Are you thinking about leaving a stable job to build something meaningful? If so, you’re not alone - and you’re not crazy. I recently made the leap from corporate life to starting a business that helps conscious consumers discover high-quality, hand-crafted goods. It’s been exhilarating, terrifying, and most of all eye-opening.
Why should you care? Because if you’re considering a similar path, or even just a big change, the emotional rollercoaster is real. Here’s what I wish I’d known before I started, and what might help you on your own journey.
The Emotional Cycle of Change: More Than a Buzzword
We all love the idea of transformation, but the reality is messy. The “Emotional Cycle of Change” isn’t just a diagram. It’s a lived experience. Here’s how it plays out for me:
- Uninformed Optimism: The honeymoon phase - and honestly, that’s where I am right now. Everything seems possible. I’m full of ideas and energy, riding the initial wave of excitement.
- Informed Pessimism: Reality sets in. The to-do list grows, and doubts creep in. Am I really cut out for this?
- Valley of Despair: The hardest part. Progress feels slow, and quitting seems tempting. This is where most people give up.
- Informed Optimism: Small wins start to appear. I will need to learn from mistakes and see a path forward.
- Success: Not there yet - but I now know it’s a process, not a moment.
If you’re in the Valley of Despair, you’re not failing - you’re learning. That’s where growth happens.
Source: Emotional Cycle of Change by Don Kelley and Daryl Conner, published in “The 1979 Annual Handbook For Group Facilitators”
The 5 Fundamentals: What Actually Matters
There’s endless advice out there, but these five fundamentals have made the biggest difference for me:
1. Value Creation: What real problem are you solving? For me, it’s helping people find products that align with their values, not just their needs.
2. Marketing: How will people discover you? I’ve learned that authentic storytelling and community engagement beat big ad budgets - especially early on.
3. Sales: Turning interest into revenue is harder than it looks. I’m experimenting with different approaches, from direct outreach to partnerships, to see what resonates.
4. Value Delivery: Can you consistently deliver what you promise? I’m building systems to ensure every customer feels valued, not just sold to.
5. Finance: Track every Euro. Cash flow is king, and small leaks can sink big dreams.
Source: 5 Parts of Every Business by Josh Kaufman, from his book “The Personal MBA”
My Hard-Won Lesson
The biggest trap? Confusing “planning” with “doing.” Right now, I’m still in the very early stages - doing my homework on how to register a business and figuring out what it takes to start selling effectively. I haven’t sold a single product yet. I’ve spent weeks perfecting spreadsheets, pitch decks, and the company logo, but I know that nothing will teach me more than talking to real customers and shipping real products - even if imperfectly, when the time comes.
If you’re on this path, act before you feel ready. You’ll learn faster, and your audience will appreciate your honesty.
What About You?
Have you made a big leap, or are you thinking about it? What’s holding you back - or pushing you forward? I’d love to hear your story - connect with me on LinkedIn, or just check back here for more honest lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship.