The first few years in business are tough – for pretty much everyone. It takes courage, determination, conviction, and passion.

This is why modern business owners, specifically women, and even more specifically, mothers, are shifting to a new way of doing business, one that ties in with their ultimate beliefs and connecting to something greater than themselves in this world.

But the truth is, no matter how steadfast you hold to the vision you have for your life and business you are going to crumble, you are going to cry, you are going to be filled with fear of failure, mediocrity, and the never-ending cycle of chase and struggle.

Many of these feelings, however, are due to misconceptions about the ‘reality’ of being a business owner. Perhaps you’ve never been told that the world continues beyond the oh-so-public horizon that you see.

Let’s get real and bust through some of those misconceptions right now:

1. The real overnight success is a rarity. Most of the success stories I know either had years of experience in their field, in marketing, in sales, or they had built and moved on from one or more businesses prior to starting the one you now see. They too started somewhere. It takes time.

2. There is no race. Yes, building a successful business is hard work and takes consistent effort but you can go at your own pace. (sigh of relief right?) You won’t get left behind. This is fundamental for those who are designing their lifestyle business. Going at your own speed means not sacrificing your experience of the here and now in anticipation of a future reality.

3. No, you don’t need all those programs. But you do need support. Owning a business is not a road to be travelled alone. Get really clear on what you want and need, not what someone else is telling you you need. Feel into your reality. There is such a thing as a program junkie, and they don’t usually run profitable businesses.

4. Don’t get mired in worksheets and processes. Yes, you need systems and processes in place, but don’t hide behind the busywork of completing worksheets in order to feel that you are moving ahead in your business. There comes a time for serious action no matter how much we like answering questions about ourselves and what we do, or reorganizing our inbox one more time. Focus on income generating activities.

5. What works for others won’t necessarily work for you. Get clear on how you want to work and grow your business. There isn’t one system that suits all. Choose a coach or mentor who reflects the lifestyle and business values that are important to you. Work with someone who is steps ahead of where you want to be in your life and business, not just someone who has achieved monetary success.

6. Finding a niche is important, but changing directions is ok too (even if you’re already branded and out there). There is nothing more demotivating and struggle-inducing than doing work that is not your real passion. Be brave, know when to stick it out and when to alter course. Also know when to stop thinking and just get out there.

7. Big dogs don’t need to bark. Your truth comes out in how you step into every part of your business and life. If you are successful, authentic, spiritual, you don’t need to shout about it. Be it, and get on with your sweet self.  You don’t need to explain to people what you are, simply living it and showing up is enough. (Don’t get this confused with not being visible, you do need to be visible, you just don’t need to show up wearing a sequined leotard and a rainbow wig)

8. Owning a business is not for all. Some people are just not cut out for it. Get really honest with what works for you and what you want out of life. Are you truly happy being a stay at home mum, are you using owning a sbusiness to fill a gap that you want for yourself or your family that you can’t find elsewhere but would really rather not be doing it yourself? Do you prefer routine, regularity, and being part of a bigger team? Be honest, because he path of a business owner is not for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay.

We’d love to hear some of the hush hush business owner secrets you’ve uncovered along the way…what’s the one main one?