One of the first steps in planning an exit to the rat race is knowing why you want out.
Sounds simple right? Well consider it is, and it isn't. You could say that you want out because you are tired of working for someone else, you want more time with your family, no more worries about the bills and want to control your own destiny. Sounds good. I can buy into that.
But is it enough? Is it enough to get you up in early in the morning to do a little work before the day begins. Is it enough to take time away from family at night, or spend a few hours on the weekend to get one step closer to that goal. Is it enough to maintain your drive for the goal line when the going gets tough ... and believe me, the going is going to get tough.
When you are focussed on dramatically changing your life, there will be people around you who undermine your efforts. The amazing thing is that the people who could lead the charge, might be the ones you count among your friends or family. They could be the ones who tell you ... you can't do that, it'll never work, why are you working so hard ... if you have ever started a part time business or made a financial decision that goes against the norm, this will sound familiar.
Just because they can't see your vision for the future, doesn't make them right.
It takes courage to make a big change in your life, but in the long run, it will be worth it. The time, energy, criticism and even ridicule will be worth it when you are spending your days on the beach, golf course, or driving around in your new Porsche Boxster. Don't you think so too?
Next time, defining your why.
