APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | AMAZON
Episode #91
Here’s the short version. To listen to the full episode, click on the play button above!
I first started thinking about becoming an entrepreneur 10 YEARS before I actually left! Crazy right!? I allowed myself to procrastinate and hold myself back, saying I needed more experience and that I needed to figure out exactly what I would do as a business. But never found the time to find out what that was. When I had a health scare, it made me realise that I was wasting time and needed to make it happen. But I still couldn’t find the forward motion I knew I needed. Until someone told me this simple, easy but powerful trick to get me focused and motivated. What is it?
It’s setting the date. The date you will leave your job.
Setting your leave date is something more than giving yourself a deadline. It’s when you commit to leaving the confines of traditional employment, and take charge of your destiny by becoming your own boss. It's the moment you gain the power to decide when, where, how, and with whom you work within your new venture. It’s what I call your Independence Date.
PURPOSE
Having an Independence Date gives you a sense of purpose. It gives you a crystal-clear goal to work towards. It's like having a cheat code to unlock motivation and inspiration. No more aimless drifting through your work week; your purpose is now to reach that coveted freedom date, and nothing can stand in your way.
EMPOWERMENT
It also empowers you to take control of your own life and shows that you're capable of taking charge of your own destiny. This sense of autonomy is essential for your psychological well-being, reducing feelings of helplessness and anxiety. As you gain control over your career path and life choices, you'll feel greater satisfaction and happiness. You may find that self-assurance spills over into every aspect of your life, turning you into a confident go-getter.
COMMITMENT
Having an Independence date in place you are committed to means you have to do something. You have to take action to make sure you are ready by that date. It will likely involve overcoming challenges, learning new skills, networking with new people and stepping out of your comfort zone. You will also need to start planning your logistics in terms of things like your finances. This process of personal growth and development is beneficial for mental health and self-esteem as you start to see yourself make progress.
DEFENCE
Knowing that you have a tangible end in sight makes it easier to tolerate the daily grind. Even as you are still in the same job, having this secret that you know you will be gone by a certain time can sustain you on even our worst days! As you inch closer to your independence date, the stress of office politics and mundane tasks will fade, replaced by the thrill of impending emancipation.
WHY YOU MAY RESIST IT
Now you would not believe the number of people who resist choosing an Independence Date. They make many excuses but what they really mean is if they put a date in it becomes real. They will have to do something to reach it. What if they can't do it, What if they are not good enough, What if they fail? It’s much easier and safer to keep fantasising about your idea without actually doing anything about it. You can fool yourself into believing that it will happen ‘one day’.
These fears, while understandable, should not stop you from setting your Independence date. It's essential to remember that this date isn't set in stone. Yes, you should try and stick to it as that will stop you from believing it doesn't matter. But if you encounter unforeseen challenges or complications in setting up your business, or if work commitments demand more of your time, it's perfectly OK to reassess and adjust your independence date.
The true power of setting an independence date lies in its symbolism: it's a declaration of intent, a firm commitment to breaking free from the confines of your day job and pursuing your passion. You don't need to have every detail of your business plan mapped out before you take this leap of faith; the very act of setting a date can provide the momentum needed to bring your vision into focus.
HOW TO SET YOUR INDEPENDENCE DATE
How do you decide on your independence Date? I’ve broken it down into 5 steps for you…
Step 1: Reflect on your goals and desires
Before you set the date, take some time to reflect on your long-term goals, desires, and aspirations. Ask yourself what kind of business or freelance career you'd like to pursue, and what your ideal work-life balance looks like.
Step 2: Assess your current situation
Take an honest look at your current job, financial situation, and personal commitments. Determine how much time, money, and energy you can realistically devote to building your business or freelance career.
Step 3: Conduct research
Research the industry you're interested in and gather information about the necessary steps, resources, and potential obstacles involved in starting your business or freelance career. This does not need to be in detail, it is just getting a general idea.
Step 4: Create a timeline
Based on your research, create a rough timeline outlining the various milestones and tasks you need to accomplish before launching your business or freelance career. This timeline will help you estimate how long it will take to achieve your goals and set a realistic independence date.
Step 5: Choose your independence date
With your timeline in mind, choose a date that gives you enough time to complete the necessary tasks while still maintaining a sense of urgency. To make your independence date even more meaningful and memorable, consider selecting a date that holds personal significance.
But what if you still have no idea what you want to do next, you just know in your gut you need to move on. Well of course ideally you will know what your next move will be but if you don’t no worries. As I said, it isn’t set in stone.
Just choose a date that feels right, that feels realistic. Then, when you do know what your business will be you can re-assess and potentially change the date. The point is it does not have to be the final date you actually choose. Just by choosing an Independence date, you will get the main psychological benefits.
KEEP IT IN MIND
There are ways to boost the impact of setting your independence date. You have to make it real and part of your everyday life.
Here are some ideas….
- Tell friends and family who you know will be supportive about your independence date, as they can provide encouragement, and their inquiries about your progress will serve as a constant reminder of your commitment.
- Set your independence date as your computer or phone screensaver or wallpaper, ensuring you see it every time you use them.
- Incorporate your independence date into your password(s) for frequently used accounts, so you'll be reminded of your goal each time you log in.
- Hang visual reminders of your independence date in places you see every day, such as your bathroom mirror, refrigerator, or home office space.
- Schedule a series of delayed email reminders to yourself, set to arrive at regular intervals leading up to your independence date.
Listen to the full episode to get some more ideas!
PLAN YOUR CELEBRATION
How will you celebrate when you do walk out that office door for the last time and into your new exciting future?
Will you have a party, go on holiday, treat yourself to a spa weekend, or just open that bottle of champagne you saved for the occasion?
Whatever way you would like to celebrate, plan for it. It will give you an extra incentive to hit the Independence Date deadline.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS…
Setting your independence date isn't just a whimsical daydream; it's a strategic move that will boost your motivation, focus, and drive and will force you to take the action you have been holding back on for so long. Embrace the idea, set that date, and start counting down to a future where you're the master of your own destiny.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>FREE COURSE<< If you're feeling stuck and uncertain about what to do next in your working life, be sure to check out my free course "How to Decide Your Next Move." I guide you through the simple steps you need to take to get crystal clear on what you will do next in life, beyond the 9 to 5.
