Starting a business is exciting — and scary. It’s a bit like driving through a heavy fog where you are only able to see a few feet in front of the windshield — you don’t know what’s up ahead until it’s upon you. However, the longer you are an entrepreneur, the better you can navigate through that fog.

Don’t listen to statistics

People love to throw around the statistic that 95 per cent of businesses fail. Don’t listen to that — it’s an excuse to make you feel comfortable about giving up. If that number is even correct, it’s because most people don’t commit, they don’t follow through to the end or they are stupid in how they manage their money.

Do something you like

Don’t start something you won’t want to do in five years, because if you are successful, you’ll still be doing this in five years.

You are not going to know everything

In fact, you probably won’t know anything when you first start. Start anyway. You’ll figure it all out "on the job.”

Finish what you start

Many entrepreneurs suffer from the same curse: they like to start things more than they like to finish them. In other words, if you are a good entrepreneur, you’ll have a lot of great ideas. Most of them would probably work out well and make you a lot of money. However, that doesn’t mean you should pursue them. Pick one and go with it until it dies or it makes you rich enough to buy a private island.

Never partner with someone because it’s convenient

Partner with someone because it makes you stronger. The wrong partner will drive you crazy, make you hate your work and end up causing more problems than they solve.

You are going to suck at managing people

It’s okay. However, this is one task you must get better about. Hire an assistant right now, even if it’s only a part-time one. It will give you some great training on managing, with little downside.

Stop designing business cards, logos, business plans and stationery

They don’t matter right now. Go build your business and stop doing busy work that makes you feel like you are accomplishing something.

There is a fine line between dedicated and obsessed

Forget the line. Trample right over it. You need to cross that line continually, so never let anyone tell you that you are too obsessed with your idea.

Don’t quit your job too soon

Yes, you’ll have more time to build your business, but let’s be honest: there are 168 hours in a week, only 40 are consumed by your job and another 50 by sleep. You have plenty of time if you would just hustle. But don’t be afraid to quit your job if you can afford it.

Your spouse and kids matters more than your business. Never forget that.

Read —a lot

If you don’t have time, listen to audiobooks. And not just business books. Read motivational books, self-help books, success books, fiction books, and biographies.

Get up earlier

Yes, you can, and you should. It doesn’t matter if you are not a morning person. That’s an excuse lazy people use.

Don’t worry about raising money

Focus on building a business so incredible people throw money at you.

Hopefully at least one of the above tips will help you navigate through the fog a little easier with more confidence. If you are just getting started with your business, just remember this: keep driving through the fog. Your future self will thank you.

Agencies