And a big 'Hello!' from Jaz and Jude!

Have I got what it takes to start a business?

If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, that’s already a good sign. Why? Because it means you care. You’re not diving in blindly—you’re thinking about what it takes, what you’ve got, and whether the two match up. That self-awareness is one of the most underrated traits in successful entrepreneurs.

But let’s break it down. What does it really take to start a business? Is it money? A fancy degree? Years of experience? Honestly, not necessarily. The core ingredients are a lot more human—and chances are, you’ve already got more of them than you think.

1. You’re willing to try

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be willing to find them. Starting a business isn’t about having a perfect plan; it’s about being brave enough to begin. If you’re curious, resourceful, and ready to figure things out as you go, that’s half the battle won.

No one starts with everything figured out. Every successful entrepreneur had a messy first version, a shaky pitch, a website that didn’t load properly. The difference is, they kept going.

2. You care about solving a problem

Do you have an idea that keeps popping into your head? Maybe it’s a better way to do something, a service people need, or a product that could make life easier. If you’ve got a desire to make something better—for someone, somewhere—you’re on the right track.

Businesses don’t have to be flashy. They just have to be useful. If you’re driven by helping, improving, or creating value, you’ve already got the heart of an entrepreneur.

3. You can handle being uncomfortable (at least sometimes)

Let’s be real: starting a business can feel awkward. You’ll send emails and wonder if you sounded too pushy. You’ll have days when nothing works. You might feel out of your depth.

But here’s the secret—everyone feels like that. Confidence doesn’t come first. It comes from doing things scared, then realizing you survived. If you’re open to getting a bit uncomfortable in service of something bigger, you’re already stronger than most.

4. You’re okay with not being perfect

Starting a business is messy. Your first logo might be a little off. Your first customer might not be blown away. That’s normal. Perfectionism kills more dreams than failure ever will.

If you’re able to take imperfect steps forward, you’ll go further, faster. It’s not about getting it right—it’s about getting it going.

5. You want to keep learning

The best entrepreneurs are lifelong learners. They Google things constantly. They ask for help. They try, fail, tweak, and try again.

If you’re open to learning—whether that’s from books, videos, mentors, or just good old trial and error—you’re in good shape. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to be hungry to learn.

So… Have You Got What It Takes?

If you’ve got the spark, the curiosity, and the guts to give it a shot—you absolutely do.

You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. You don’t need a background in business. What you need is a reason to start, and the willingness to take one small step, then another, and then another.

Starting a business isn’t about being fearless. It’s about feeling the fear and moving anyway.

You’re not alone. Every entrepreneur was once where you are—wondering if they had what it takes. The only way to know for sure?

Start
.

Write your Personal Manifesto!

How to Write a Personal Manifesto for Starting Your Business

A personal manifesto isn’t just a mission statement with fancy words. It’s your north star. It’s a clear, honest declaration of who you are, what you stand for, why you’re starting this journey—and where you want to go.

Think of it as your inner compass. On the good days, it’ll fuel you. On the tough days, it’ll remind you why you started.

Here’s how to write one that’s meaningful, motivating, and 100% you.

Step 1: Start With Your “Why”

Ask yourself:

• Why do I want to start this business?

• What drives me—beyond money or success?

• What do I want to change, create, or contribute?

Your why is the heartbeat of your manifesto. It’s not about sounding impressive. It’s about being honest. Maybe you want to create more freedom for your family. Maybe you want to solve a problem no one else is solving. Maybe you’re tired of working for someone else’s dream.

Write this part like you’re talking to your future self who’s having a bad day. What would remind them why this matters?

Step 2: Define Your Vision

Paint a picture of the future you’re working toward.

• What kind of business do you want to build?

• How do you want it to feel—for you and for others?

• What kind of life do you want to create around it?

Be bold. Don’t shrink your vision to fit what you think is possible. This is your space to dream out loud. It’s not a business plan—it’s a declaration of intent.

Example:
“I see a business that gives people confidence and clarity. I work on my terms, surrounded by people who lift each other up. I’m building something that lasts—and leaves a positive mark.”

