Your entrepreneurial dreams may be scary, but if you embody these traits they’re more likely to cheer you on.
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The decision to leave a solid career and go it alone can be a scary one. To make that decision without the full support of your partner can be downright terrifying. If it’s their support you lack, chances are they have some fears of their own.
Allaying those fears starts with keeping the lines of communication continually open, of course, but I believe there are at least three traits that, if exhibited, will help move your partner from worried observer to cheerleading participant.
You’re Self-Motivated
When discussing my goals with my wife there was something that helped her get comfortable with the idea of my leaving the only job she’d ever known me to have. In fact, her first words were, “You’re self-motivated.”
If you’re great about showing your boss what an amazing self-starter you are but, at home, haven’t shown interest in helping with the simplest of tasks, don’t be surprised when your partner expresses doubts.
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Trust me when I say there are few traits your partner needs to see you exhibit more than self-motivation. That you’re “jonesing” to do your own thing probably means you’re not the type of person who sits around awaiting orders, at least in your professional life. But what about at home?
If you’re great about showing your boss what an amazing self-starter you are but, at home, haven’t shown interest in helping with the simplest of tasks, don’t be surprised when your partner expresses doubts.
You’re Passionate
Do you have trouble getting through a single day without striking up a conversation with your partner about your “thing?” Are you already working on it in your spare time? Are you reading, listening to podcasts, researching online courses and leveraging other opportunities to self-educate?
If any or all of the above are true, your partner’s mind will be put at ease. If, however, you’re still trying to figure out what your “thing” is, good luck convincing them that leaving your job is the right thing to do.
Even worse is telling your partner you need to “feel your way” through the process. Making it up as you go is not a strategy. And that brings me to my last point.
You’re a Planner
When I came to the conclusion I was ready to leave my job, the first thing I did was tell my wife what I was feeling. We began talking through why I felt the change was needed. And, because I had a history of self-motivation, and had shown passionate leanings toward specific skills in the past, our conversations eventually lead to the natural discussion of a plan.
There’s really nothing quite like the entrepreneurial journey, but it’s made all the more sweet when your partner is cheerfully along for the ride.
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Not a plan I’d already hashed out you understand, but one that, now that I had her initial buy-in, could be created by the two of us, together.
In our case, we agreed on the date I would ultimately leave my job. Next, we begin working backwards from there, setting milestones and agreeing on the necessary steps for reaching each.
Start Now
Effective planning, expressing passion for the things you love, and exhibiting the traits of a person who’s motivated to succeed, will all help bring your partner to a place of being on board with your professional goals, but only if these traits are ones you’ve been practicing for some time already.
In other words, your partner’s confidence must be won long before it’s ultimately needed.
Evaluate where you are in these three areas and determine whether you’ve room for improvement in any of them. Really want to gain your partner’s loyalty and trust? Include them in the evaluation process.
There’s really nothing quite like the entrepreneurial journey, but it’s made all the more sweet when your partner is cheerfully along for the ride.
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Photo: Getty Images
I resonate with you, Jeff, especially with point #2. I talked non-stop about my ideas and I’m sure my wife could tell how passionate I was about my plans for entrepreneurship. It was a big step, moving from a successful teaching career, but wouldn’t look back. I’m so glad I took your last advice, and just decided to ‘start now’.
Thanks for the kind words Bruce. And, I’m excited for you and the risks you’ve been willing to take. Sounds like it’s been well worth it.