Welcome to Sketchbook Stories

Starting something new can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether it’s embarking on a new project, pursuing a passion, or diving into uncharted territory, the journey ahead is filled with endless possibilities. 

As humans, we are creatures of habit, often finding comfort in familiarity and routine. Stepping outside of our comfort zones requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of change, to let fear hold us back from taking that first step forward; however, it is precisely in those moments of uncertainty that we have the opportunity to grow and to discover new strengths within ourselves. 

Here are 5 steps I took to start something new:

1. List the things you love
2. Define your vision
3. Create a plan
4. Take action
5. Be flexible 

List out the things you love

By identifying the things you love, you can ensure that your business aligns with your passions, interests, and values. Building a business around something you love increases your motivation, satisfaction, and enjoyment in the work you do. Listing things can help narrow your focus and choose a business idea that excites you. It provides clarity on what you want to pursue and helps keep you from expending (or squandering) energy on ventures that don’t resonate with you personally. 

Here is a list of things that I love:

1. My Family
2. Illustration
3. House Plants & Flowers
4. Puzzles
5. Health & Fitness
6. Pinterest

Define your vision

Ask yourself lots of questions and be completely honest. Having a clear vision will guide your actions and keep you focused as you move forward. 

Here are a few examples of questions to ask yourself:

• What is my ultimate goal? 
• What do I hope to accomplish?
• What does my future look like?

Your answers may look like:My ultimate goal is to start a business that supports local artists in finding specific jobs suited to their niche and personalities. I hope to accomplish my goal by providing support to hundreds of artists and enhancing local business spaces. My future includes my own office filled with local art and a calendar full of opportunities.

Create a plan

Outline the steps you need to take to turn your vision into reality. Break down each of your goals into tasks and create a timeline for completing them. 

Here are a few examples turning your goals into tasks:

• Starting a business – research the market to understand your target audience, define your products/services offered, choose your company name, mission, and financial projections.
• Finding your own office – obtain necessary licenses and permits, budget for rental costs, and explore locations.
• Filling your calendar – develop a brand identity, market yourself, inquire to potential customers, and get to know local artists.

Be sure to allocate time and resources accordingly, fill out a calendar regularly, and hold yourself accountable to deadlines.

Take action

With your vision defined and your plan in place, it’s time to take the first steps forward. This stage may pose the greatest challenge, but it’s also the moment to unveil your new journey to the world. Launching your business entails wholeheartedly embracing the unknown and venturing beyond your comfort zone, but hopefully igniting excitement along the way. 

Be flexible

While it’s essential to have a clear vision, it is also important to remain flexible and open to change. As you progress on your journey, you may encounter new opportunities, challenges, or insights that require you to adjust your vision. Embrace the unknown and be willing to adapt, your future self is constantly evolving. 

Stepping out of our comfort zones and embarking on new endeavors can be intimidating, but it’s also where growth and discovery flourish. As we push past familiar boundaries and embrace the unknown, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. Each leap taken, each challenge faced, brings us closer to realizing our full potential and living a life complete/infused with purpose and fulfillment. So, let us embrace discomfort, welcome uncertainty, and courageously venture into the realm of the unfamiliar, for it is there that our greatest adventures await.