As I complete my first year going solo I have met a lot of business owners at events, seminars, webinars and socially. Not one, not a single one, not even a lone voice at the back regrets the decision they made to go it alone.  They were not all millionaires (though some were), they were not all new start-ups (though some were) and they were not necessarily the best at what they do (though some were).

They could arguably have made more in the cooperate world. But at what cost? There are many reasons to go it alone. . Here are the top eight:

You Control Your Own Destiny

In short that means you don’t work for anyone else.  You can create the company culture of your choice. You get to decide the future direction of the company.  You are in the driver’s seat and can decide what best for the future.

You Can Find Your Own Work/Life Balance

You can set your own hours. I do this. I take my wife and child to the swimming pool when it’s quiet (during the day). I go shopping with no crowds. I have lunch with my family every day. I get up when I want. That doesn’t mean I work less (far from it) but I work my own hours, they are set by me. For example I work in the evenings. 

You Choose the People You Work With

When you work form someone else you get no choice who you work with. If you don’t get on with some it will be time to look for a new job.  When you work for yourself you can choose who to hire and who to work with. You can weed out the people who give out negative vibes.  This also extends to deciding who to work for/ with. If a client acts up you can simply walk away.

You Take the Risk – And Reap the Rewards

If you’ve read any of my other posts you will see I’m a big believer in taking a risk. But you reap the rewards! That’s what so many people forget. It’s about taking a calculated risk, playing the game and winning. Overcoming obstacles. The more you do this the better you get. You learn to spot opportunities and get out of bad choices. Quickly. Many entrepreneurs say that playing the game, taking the risks, is the most fun aspect of their business

You Can Challenge Yourself

Some people thrive on the routine of a job: performing the same tasks over and over again. That’s not me. When you own your own business no two days are alike. You consistently learn new things. About how to run a business better, new skills you need to have, new projects to work on.  Everyday I am challenging myself to be the best.

You Can Follow Your Passion

You spend most of your life at work. Why not work on something you enjoy? Working for yourself you can choose anything you want. Work on your passion. Turn it into a business.  The satisfaction that comes from working on something you truly believe in is immeasurable

You Can Connect With Your Clients

You actually meet your clients. You can connect to them on a personal level. You are not a faceless drone performing an automatic service. Acting one on one with clients and meeting new people is a huge plus for many entrepreneurs.  You can see the real people that your service is helping. The positive impact you are having on their lives.

You Feel Pride in Building Something of Your Own

There is nothing like the satisfaction of building something on your own. The satisfaction this gives is priceless. You have something to show for your efforts.  People are genuinely more interested in  what you do and, let’s not deny it, a bit of kudos comes from running your own company.

Bad News: This time next year you could be dead.

Good News: You probably won’t be.

But you could be. And a year isn’t very long.  So, hypothetically speaking, if you had a year from now, what regrets would (do?) you have? You’re on your death bed, would you say “Damn I just wish I had…” (Clue it’s not spent more time in the office…is it?).

But wait. You have a year. (Probably more) Let’s do something about it. It’s true:  Life is too short to have regrets.

Everyone regrets something (if you don’t you’re either an arrogant arsehole or a fool. Quite probably both). What’s more is that everyone’s regrets are remarkably similar.  I’m going to focus on the top five most common regrets. Most people, possibly all will share some of these regrets. Don’t worry, you can still rectify/ avoid them.

1. I wish I’d lived a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.  Do you have dreams that are unfulfilled? Why? What held you back? Was it a decision you made? Fear? “I’ll get round to it in time”. What if you only have a year left? Do it. NOW. Most people die not having fulfilled half the dreams they had when they were young. Life got in the way.

What is it you really want to do it?

Skydive?  Book yourself in this weekend. Why not?

Go on safari? Book a seat then save like mad. You can do it. Why not?

Start your own business (mine). Stop dreaming the idea in your head. Make it a reality. The Internet has created so many opportunities it is as easy as it has ever been to quit the cog-in-a-machine job and start your own company. The satisfaction of doing so is immense.

Honour these dreams.  At least some of them. From the moment you lose your health it will be too late. No second chances. Ever.

2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. From missing your kids growing up. (I feel truly blessed to have been there when my son took his first steps, when he said his first words, when he first said “I love you Daddy”.) To missing out on seeing friends, loved ones, indulging in your passion these moments are irreplaceable. Once they are gone they are gone. And can never be replicated.

By all means work hard. But don’t forget to enjoy yourself too. These are the moments you will treasure. Not getting that report in on time.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. Does your wife know how much you adore her? Does your son know he can count on you whatever happens?  Does your husband know how much you appreciate him? Does your daughter know how proud you are of her?  Do you Mum and Dad know you really do love them?  If you haven’t said any of these things STOP what you are doing and phone them (don’t text for Christ’s sake) and tell them you love them. Tell them you value them. Tell them they are what make life so great.

Go on. Do it now.  This piece will still be here after you’ve made that call.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. And no, Facebook doesn’t count.  Stay in touch with true friends. Call them. Meet up with them. Revel in the fun of each other’s company. When it comes down to it, Friendships are what’s important. Not the money. Not the status but your friends.  Don’t let life get in the way of a true, meaningful, friendship. Get back in touch with an old friend today.

Don’t let it wait.

5. I wish I had let myself be happier. Chill out. RELAX! It’s not a sin to allow yourself to be happy. Forget about what others think for a moment. Forget about fearing everything. Allow yourself to be truly happy in the moment you are in. Let it all hang out and don’t be embarrassed.

Climb out of the rut your in. Try a new activity. Stick your finger up at routine and do something totally different. Totally fun. Throw caution to the wind. Trust me. You’ll love it. These will be the memories you have when you look back on your life.

Regrets are part of life. Everyone will have them. Don’t let them weigh you down. You’re better than that. Be true to yourself, be true to your loved ones and friends, chill out just a bit and chase your dreams.  TODAY!

and hey at least you not this guy: