I think a lot of writers feel that writing is something they “have” to do — I know I’d be pretty unhappy if I couldn’t write. Best of luck with your novel: NaNoWriMo is a great experience so do give it a go.

I’ve written all of one poem in about the last decade but I’ve not ruled out trying my hand at poetry some day…

I just happened to come across your website last night while researching for my own venture that i’m about to embark on. Just wanted to tell you that I love the site and your writing. Very insightful and inspirational. Keep it up as I look forward to becoming a daily reader.

I especially love this entry as sometimes it is very hard to move forward in the face of fear, whether that’s fear of failure or fear of success or sometimes just fear that you can’t explain. It’s hard for people to step outside their comfort zone. Boy I tell you it’s hard for me but beyond the money and all the other rewards deep down it’s not something you want to do, it’s something you HAVE to do.

Lately i’ve started to discover my creative side and want to start writing. I’ve always loved poems but now I want to write science fiction. It’s strange what you discover about yourself. I plan on working on a novel (something i’ve never done before and probably a year ago would have thought was crazy) and from this post i’ll try entering the NaNoWriMo next year.

Thanks for the insight and keep up the good work.

awwwsome series.

more than anything, number 8 stuck out like magic. so important. since i’ve been working for myself, besides a myriad of other really cool lessons, i’ve learnt that if i want to do something and apply my mind to it then i can do it. and if it doesn’t happen then it’s my fault. So big on responsibility. it’s a constructive place of power to be coming from.

so key.

awwsomeness. gave it a stumble

keep well and in touch ali!
alex – unleash reality

Tracy, I’m glad you managed to get to that point. I remember being very anxious about how people would react to various things – I made up whole conversations with them in my head – and of course, in reality, things went fine anyway.

Kyle, you have it spot-on about the entrepreneurial experience! I get stressed at times, but it’s a different (and much better) sort of stress than in the old day job. I definitely wouldn’t trade it in. Good point about diversification, too – I’ve done fine during the recession, whereas I have friends who’ve faced lay-offs at work.

Antti, I agree with you about the comfort zone. Even when work’s not much fun, there’s something easy about the routine of getting up, commuting to the office, sitting there for eight hours, going home… Most of us are creatures of habit! I think it IS scary to break out of that, but it also helps you feel properly alive.

I liked how you titled this series, as it is very scary when all those “safety-nets” are gone and you are in control. It’s hard! But the perks are there, just as you wrote.
Antti Kokkonen – Zemalf.com´s last blog ..Where Is The Money in Social Media?

The whole entrepreneurial experience is a wonderful, stressful and fulfilling experience I wouldn’t trade for anything!