If you want something done, you can't wait for someone else to do it for you.
Today's society is bent on entrepreneurs and especially those of color to wait on a hand-out or hand-up from the government to get the ball rolling in our lives.
But as far back as the founding of this country black entrepreneurs have been striking out on their own. Forging a path and living out their dreams the old fashioned way. Let's talk about a few basic steps that are tried and true.
The Problem with Handouts
Handouts, no matter how small or large do little to help the person or people develop the skills needed to become successful. The opposite is true. They are debilitating to the person.
Take for example the butterfly trying to get out of its cocoon. The struggling of the caterpillar to the butterfly is essential in pumping blood to the new wings. If you were to aid the butterfly as it struggles to free itself from the its cocoon, the result would be a not fully formed or crippled butterfly.
So no matter how tempting it is to take that handout, don't fall for the immediate relief. The long-term detriment isn't worth it.
Develop a clear Dream
Gather the building materials
Set a schedule
Execute the Plan
Develop a clear Dream
Before embarking on your historic trip, invention, business or product you must have a clear idea of what you are aiming for. When I'm talking clear, I mean you need to see it, smell it, hear it or taste it.
The mind is an amazing thing. If you can conceive of an end goal, then your mind will do all it can to get you there. But if you are whishy washy about your goal, then you mind doesn't know what to do with it. Sit down with paper and pencil and draw out your dream. Give it a name and details, (as much as you can). This may be your most important step.
Gather the building Materials
What is it going to take you to get from zero to launching your dream? Will it take education, money, people, materials. Now is the time to start gathering those items.
I opened a restaurant and knew that it would take many small steps to fully launch, so my process may be instructive for you.
I put together a 26 weeks plan. During the process, everyday was accounted for. At the end of each week I had to have certain things done. If they weren't then my plan would be delayed.
At the end of the 26 weeks, {if things went to plan} my restaurant would be ready to open. Other than a few weeks delay due to some permitting issues, our restaurant opened.
Set a Schedule
We discussed this earlier but it bears repeating. Schedules work. The easiest way to think of this is boundaries and timelines. Your mind needs clear guidance and direction. A detailed schedule will help you know how much time you have to get things done.
Why is this so important?
We all have a tendancy to loaf off. A strict but adjustable schedule keeps us on tract. We all need to stay on tract if your dreams are to be accomplished.
Execute
Once you have gathered all the needed items for your dream, time to Execute. Execute means just that. Nothing else should matter until you get your project completed. Your friends and others will just have to wait until you're done.
Sometimes people will say that you are being selfish when you tell them you can't hang out with them on the weekend but you have a dream that you must accomplish. Your "friends" will be there when you're done. It's time to Get things Done.
