>

Get started now.

One of the most ambitious goals on my 101 in 1001 list is to start my own company — as in I fully intend to have my own company within the next two years (the 1001 day mark is September 28, 2013). I wasn't expecting to hit the ground running this early on, but two months at a desk job made me realize that life is just too damn short to do anything that makes you unhappy. Just three weeks into self-employment, I've never been more confident that I'm pursuing the right path.




I love this quote for several reasons. Starting a business is never going to be easy. There's always going to be some reason not to do it. You're too young, you're worried about money, you're afraid of what other people will think. You're aware that it could totally backfire and leave you back at square one. But if it's the kind of challenge that's going to get you out of bed in the morning, excited about the possibilities — if it's the kind of thing that you'll look back on and regret not trying — then you know what you have to do.

My dad used to tell me, "He who has a beginning has half the deed done." In other words, sometimes making up your mind to do something is the hardest part. Taking that first leap of faith and committing yourself to a new venture is always daunting. But the peace of mind that follows and the excitement about what's ahead are every bit worth the initial anxiety.

Which is not to say that it'll be smooth sailing from here on out. That's another reason I love this quote. I know I don't have all the tools I need to succeed right this instant. Challenges and obstacles that I have no idea how to handle will inevitably pop up. But the opportunity for growth — for newfound strength, skill, self-confidence, and success — is not to be missed.

I'm in the early planning stages of my very own company and that's an absolutely exhilarating feeling. In fact, I highly recommend it ;)

29 comments:

elizabeth@themustardceiling said...

Good luck to you! I started my blog in January with the hopes that I could grow a business from it, and I too have recently started a new company. I wake up every morning excited to get the day started.

The Pink Pagoda said...

How exciting for you! I strongly believe that everyone should do what they love and not play it safe. Good luck!

Karlita said...

can't wait to see what you come up with! I also want to have my own company.. and the planning process is so hard! many many questions! well.. the best of lucks to you!

Leslie said...

Congratulations! It takes so much courage, but I'm confident that you have what it takes to succeed.

Kate {domestikatedlife} said...

We need to meet for drinks and chat! I need your advice on this topic :) So exciting that you're starting something new that's totally your own.

Rebecca said...

so exciting for you!! good luck =]

kelseaf said...

I am so happy for you! This was such a great boost of inspiration as I finish my last year of school and start my job, thanks!

Shannon Darrough said...

You can do it! I did it in July, and I have no regrets. You're right about the struggles, but the sense of accomplishment is amplified when it's just you!

hrck the herald said...

This is so inspiring! Another quote along the "be brave and try things" line that I love is "A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not why ships were built."

Kenya@Greenhouse said...

So excited for you!!! You rock!!!

Alex {Things That Sparkle} said...

So excited for you! You are going to be amazingly successful at anything you do because you are positive and talented!!

Kelly Brelly said...

I'm excited to see what path you are choosing.

viv said...

I'm so excited for you! This post is making me seriously reconsider my options.
fashiontruffles.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Many congrats on starting your new business. If it were easy everyone would do it, it takes a rare breed, you can do it.
Remember your father's words whenever times become challenging, square your shoulders and get it done.
As Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think you can or you can't, you are right."
Have faith, you can do this!

Sharon@house58blog.com said...

Your dad is a wise man. That was a very inspirational post. Thank you. Much.

Tommy said...

Best of luck! Don't forget to "pay yourself first" when the checks start rolling in.

Anonymous said...

congrats cannot wait to hear more!
xo emily

katie carlin said...

I can not wait to hear what you decide to do! I am sure it will be wonderful you are so incredibly talented!! Your blog is the first one I check every morning!! Good luck!!! Keep us posted!!

xx  Katie Carlin-Daily Crush

Peggy and Fritz said...

Fabulous quote! Go for it guns blazing! Life is an adventure and have the journey is the ride!

victoria | vmac+cheese said...

Love this! I know big things are in store for you!! :)

Unknown said...

This post gave me chills. I can't tell you how excited I am for you, it is such an exhilarating feeling and so unbelievably rewarding. So proud of you!

Lesley Rials Napper said...

Just found your blog via Things that Sparkle- I, too, am in these VERY early stages. Like writing a business plan stage. It is so exhilarating and scary at the same time, but like you said, life is too short to do anything you don't love. I would rather fail at something I love- that is mine- than be successful at a job I hate. Good luck to you! Can't wait to follow along :)

Tamra {ever swoon} said...

Congratulations darlin!! I just started my own company a few months ago, so I understand the emotions you are going through!! I'm always looking for some one to chat with about start ups, I'm in the city so let me know if you are interested in coffee!

Anonymous said...

Such an inspiring post! I wish I could quit my jobs and just go to school for interior design. My compromise is to keep both my jobs and take classes part time. It's nothing like the risk you're taking but I'm still excited to be taking a step in the direction of happiness!

Shelby said...

Best of luck on your new business! It is also my dream to run my own company some day, and this post is very inspiring!:)

Shelby xoxo
sweetconfessions21.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Fantastic post!! You are right. It is cliche but life is too short so why wait!?! Congrats on your new venture and I can't wait to hear more about it.
-Madeleine

Tiffany @ Savor Home said...

Mackenzie- You read my MIND! I admire you for the steps you have taken to achieve your dreams. I need to do the exact same thing, but am very fearful of taking that first step. This is incredibly helpful!

Jen W said...

You could not have worded this post more perfectly - what a HUGE inspiration! I'm a brand new reader, and this post has me hooked. I've worked in Marketing for almost a year and a half and leave the office every day swearing that one day I will own my own company. I think it's amazing that you had the courage to do it. Congratulations! And very best of luck to you. Looking forward to following your blog and future success!

kelly | being lovely said...

Congrats! I love the 101 in 1001! I think I may have to try it as I can surely come up with plenty of things I am dying to do! Props to you for hitting the ground running! Love your blog! Thanks for the inspiration!
xoxo- kelly
being lovely