4 Tips for the Employed Entrepreneur

First off, what is an "employed entrepreneur" you ask?

An employed entrepreneur is the individual who is working full-time for someone else, but has aspirations to work for themself and is working towards that goal.

I think it's important to emphasize the last portion of the definition - the part where the individual is ACTIVELY working towards the goal. Otherwise you're just an "employed daydreamer". Working for someone else and simultaneously working for yourself can be overwhelming. It can feel like there's not enough time in a day to complete all the tasks you need to get done, but it is possible! And I have 3 tips for the employed entrepreneur that's looking to make every second in the day count.

1. Use your time wisely

If your job is a bit more relaxed like mine, you may be allowed to listen to music while you work. I used to flip through my favorite songs endlessly, until I realized I could be making better use of my time. Listening to podcasts are a way to absorb information while still carrying on other tasks. My favorite podcasts are centered around business advice and how to better one's life in general. If you're not allowed to listen to podcasts during your work hours, there are other ways to maximize your time. You can download podcasts beforehand and listen to them on your drives to and from work. You can split your lunch break in half, spending the first half eating and relaxing, then the second half reading a book that can help you on your journey to entrepeneurship. 

If you're feeling like you're lacking enough time in the day to make everything happen, really evaluate how you're spending your time and see if there are better habits you can adopt to make your time better count towards your goal.

2. Plan, plan, plan

Planning your time in some type of capacity is SO important in helping to move you towards reaching your goals. For one thing, planning helps you maximize your time. You have a general idea of how you plan to spend your time and what you want to get accomplished during that time. Also, planning helps reduce the chances of procrastination occurring. If you already have your time specifically allotted towards tasks that are productive, it's less likely you'll find yourself wasting time that could be spend more wisely.

Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans. - Peter F. Drucker

3. Break big tasks down into smaller, easily digestible tasks

Sometimes having a big goal can feel so overwhelming you just don't know where to start and instead don't start at all. Instead, try breaking down your goals into smaller tasks that can be accomplished individually and add up to the completion of your goal. It's easier to get discouraged when it feels like you aren't making any advancement towards your dream; but by breaking your tasks down into smaller goals and crossing them off little by little, remaining encouraged to keep moving forward becomes easier.

4. Give yourself grace

This, in my opinion, may be THE most important tip. Remember, you are human. Everything may not get accomplished right away, but as long as it gets accomplished, that's all that matters in the end.