The glamour of operating within a 9-5 typical corporate job is that you’re stepping into the “known”. You know where your paycheck is coming from, you know where you’ll be working from, you get hired on with a list of things you’re already expected to know (and likely have already spent a lot of time schooling yourself on), and you know that all of the “logistics” are already handled. It won’t be your job to worry about how to handle taxes for a business, what systems will be best to track your client journey, and so on. Those things are decided for you. 

While sitting in the “known” can be comfortable for some, you’re here because that box felt way too restrictive for the life you want to lead and you’re ready to learn about the unknown in order to unlock freedom in your time, bank account and with your dreams. Because that’s what’s waiting in the unknown! 

So first off, heck yea to you for breaking out of the rat race! 

Secondly, a word to the wise as you dive into your journey of entrepreneurship: make sure not to fall into the trap many new entrepreneurs fall into which is the learning mode. 

The learning mode is where you allow yourself to be overrun by imposter syndrome and insecurity. This is also the mode where you allow yourself to sink into the idea that you have to know it all in order to start your business and that couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth. 

The only thing common among all entrepreneurs is the fact that we are all learning as we go and to wait until you know it all, means you’ll always be waiting. And your dreams are tired of waiting. 

Read on below to find out ways to avoid getting stuck in learning mode!

Plan Out Your Goals & Take Action 

From the moment your business becomes a solidified idea that you’re ready to jump into, it’s time to whip out your notebook and start laying out an outline of what needs to happen next! Categorize things you want to get done and list out big tasks that need to be checked off. Legally, what needs to be done? Marketing-wise, what are some best practices? Regarding client management, what should you be mindful of? Keep big picture goals in mind followed by the small steps that will take you to the finish line. 

Next, know that as you vision cast your big goals and the steps needed to get there, you will get overwhelmed by differing opinions as well as copious amounts of information available to you. However, whether you’re being coached, mentored, or learning on your own, avoid getting caught up in the learning mode by setting dates on when you’ll take actionable steps towards completing these things. 

Are there different recommendations when it comes to marketing your new online practice? Of course there are! And that’s fine! Dedicate 1 week to researching and by the end of that week, commit to deciding on one option to try out! At the end of quarter one, reassess and move forward as necessary. 

Hold Yourself Accountable 

While planning and taking action is vital towards staying on track and out of the “learning mode”, being a successful entrepreneur who is actively learning and not stuck in learning also requires holding yourself accountable. 

Now that no one is overseeing you in your business (after all, you’re the CEO), allowing ourselves to slack off and give excuses as to why we can’t do something will happen much more often than we may like to admit! In order to avoid this (and avoid telling ourselves why we need to learn just a litttleeee bit more), consider ways of holding yourself accountable. 

A great way to do this is by having an accountability partner with who you check in with periodically, or signing up with a co-working group! 

By having someone to check in with, your mind will be tricked into having more pressure to get things done and this, of course, will inadvertently move you forward in building your business faster and ultimately unlocking the life you dreamed about! 

Don’t allow yourself to get stuck in learning mode and don’t wait to live the life you want! Start chasing it now and continue to learn as you go – it’s the hallmark of any good entrepreneur!