Embarking on a new business venture can be a daunting experience, filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. Many aspiring entrepreneurs find themselves stuck in a cycle of procrastination, pushing their startup dreams to a vague “three to five years” timeline. This timeline may seem safe, as it’s far enough away to avoid immediate action, but close enough to keep the entrepreneurial spark alive. However, the reality is that successful business owners don’t wait for the perfect moment or until they feel fully prepared. Instead, they commit to taking consistent and focused actions that drive progress and momentum.
After conducting extensive research and speaking with numerous entrepreneurs, a clear pattern emerges. Those who achieve success in the business world don’t wait for clarity or confidence to magically appear. Rather, they commit to specific, actionable steps that move them closer to their goals. This commitment is the key differentiator between those who remain stuck in the dreaming phase and those who take the leap and become successful business owners.
To turn your business vision into a reality, it’s essential to commit to the process. Here are five actionable strategies to help you make a meaningful commitment and take the first step towards business ownership.
1. Share Your Vision with the World
Declaring your business goals publicly can be a powerful motivator, helping you stay committed to your vision.
Dorie Clark, a renowned author and entrepreneur, shares a compelling example in her book The Long Game. She tells the story of an individual who struggled to lose weight until they created a public “pound-a-thon” challenge, where friends and family pledged donations to charity for every pound lost. This public commitment made it more challenging to give up, and the accountability helped drive progress.
You can apply this same principle to your business goals. Share your vision with friends, family, or even post about it on social media. The more people who know about your goals, the more accountable you’ll feel. When obstacles arise, as they inevitably will, you’ll have a supportive network to help you push forward instead of retreating.
2. Create a Point of No Return
Jodi Liscio, a former corporate executive, had always dreamed of starting her own business. When she learned her company was considering cost-cutting measures, she took a bold step: she positioned herself for a severance package and even helped recruit her replacement. This decision gave her both a financial runway and a deadline to make her business work.
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to eliminate the option of going back. Whether that means leaving your job, setting a firm deadline, or committing to an action with real consequences, creating a point of no return can force you to take the leap and drive progress.
3. Commit to a Daily Habit
Success in business isn’t about one big move – it’s about the small, consistent actions that add up over time.
One aspiring business owner I met decided to analyze a single profit and loss (P&L) statement every day for four months. By the end of 120 days, he had made five offers and closed on a business.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Just commit to a manageable habit that moves you forward – whether it’s reviewing business listings, attending networking events, or reading industry reports. The key is consistency, and this daily habit will help you build momentum and drive progress.
4. Invest in Yourself
We tend to value what we invest in. That’s why putting real time and money into your business journey can make it harder to quit.
This doesn’t mean throwing money at random courses or memberships. Be strategic. Join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Hire a coach who can guide you through the process. Take a course that sharpens your business skills, such as learning about business funding options, like small business loans or retirement plan funding.
Investing in yourself speeds up your progress and deepens your emotional commitment to making business ownership work. By taking a proactive approach to your education and development, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of business ownership and make informed decisions about your venture.
5. Build an Accountability Group
Sean Moore, one of our clients, joined forces with two friends who were also looking to buy businesses. They committed to meeting for happy hour every week to review their progress, share challenges, and hold each other accountable.
If you don’t already have an accountability group, why not get one together? Even just one accountability partner can make a huge difference. When you’re regularly checking in with others who share your goals, you’re far more likely to stay on track and drive progress towards your business vision.
Looking for more ways to prepare for business ownership? Check out 4 Things You Can Do NOW to Create a Future as an Entrepreneur for steps you can take today to get started on your business journey.
It’s Time to Take Action
Starting a business doesn’t happen overnight. But the process begins with a commitment. Whether you decide to share your goal publicly, establish a habit, or invest in your growth, every small step builds momentum and drives progress towards your business vision.
So, what will you commit to today? Take the first step towards turning your business vision into a reality.
If you’re ready to take action, Guidant’s team of business financing experts can help you get started.
Call us today at 425-289-3200 for a free, no-pressure business consultation to get started — or pre-qualify in minutes for business financing now!
Jeremy Ames is the Co-Founder and CEO of Guidant Financial, a company that has helped launch over 30,000 small businesses since 2003. Jeremy’s experience as a business owner spans both franchises and start-ups. He has owned three franchise businesses across the real estate, personal services, and wellness sectors and also founded or co-founded five other businesses, including ventures in the media and business services industries. He is a staunch advocate for small business ownership, believing it to be the best route to personal and financial independence.
