Starting a business can be a nervy time for an entrepreneur, particularly if it’s a first attempt. You have several decisions to make before you even open your doors, and you may struggle with second guessing yourself. Fortunately, you aren’t the first person to start a business, and there are dozens of professionals who make it their job to help entrepreneurs find success.

As such, we’ve asked several business coaches a single question:

“What practices help someone be successful at starting a business?”

Harness Your Confidence
“To be successful at starting a business, they must harness their confidence, walk with the conviction of knowing who they are, and put that energy into three key areas of building their business:
1. Knowing their niche and what they specialize in
2. Understanding who their ideal client is and what that client needs
3. Having clarity about what their signature offer is.
When a person knows how to operate their business from these strengths and understands the most important foundational steps of business building, success becomes limitless.”
Rachel Feldman, Business Coach

Do You Have Clarity?
“When starting out, one word is helpful—clarity—clarity of what it is you are offering (product/service), clarity of who your ideal customer is (market research), clarity of pricing (competitive research), and clarity on how you’re going to reach your customer base.”
Guy Whitcroft, Coach/Consultant | Business Fitness

Create Your Future
“The best way to predict your future is to create it. Begin with the end in mind. See your business as if it was already a successful business, then work backwards to match the vision.”
Mary E. Turner, RN, Certified EMyth Business Coach, Board Certified Nurse Coach | Coach RN

The Power of the Pen
“One practice that will help you is to display “The Power of the Pen” by “Documenting With Discipline.” What that means is that by consistently writing down your tasks and crossing them off as you go, you are developing a pattern of accomplishment every day.”
Corey Dissin, Marketing & Business Coach

Have The Vision
“You need to know what problem you’re solving, who your target market is, and what makes your business unique. Without a clear vision, you’ll find it hard to make any progress and your business will likely falter.”
Sharon Lee, CPLC, CBC, NLP | Fearless Pursuits, LLC

Know Your “Why”
“What is the reason for the existence of your business?
Clearly define and communicate the mission of your business.

What are the values you want to install?
Define the value of your business.

Why are you starting this business?
Know your ‘why’.”
Leon Kammer, Confidence Coach | Leon Kammer Coaching

Build On Trust
“Build on trust, honesty, and integrity by sticking to clear principles you can lean on. Trust precedes sustainable success in everything you do.”
Jussi Luukkonen, Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Speaker, and Author

Know What Lights You Up
“Notice what work lights you up. That’s the work you were built to do! Then, create a business that enables you to DO that work.”
Sue Elliott, Founder | My Angel Coach

Know Your True Purpose
“In starting a business, a person first needs a strong sense of their own personal “Purpose” and their “Why”. The reason this is important is that most businesses that do not succeed fail due to a lack of true purpose and not knowing what will keep them grinding through the tough times.”
Patrick Cummings, entrepreneur, business coach, wealth management advisor, and published author | PNP Strategies

Separate Core Functions by “Seats”
“When starting a business, it’s ideal to build out all the core functions of the business into “seats” or roles. When starting out, you as a business owner are going to sit in probably most, if not all, the seats. As you’re able to add resources and more people, you slowly pull yourself out of those seats, one by one, so that you’re able to elevate into your ideal function within the business.”
Patrick Metzger, CEO/Founder & Coach/Advisor | The Greenhouse

Focus on Team Building
“Build a strong team. No one can start a business on their own. You’ll need to build a group of talented people who share your vision and can help you achieve your goals.”
Alan Wozniak, Founder | Business Health Matters

We’d love to add your expert opinion here too! Please reach out to us with your answer to this question:

“What practices help someone be successful at starting a business?”

Contact us today with your answer to this question!

Your zodiac sign can tell you a lot about yourself—including what kind of lifestyle you should be leading. Certain signs are more compatible with certain lifestyles than others. For example, an adventurous Aries might find that a settled, routine lifestyle doesn’t suit them, while a homebody Cancer might prefer a slower-paced life. Keep reading to find out which lifestyle is right for you, based on your zodiac sign.

 

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Aries are natural-born leaders who enjoy being in charge and being active. They like to be on the go and are always up for a challenge. An Aries’ ideal lifestyle would allow them to travel frequently, try new things, and have plenty of opportunities for physical activity. They would also prefer to work for themselves rather than someone else.

