Think about what you’re good at and what you like to do:
It’s often useful to look inside yourself to figure out what you like and dislike, and where your talents lie. It’s one thing to come up with a winning business idea. It’s another to come up with one that fits your skills set and interests you. Your business has to keep you excited so you can thrive over the long haul.
One of the best ways to do this is to make three separate lists:
List 1: What you’re good at
Everyone is good at something and many skills can be the foundation for a business. You might be naturally organised or have a talent for fixing things. You may be so used to your skills that they don’t immediately come to mind, so assemble this list by observing yourself for a few weeks with an eye out for your aptitudes and by asking people who know you well for their impressions of what you excel at.
List 2: Skills you’ve acquired over the years
Whether or not you’ve worked in a conventional environment, you no doubt have accumulated many. Write down all the work responsibilities you’ve had; think about the varied tasks you know how to complete. Make sure this list is complete — there should be at least 10 distinct items.
List 3: Things you like to do
List the things you enjoy doing. This may not be as easy as it sounds. This list should be at least 10 items long. Stretch beyond your hobbies and interests that spring to mind immediately. If you’re stymied, ask people who have known you for a long time — particularly people who knew you as a kid — what they have seen you doing when you’re happiest.
Keep these three lists in an accessible place (for instance on your desk) for several weeks, and every time an idea comes to you, jot it down in the proper category. Ask people who know you well for their input or to help you jog your memory.
‘Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.’ – Arnold Schwarzenegger
