A significant percentage of my clients come to me at a very early stage of their business development. Some are trying to start out for the first time. Others may have filed their registration forms, but have that awful heavy feeling hanging in their stomach. Another category boasts those people who simply want to try something new, abandoning past triumphs.

What prompted me to return to this theme? First, I was asked by a magazine to write an article on the problems in setting up a new business. In America, around 30% do not make it through their first year. In Israel, where I live, 70% of food enterprises close within 5 years. That is a lot of time and effort that can be invested for minimal reward.

On a different level, I was reading “Inc Your Dreams” by Rebecca Maddox. She reveals the horrible secret as early as the preface of her book: “No one really taught any of us how to make decisions”. And this is from a person who used to resonate ‘Ms Corporate America’.

The point is that while there is a lot of supposed glamour in setting out on your own and it can often seem that many around us are doing just that and so successfully, the truth is often different. Whether you are opening a shop or NGO or high tech start-up, the grime of reality  – emotional strain mixed with financial strain – can be more than challenging.

There are many ways around the issue. And two come to mind immediately.

1) Never forget who you are and what your core values represent. Always remember just how good you are.

2) Understand that nobody succeeds by themselves. We are all dependent on others. And if you do not have a confidant to help you along, find a business coach who you can rely on.