 

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus are patient, reliable, and practical. They like stability and routine and generally prefer to stick to familiar places and people. A Taurus’ ideal lifestyle would include a comfortable home, relaxed pace, and plenty of time spent with loved ones. They would also prefer a steady job with good benefits over one that pays less but is more stimulating.

 

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Geminis are adaptable, charming, and intelligent. They like variety and change and enjoy being around other people. A Gemini’s ideal lifestyle would involve lots of social interaction, frequent travel, and plenty of opportunities to learn new things. They might also prefer to have multiple jobs or income streams rather than just one.

 

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) 

Cancers are loyal, emotional, and nurturing. They enjoy being at home and surrounded by familiar faces. A Cancer’s ideal lifestyle would be a slow-paced one where they can relax in their own space and spend time with loved ones. They might also prefer to work from home or have a job that allows them flexibility in their schedule.

 

Leo (July 23 – August 22) 

Leos are confident, ambitious, and creative. They enjoy being in the spotlight and thrive when they’re working towards a goal. A Leo’s ideal lifestyle would allow them to pursue their passions and put their creativity to use. They might also prefer to work for themselves or have a job that provides plenty of challenges.

 

Virgo (August 23 – September 22) 

Virgos are detail-oriented, hardworking, and analytical. They like everything to be in its place and generally prefer order over chaos. A Virgo’s ideal lifestyle would involve lots of structure and routine, as well as opportunities to help others using their skillset. They might also prefer a traditional office setting over working from home or in a more relaxed environment..  

No matter what your zodiac sign is, there’s sure to be a lifestyle out there that’s perfect for you. By understanding your strengths and weaknesses—as well as what you need to feel fulfilled—you can make sure that you’re living the life you were meant to live. So why not take some time to reflect on your sign’s characteristics? It just might give you some insights into the life you should be leading—and how to get there! If you can’t find your zodiac sign on this post, you can check them here!

Making a big life change can be scary, whether you’re quitting your 9-to-5 to start your own business or simply trying to live a healthier lifestyle. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and give up before you even get started. That’s why it’s important to take things slowly and gradually adjust to the lifestyle you want. Here are three tips to help you do just that. 

1. Set small, achievable goals.

The first step is to set small, achievable goals that you can reasonably accomplish in the short-term. These could be things like working out three times a week or cooking dinner at home four nights a week. The key is to not bite off more than you can chew; you don’t want to set yourself up for failure from the start. 

 

2. Make gradual changes.

Once you have your goals in mind, take things slowly and make gradual changes. For example, if your goal is to work out three times a week, don’t go from zero days to three days overnight. Start by working out once a week and gradually increase frequency as you get more comfortable with it. The same goes for diet changes; don’t completely give up all of the foods you love cold turkey (you’ll just end up feeling deprived and miserable). Instead, focus on gradually increasing the amount of healthy foods you’re eating while decreasing the amount of unhealthy foods. 

 

3. Find a support system.

Making any major life change is easier with a supportive network behind you. Whether it’s joining a gym or health club, signing up for a cooking class, or simply asking a friend or family member to hold you accountable, having people in your corner will make it that much easier to stick with your new lifestyle. 

That’s why it’s important to take things slowly and gradually adjust to the lifestyle you want. By following these three tips—setting small, achievable goals; making gradual changes; and finding a supportive network—you can make adjusting to your new lifestyle as easy and painless as possible.

We live in a health-conscious society. Everywhere we turn, we’re bombarded with messages about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, there is such a thing as being “too healthy.” In fact, being too health-conscious can actually be dangerous. Here’s why:

 

You Miss Out on Important Nutrients

When you’re obsessed with eating healthy all the time, you run the risk of missing out on important nutrients. For example, if you’re someone who only eats “clean” foods, you may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals. Why? Because some of the best sources of vitamins and minerals are actually unhealthy foods! Take tomatoes, for instance. They’re packed with lycopene, an important antioxidant that’s good for your heart. But tomatoes are also high in sugar. So if you’re avoiding all sugar, you’re also avoiding lycopene. 

 

You deprive yourself of enjoyment

Let’s face it: healthy food isn’t always the tastiest food. Sure, there are some exceptions to the rule (avocados come to mind), but generally speaking, healthy food just doesn’t taste as good as unhealthy food. And that’s not a bad thing! Part of the reason why unhealthy food tastes so good is because it’s loaded with fat, salt, and sugar—all things that our bodies crave. When you eat healthy all the time, you deny yourself the pleasure of indulging in those cravings. As a result, you may find yourself feeling deprived and unsatisfied. 