Step 3: Set Your Core Values

These are your non-negotiables—the principles that will guide how you run your business and show up every day.

Ask yourself:

• What do I want to be known for?

• What matters most to me in how I work?

• How do I want to treat people—and myself?

Examples of core values:

• Honesty over hype

• Progress over perfection

• Community over competition

• People before profit

• Courage, always

Choose 3–5 that truly reflect who you are and how you want to build.

Step 4: Write It All Out (No Filter)

Now pull it together into a short, powerful statement—1 to 2 paragraphs is enough. Don’t overthink it. Don’t aim for poetic. Aim for real.

This is for you, not a brochure.

Here’s a basic structure to follow:

“I’m building [type of business] because [your why]. I believe in [your values], and I want to create [your vision]. I will lead with [what matters to you] and stay true to [what you stand for], even when it’s hard. This business is not just about success—it’s about [your deeper motivation].”

Step 5: Keep It Where You Can See It

Print it. Pin it. Save it as your phone wallpaper. Read it every Monday. Or every time you’re about to quit.

Your manifesto isn’t just something you write once and forget. It’s something you live. It reminds you who you are when the pressure makes you forget.

Final Thoughts

Your personal manifesto isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. It helps you build a business that reflects you, not just a trend or a template.

And when things get messy (because they will), this manifesto becomes your anchor. A steady reminder that you’re not just chasing profits—you’re building something meaningful.

So go ahead. Write it bold. Write it true. This is the start of something real.

The No-Fluff Guide to Effective Journaling

Journaling isn’t about writing perfect sentences in a fancy notebook. It’s about clearing your head, understanding yourself, and making space to grow. Whether you’re running a business, navigating change, or just trying to stay sane—journaling can help you show up better in your life.

Here’s how to make it effective and sustainable.

1. Drop the Pressure to “Do It Right”

There is no right way to journal. You don’t need poetic metaphors or long, soul-searching essays. You just need to start.

Forget grammar. Forget spelling. Forget structure.

This is for you, not for anyone else.

2. Choose a Format That Fits Your Life

You can journal in a notebook, on your laptop, in an app, or even on voice notes.

Ask yourself:

• Do I think better by hand or typing?

• Do I need structure, or do I prefer to freestyle?

• Would prompts help me, or do I just want to vent?

Match the method to your personality—not what looks cool on Instagram.

3. Use Prompts to Get Unstuck

Some days you’ll stare at the page and feel blank. Prompts help.

Here are a few to get started:

• What’s taking up space in my mind right now?

• What am I avoiding, and why?

• What do I want more of in my life?

• What did I learn about myself this week?

• What would my future self thank me for today?

Start with one. Let your thoughts flow without judgment.

4. Make It a Habit—Not a Chore

You don’t have to journal every day. Start small.

Try this:

• Time: Pick a consistent time that works for you—first thing in the morning, before bed, after lunch.

• Place: Create a spot that feels calm. No distractions, just you and your thoughts.

• Duration: 5–10 minutes is plenty. You don’t need a novel—just a check-in.

Remember: consistency beats intensity.

5. Be Honest (Even If It’s Ugly)

This isn’t the place to filter yourself. Be raw. Be real. Be messy.

The more honest you are, the more powerful your journaling becomes.

Write what you really think. Say the thing you don’t say out loud. Let it out—it’s better on paper than stuck in your head.

6. Reread Occasionally (Not Obsessively)

Every now and then, go back and read old entries.

You’ll notice patterns. You’ll see progress. You might even find answers you didn’t realize you’d written down.

But don’t get stuck rereading daily. Journaling is about moving forward, not reliving the past.

7. Use It as a Tool, Not a Task

Journaling isn’t about being “good” at writing. It’s about:

• Clearing mental clutter

• Processing emotions

• Sparking ideas

• Tracking progress

• Making space for clarity

Let it work for you—however that looks.

Final Word

Effective journaling doesn’t require rules—just honesty, intention, and a little consistency.

It’s a conversation with yourself. A mirror. A safe space to unload, reflect, dream, and grow.

You don’t need to overthink it. Just start.

One page. One thought. One moment of honesty at a time.