The road to success with your own business is winding. There are moments of sheer brilliance coupled with moments of absolute terror. It’s equally as scary as it is fulfilling. Running your own business never smooth sailing, but you eventually strike a balance between the dichotomy of doubting your work and having relentless confidence in it. Here’s how it goes.

The 10 Stages Of Running Your Own Business (via GIPHY):

Quitting the 9-5

Eff this! I deserve better. I want a business, NOT a job. I have way more to offer and I am going to help people with my gift.

Panic

What did I do?!? I have no idea how to run a business. I’ll be broke forever. How will I pay my bills? Oh no!

Finding Your Focus

Aha! THAT is what the people need. They need my gift. I know exactly who my ideal client is, I know what they need to hear and I know where to find them. I’ve got this.

Determination

To do lists! Email marketing! Social Media! Work, work, work! Nothing is going to get in my way.

Fear

This is absolutely terrifying! What if I fail? What if no one gets it? What if I never sell anything?

First Client!

Oh my god, I did it! I landed my first paying client! And they were so happy with my services. I’m really doing this. I can’t believe it! I have a business!

Doubt

What if that was beginners luck? I can’t pull that off again. No one else is going to actually pay me to do this. It just won’t work. I’m going to have to go find a real job. This was so impractical.

Payment Notification

Wait, what? I just got paid…in my sleep! Is this real life? I’ve made something the people need and they’re buying it. This is the best feeling ever!

Confidence

I am badass boss babe. I’m doing this. I make the rules. I’ve created the freedom to own my life.

Success

There’s no end in sight. I just keep getting better and better. As I grow and evolve, so does my business. I can’t wait to teach other people how to do this.