the d word

Read time: 1 min, 25 sec Most people think starting a business is dangerous. And –– you might be surprised to hear me say this –– they’re right. It is scary to go out on your own. It is risky to spend your precious time on an idea. It is dangerous to risk your money on something that will likely fail. But... there is something even more dangerous... Let me tell you about my old college buddy James. James was great at everything: sports, grades, internships, etc. He was way smarter than me (and not to mention better looking, too). It always felt like I had to work way harder than him, just to get the same results. We were in the same major and took many of the same classes - and during late nights studying in the library we'd get into deep discussions about what we really wanted to do in life. He'd always say: “One day… I’m gonna start my own company and change the world.” And I believed him. Well, life happened and we mostly lost touch. Until the other day when I came across a post from him on Linkedin: “I am beyond ecstatic to announce that I have been promoted to the position of Senior Project Manager” WTF? I scanned his LinkedIn and I was shocked. He’s had bunch of random jobs at companies I'd never heard of with job titles that I didn't understand. And then it hit me. The most dangerous man in the world is James. It’s been 12 years since we both graduated college. And James spent the last 12 years deferring. I know the script. I’ve heard it hundreds of times. I’ll start a business… When things settle down. When the economy gets better. When I've got more money saved. When I have time. Well, James is getting close to 40 now and he still has that little voice in his head saying... "what if?" I wasn't as smart as James. I wasn't as good looking. And I had 1/10th of his talents. But there's one thing that I did have on him. I didn't spend the last 12 years deferring. Yeah, I had to eat sh*t for years... But now I'm on the other side. I have a business that makes millions. I've got to meet amazing people around the world. I get to wake up and work on something I love. Why? Because I never let the d-word get in my way. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: There will NEVER be a perfect time to start a business. Yes, starting is scary, risky, and dangerous. But you know what’s even more dangerous? Deferring for another year. I’ll let you in on a little secret. I don’t think you are like James. If you were, you probably wouldn’t be on this email list or have read this far... I think you are ready to stop thinking and start doing. IF you missed out on our crazy 4th of July deal... Well this Thursday, I'm running a flash sale on Starter Story. But... there's a catch: I'm only opening it for 59 minutes. [Sign up here to get alerted when it goes live.]( I’m practically giving it away. But only for one hour. – Pat Starter Story - [Advertise with us]( - [Share your story]( - [About us]( Did someone forward this email to you? [Sign up here]( for our newsletter. [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( Starter Story - 4920 W Cypress St Ste 104 - #5143 - Tampa, FL 33607 Click [here]( if you want to stop receiving emails from us.