I took an inventory of my year this morning. I have been kicking around the idea of getting intentional about honing my craft as an entrepreneur. I started owning my own business accidentally about 8 years ago. We lived in a town where there was no work. I started creating arts and craft and got on the craft fair circuit. I established some wholesale customers. I took on some marketing clients. I was somehow making a way bit by bit.
But the dream was to go back to a typical 9-5 job. Because all of the headache of owning your own business just did not seem worth it to me. The payout was way too small. Each year I would go into it looking for something that I like to do - these past few years it has been teaching - but I would always have a little something going as a side gig. And each year something would happen - a lay off, a job relocation, troubling workplace situations - would find me back in the place of having to hustle once again.
As I began to chart these last eight years, I realize some ideas worked surprisingly well. And, truth be told, actually would create the income I make as a teacher without the stress of the job and my hours would be a bit more flexible. What I actually did begin with an intention, a business plan, and 100% of my energy? What if I not only pumped myself up to bet on myself, but I was methodical about trusting myself?
I decided that there is no reason not to try. Because teaching will always be there. But this calm and calculated flow is here right now.