Today, websites can be built with little to no money. In the beginning it won’t look as grand as, let’s say Amazon. But let me ask you, why are you comparing yourself to anyone at all? Comparing yourself is just another excuse for not taking action. With a quick Google search, you will find a list of web hosting sites that will get you started. Research them and find the one that is easiest for you to set up and most affordable for you.

My point here is this, just get started. Be bold and put yourself out there. If you are waiting for perfection, I’m here to tell you, it will never happen. There is no such a thing. So, start where you are at. Now.

Step 2 What equipment will you need?

– It takes an internet connection and a device that connects to the internet. I’m serious. It’s that easy. That could be your cell phone, your tablet or a computer.

When I started taking a copywriting course, I was motivated by another woman who had been using the computers at her public library to complete the course. She was able to get her first client and complete an assignment them using the public library. When you are hungry, you find a way. There is no excuse to say you can’t do this.

Excuses are never ending 

Another excuse I hear is, “But, Portia, I have to look professional.” No, actually you have to be professional. Stop worrying about how you look. That’s just our way of procrastinating.

Put your emphasis on perfecting your craft. Get in your 10,000 hours. Clients/Customers bring in money. Money leads to growth. To grow, you have to do to become professional.

Another excuse holding you back is, “But Portia, what about the naysayers?” My answer is, what about them? They aren’t going anywhere. I know, I know. It’s not always easy to drown them out either. Sometimes I am even the only naysayer in my own head. However, the hardest ones are those closes to us. The ones you love, trust and confide in.

I was watching someone’s YouTube channel when I read a comment that struck me hard. The young lady questioned how to handle her mother telling her she would go to the retreat and come back broke and no better off. I wanted to comment, but I didn’t. No one did. That I regret.

Here is what I wished I had told her. Say thank you. They obviously love you enough to give their opinion. Show your gratitude for their concerns. Now ask yourself, did they say anything at all of value? If yes, make a note of how you can use it. Everything else can be discarded. If nothing was of value, discard it all.

My point here is this. It’s not about them. This is about you. This isn’t their goal or dream. This is your goal and dream. I have learned that naysayers are just their to test us. To make us prove how bad we want this.

The final step

Step 3 Be courageous.

– It’s going to be scary. As Dr. Wayne Dyer always said, “Do it anyway.” With each action you take to get closer to starting your own business, pat yourself on the back. I have a journal I labeled bravery box. I journal any successes I have, no matter how big or small. When I feel like I am getting no where, I read how much I have accomplished to remind me how far I’ve come.

So, yes, you can get started as an entrepreneur with little to no money. Invest where you can. Sacrifice where you need to. Most importantly, start now.

Leave a comment with what excuses you are giving yourself and I would love to talk you through pushing pass them.

You are so worth it!