You put unnecessary stress on your body 

Constantly worrying about what you’re eating takes a toll on your mental and physical health. Studies have shown that people who are constantly dieting are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. They’re also more likely to develop an unhealthy relationship with food. So if you’re someone who’s always stressing about eating the “right” things, it might be time to reconsider your approach to health and nutrition.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy. But it’s important to remember that there is such a thing as being too healthy. When you get too caught up in eating clean and being perfect all the time, you miss out on important nutrients, enjoyment, and even put unnecessary stress on your body. So instead of worrying about being perfect, focus on enjoying your food and living a balanced life. Your body—and your sanity—will thank you for it!

Every year, new fad diets seem to sweep the nation. From Atkins to Paleo to Keto, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. But how do you know if a diet is right for you? More importantly, how do you know if it’s not? Here are six signs that you may be on the wrong diet.

1. You’re always hungry.

If you find yourself constantly snacking or raiding the pantry even though you just ate a meal, that’s a red flag that something isn’t quite right. Feeling ravenous all the time is one of the most common complaints among people who are on the wrong diet. If you’re eating too few calories or the wrong mix of nutrients, your body will let you know.

 

2. You have no energy. 

Another common sign that you’re not getting what your body needs is a lack of energy. If you find yourself struggling to make it through the day or falling asleep at your desk, those are both strong indicators that your diet isn’t giving you the sustenance you need to power through your day-to-day tasks. 

 

3. You’re always tired.

Not to be confused with a lack of energy, feeling tired all the time is another common symptom of being on an unsuitable diet. If you find yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning or taking more naps than usual, it’s worth reconsidering what you’re eating. 

 

4. You’re not seeing results. 

If you’ve been sticking to your diet plan but not seeing any results—or worse, seeing negative results—that’s an indication that it might not be right for your body. Different people lose weight at different rates, but if you feel like you’re doing everything right and not seeing any progress, it might be time to try something new. 

 

5. You have cravings. 

If you find yourself constantly thinking about certain foods or unable to resist temptation, that’s a sign that your diet isn’t giving you what you need internally. When we deprive our bodies of certain nutrients, it can lead to intense cravings for those very things. If you find yourself dreaming about pizza or obsessing over cookies, it might be time for a change. 

 

6. You’re grumpy. 

We all have bad days now and again, but if you find yourself feeling angry or irritable more often than usual, it could be due to your diet . When we don’t get enough sleep or proper nutrition , our moods can suffer as a result . If your diet is making you unhappy , it’s definitely not worth sticking with. 

No one wants to feel like they’re on a never-ending roller coaster of hunger, fatigue , and irritability . If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to reassess your current diet and see if there’s something better out there for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find something that works for both your body and your lifestyle.

We all know that feeling. You’re stuffed and uncomfortable, regretting every last bite of that extra-large pizza or jumbo bag of chips. Or maybe you didn’t even realize how much you were eating until you stepped on the scale and saw the damage. Either way, it’s not a good feeling. But how can you tell if you really ate too many calories? Here are three signs that may indicate you’ve overindulged.

You Ate More Than Your Daily Calorie Goal

If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain your current weight, then you probably have a daily calorie goal. And if you ate more than that goal, then it’s likely that you ate too many calories. For example, if your daily calorie goal is 2,000 and you ate 2,500 calories, then you went over by 500 calories. 

You Ate Mindlessly or Without Paying Attention 

Oftentimes, we eat without really thinking about it. We snack on candy at work or munch on fries while we’re driving. And before we know it, we’ve consumed hundreds of extra calories without even realizing it. If this sounds like something you do frequently, then it’s a sign that you need to start paying more attention to what and how much you’re eating throughout the day. 

Your Clothes Feel tighter than usual 

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but if your clothes feel tighter than normal after eating a large meal, then it’s a sign that you ate too many calories. Overeating can cause temporary water retention and make your clothes feel snugger than they actually are. If this happens often enough, though, those temporary gains can turn into permanent weight gain.

It can be easy to overeat without realizing it—especially if we’re not paying attention to what we’re putting into our bodies. But there are some telltale signs that indicate we’ve had too much to eat. From stepped-on scales to tight clothing, watch out for these three red flags next time you finish a meal so that you can avoid overeating and stay on track with your healthy diet goals.