You are here: Home » Blog » Money » Financial Freedom

From the category archives:

Financial Freedom

Overcome Fear to “Win Some or Learn Some”

Today is my last day at my job, and I am taking a step into the unknown. For the last four years, I have worked at the same full time position. In my last post, I outlined the logical and emotional reasons for making a decision on what to do next with my life and career. I also explained that, if all fear was pushed aside, I would choose to follow my heart and do my freelance web design and online marketing, as well as build other business ventures.

The fearful side of my still keeps saying, are you crazy? In this economy?  What happens if you fail? How do you know you will succeed?
And of course, the truth is, I have no idea what is coming next. All that I can do is keep my mind in the right place, and put my best foot forward.

Fear and doubt have a tendency to sneak back into your mind at the most stressful and insecure times in your life, when what you really need are feelings of confidence and strength.

For me, though I still experience feelings of doubt and fear, I am now able to recognize my fear as a trigger for the fact that I am out of my comfort zone, and that this will be a good learning and growth period of my life.

The Steps You’ll Need to Overcome Fear and Doubt:

  1. Recognize the emotional trigger that caused you to feel fear, doubt, etc
  2. Accept that there are some logical reasons for the feelings
  3. Acknowledge that, though there are some reasons that you are feeling fear, there is also the strong possibility that things will go the way you want them to
  4. Accept uncertainty and the unknown as a constant part of life
  5. Think positive and be confident in your decisions
  6. Move forward with your best foot forward
  7. Mission Accomplished: Fear is Overcome

What are the Possible Outcomes of Pushing Past Your Fears?

  1. You Get What You Hoped or Even Something Better
  2. You “Fail”, but You Learn From Your Mistakes and Move On

Or, in the words of Jason Mraz: “You Win Some or Learn Some”

I’ve made my decision to give it a try. I have the ability so I am going to take a 2 month test period to see if I can truly build my businesses to support my family.

Here’s My 2 Month Plan:

  • I already have a few new and a few big projects lined up, including my other recurring work for clients.
  • I am going to re-brand my business, which is currently called AGR Web Designs, to Lead Online Marketing. This will include moving from a sole proprietor model to an LLC, a new website/branding/blog, etc strategy, marketing and better packaged offerings. I have also started to get better with software for my invoicing an estimates (I may to a post/review on those tools)
  • I may also do a bit of additional part time work during this time as I build my business
  • I will continue to build my timeline/planning templates business
  • I’m considering building another small site that focuses on wordpress and/or thesis design, as this market is really booming and I enjoy working in that area

I am afraid, but I am also very excited. And though it is a slightly uncomfortable place to be, it makes me feel more alive and happy about my career than I have been in the last 4 years.

{ 0 comments }

Making a Choice Between Entrepreneur or Corporate Life

March 11, 2010

Well, its official. I have turned in my two week notice at my current position and I am pursuing other options. We have enough of a padding to last long enough for me to sort this out. (My fear is talking there)

I’m very happy about this first decision and I have lots of options. Nonetheless, I am very much struggling with this life decision.

Read the full article →

How to Save Money Dying Your Own Hair

March 4, 2010

Dying Your Hair at Home without it Turning Green or Orange

HairThis post is for the ladies, but if you’re a guy, send it to your friends, girlfriends or wife, they’ll thank you!

First off a note: Use this ‘advice’ at your own risk. I take absolutely no claims for your own use or misuse of hair dying products. This post is simply a few tips I’ve learned that have helped me save some money without compromising my style too much.

I have experimented with dying my own hair for years now, and I’m not going to lie, I have had some green and orange experiences.

Read the full article →

How to Choose? Pay Off Debt, Save, Invest or Build a Business

February 23, 2010

In my pursuit towards financial freedom, I have been able to narrow down my goals and realize key elements that I want to focus on for my career and life style.

I have now managed to categorize and budget my expenses, long term and short term savings accounts, and I have begun to understand tax rules and how they affect investment accounts and options.

Nonetheless, I still find it difficult to determine the order and priority to assign to saving, paying off debts, investing, and business start ups.

Read the full article →

Launch of my New Business, OnTimelines.com

February 17, 2010

Since I began this blog I have been interested in starting businesses that are product rather than service based. I have taken that leap with my new, still working out the kinks website; ontimelines.com.

Based on the wonderful feedback from this website, I have realized an area that I really want to focus on further and offer help to others: Planning and organizing.

Read the full article →

Recovering PC User Tells All: Why I Obsessively Love my Mac

February 11, 2010

Alright, this post is just a shameless plug for my iMac. But really, this computer has allowed me to use so many organizing and helpful tools so that I can expand both my business and improve my use of time. I know this is a bit off topic, but I just have to share some of the reasons why my Mac has made it possible for me to progress my quest for organizing, budgeting, and overall happiness since I have owned it.

Read the full article →

Many Popular Financial Advisors Don’t Have Kids

February 4, 2010

I am curious if life is made up of Either / Or choices or if it is truly possible to have life full of ANDs. I’d like to believe it is possible to keep adding ANDs to your life, yet I know that at some point your plate gets full and you have to take things off.

So, what do I mean by and AND life versus and OR life?

Read the full article →

Having a Clear Life Vision

January 29, 2010

A recurring theme that I have heard and read from ALMOST ALL of the books on wealth and prosperity involve one consistent thought: Documenting and staying focused on your vision.
This is taught in many ways. Some people prefer to clip pictures together from magazines, etc to have a visual representation of their future desires. Personally, [...]

Read the full article →

Confidence, Purpose and Marketing: Ingredients for Success

January 28, 2010

I had the privilege of listening to a thoughtful free webinar by “conscious” entrepreneur Max Simon in which he interviewed Vishen Lakhiani on the concepts of creating a wealthy mind. He also spoke about how to turn a business from performing so-so to really reaching a ‘turning point’.

Read the full article →