Your 9-5 is weighing you down. You look longingly at your friends who have started businesses. You’d love to join all your entrepreneurial friends, but you have your reasons. That’s fine – just make sure they don’t include these 14 terrible excuses for not starting a new business.

#1 I don’t have enough money

Not all businesses require much overhead to start. The online world has made it cheaper than ever to build a worldwide presence with a few dollars per month in web hosting fees.

#2 I don’t know what to do

This is a real problem – if it’s real. Buried within you is a passion. You love doing something. Turn that into a business!

#3 Someone else took my idea

Competition is a good thing. It means your business is needed. A slightly different spin on the business or more expansive service offerings will make your business shine.

#4 I don’t want to work long hours

Starting a business can mean long hours – but many entrepreneurs have very flexible hours, too. Being able to get a pedicure at 3 pm might offset the long hours.

#5 I can’t sell anything

While you’ll have to sell something (even if it’s just a service), there’s a difference between selling make-up and selling a needed service to a well-defined target audience. You might not be a good salesperson – until it comes to something that you’re invested in.

#6 I’m terrible with money

First of all, don’t sell yourself short. Use a good bookkeeping program. When your accounts get too complicated, that means you probably have enough money to hire an accountant!

#7 I’m not focused

Right now, you might be daydreaming at work, but it’s different when the business is yours. You’re likely to find laser-like focus you never knew you had.

#8 I like having benefits

Successful entrepreneurs make more money than if they worked for someone else. Their added income makes up for missing out on employer-paid benefits.

#9 I like having someone tell me what to do

Sure, work is easy when you have a boss that keeps you accountable. Work with a business coach or accountability partner instead.

#10 I would miss the social aspect of my current job

Instead of having an office social life, turn to networking events. You’ll meet new people and also gain valuable business contacts.

#11 I don’t know the first thing about running a business

Few people know what they are doing when they start their business. Start researching – and get going.

#12 “So-and-so” failed when they tried

You are not them. Your business is not theirs. Learn from their mistakes – don’t be scared of them.

#13 I’m too honest

You don’t have to lie; integrity is a hallmark of successful entrepreneurs.

#14 – I’m not organized enough

It’s true that you’ll need to develop a system, but this is your chance to design a system that works for you.

Written by Kirsten Whittingham