I have no clue what I want to do! I know more importantly than getting a job right now I need to focus on building my skills and knowledge. I've decided not to attend college mostly because I don't want to go into debt. I have had several ideas such as: Private labeling health products, creating an information product/LMS, niche website creation and even a forum for people with chronic illnesses. Unfortunately I haven't found my true passion and even worse I haven't even made a dollar. My efforts haven't been the best but I guess I never did believe in any one of my ideas. Does anybody have any advice for me going forward? What things do I need to focus on over the next year? Money is not the most important thing to me right now but instead actually meeting other entrepreneurs and like minded people is my goal. Since im not going to college I need to provide that atmosphere for myself. Im open to any advice! Thanks for the help
This is an interesting, complex question (which means you're already on the right track).There are many things I'd do if I were 18 again, but here are a few important ones:
1) Read more books on topics that interest you -- I used to dismiss books a little bit back in the day ("why read a full book, when an article is shorter, but can provide the same conclusion?"). However, I've realized that the best starting point for gaining knowledge in any field is to check out what the smartest minds in those fields have to say. The critical thing to do is to choose your books / authors wisely. The initial chunk of knowledge you acquire in any field will set the stage for how you think about things in the future.
2) Channel your attention into more productive paths -- when I was a kid, I remember that I could literally play video games for 10 hours straight without realizing it. I now do the same thing, but for more productive things like figuring out my startup's strategy or learning to play a musical instrument. Channel your attention on areas that can add value to yourself and others and you'll soon be on track to becoming an expert in any field.
3) Plan a little bit and set some objectives -- If you start doing (1) and (2) above, you'll be better equipped to set concrete objectives that are aligned with something that interests you or that you'd like to accomplish. They don't have to be big, but they should be worthwhile to you and, if possible, be a little bit outside your comfort zone (but not too much). For example, a simple, but worthwhile objective could be "I'll go to the gym 3 times a week for the next month". The important thing is to hold yourself accountable for reaching your objectives, otherwise it'll be easy to give up if things get tough.
4) Go out and have fun, you're 18! -- This one I did do quite a bit of when I was 18, nut I wanted to mention it because it's very important -- your social skills and relationships are just as important (if not more) for your success in business and in life. So go out partying and meet new people!
The right answer for you won't be exactly the same as the above, but I hope this gets you going in the right direction!
Answered 9 years ago
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