Two years ago, I had the privilege of sharing my journey in an interview with Authority Magazine, titled “From Avocation To Vocation; How I Turned My Hobby Into A Career.” That conversation remains vivid in my mind, frequently prompting me to reflect on my evolution. It highlighted the vast difference between where I stand today and where I was when I first embarked on the adventure of building Steamy Kitchen. Looking back, there’s a wealth of knowledge I’ve accumulated that I desperately wish I had possessed at the outset.
It’s these invaluable insights that I’m eager to share with you today. Perhaps you’re at the precipice of transforming your own cherished hobby into a fulfilling career, or maybe you’re simply seeking a dose of inspiration and some actionable life lessons to motivate you or shift your perspective. Regardless of your current path, these are the 5 most crucial things I wish I knew before I launched my business and fully committed to this entrepreneurial journey.
5 Powerful Lessons I Wish I Knew Before Turning My Hobby Into a Career
Embarking on the path of entrepreneurship or making any significant life change requires more than just passion; it demands a robust mindset and a clear strategy. These five principles have been fundamental to my growth, both personally and professionally. Let’s delve into each one.
1. Make Decisions Based on Your Commitments, Not How You Feel
This particular wisdom comes courtesy of real estate mogul Ryan Serhant, and it’s a game-changer. Our feelings are notoriously fickle. A dreary weather forecast, an unexpected setback, or even someone else’s bad mood can dramatically sway our emotional state. If we base our critical decisions on such transient emotions, our direction will inevitably be erratic and inconsistent. Imagine trying to navigate a ship where the rudder constantly shifts with every passing breeze; you’d never reach your destination.
Instead, the bedrock of sound decision-making should be your commitments – the promises you make to yourself and to others. Your word is a reflection of your character, and it’s arguably the most valuable asset you possess when everything else is stripped away. This isn’t to say you can’t ever change your mind or decline an opportunity. Rather, it means being incredibly intentional about the obligations you undertake and the choices you make. Ensure they are in genuine alignment with your core values and long-term goals. Once those commitments are established, follow through with unwavering dedication. This approach fosters reliability, builds trust, and creates a stable foundation for consistent progress, allowing you to move forward purposefully regardless of daily emotional fluctuations.
2. Body First, Mind Follows: Embrace Action Over Perfection
I got good at TV by showing up, messing up, and showing up again.
It’s easy to get caught in an endless loop of research and planning, believing that more information will somehow magically lead to success. However, true progress only manifests through action. Confidence and expertise aren’t born from flawless execution or a string of immediate successes. They are forged in the crucible of repeated effort, inevitable failures, the willingness to learn, adapt, and courageously get back up. Each stumble, each misstep, offers a vital lesson that builds resilience and sharpens your understanding, ultimately cultivating genuine confidence.
Consider a child learning to ride a bicycle. They don’t spend months poring over books on cycling mechanics or watching instructional videos. They get on the bike, they wobble, they fall, and with encouragement, they get back on. Through this iterative process of doing, falling, and trying again, their body develops the muscle memory and coordination necessary for balance. Soon, what seemed impossible becomes second nature, and confidence blossoms. The same principle applies directly to business and any new endeavor. Stop overthinking. Don your metaphorical “superhero cape” or “big boy/girl pants” and just start moving. Take decisive action, do the necessary work, and commit to the process. With consistent effort and time invested, your mind will eventually catch up, affirming your capabilities and transforming doubt into conviction.
3. Be Brave, Do It Afraid: Conquering Your Fears for Growth
Just me holding a snake, trying not to freak out.
While closely related to the previous point about taking action, “Be brave, do it afraid” merits its own deep dive because it addresses a fundamental human obstacle: fear. This powerful motto comes from my friend Brandon, an extraordinary individual whose background includes being a former Cirque du Soleil performer, a professional juggler, and a record-holding diver capable of holding his breath for over 20 minutes underwater while performing. His father instilled in him the profound truth that fear is a constant companion; it will always be present when you push your boundaries. The key, however, is to take action *anyway*.
Freedom, remarkable results, and a world of new possibilities lie just beyond the threshold of your comfort zone, on the other side of that fear. There is indeed a certain discomfort, even pain, inherent in taking action, especially when it’s scary. But crucially, there is also profound pain in *inaction*. The pain of regret, of missed opportunities, of wondering “what if” – these are often far more debilitating than the temporary discomfort of facing a challenge. As the saying goes, “You miss every shot you don’t take.” When faced with a choice, opt for the path that promises growth, even if it feels daunting. Refuse to let fear immobilize you; instead, acknowledge it, embrace it as a sign you’re doing something important, and then move forward with courage. This is how you unlock your full potential and achieve things you once thought impossible.
4. Cultivate a Force Field: Protecting Your Mental and Emotional Space
Sometimes my dog is my force field.
This lesson is one I actively integrate into my daily routine: establishing and maintaining a “force field” around myself. Your brain, heart, and body represent precious real estate, and it’s imperative to be fiercely protective of who and what you allow to occupy that space. Negative influences, whether they come from toxic individuals, self-limiting thoughts, or draining environments, can quickly erode your energy, dampen your spirit, and hijack your focus, hindering both your personal growth and professional aspirations.
Practice this technique regularly. Take a moment to close your eyes and vividly imagine a powerful, invisible force field enveloping you, creating an impenetrable barrier. This mental shield serves to filter your interactions and experiences. Only permit entry to people, thoughts, and external stimuli that arrive with good intentions, radiate positive energy, and genuinely bring you joy or contribute constructively to your goals. Everything and everyone else remains outside this protective boundary. You can still choose to interact with them if necessary, but critically, you never allow them to penetrate your inner sanctuary and occupy your valuable mental and emotional space. This conscious act of energetic boundary-setting is vital for maintaining clarity, focus, and overall well-being, allowing you to direct your energy where it matters most.
5. Hook Up Your Tomorrow Self: Strategic Planning for Future Success
Feeding my future self by prepping healthy meals.
One of my mentors, Jen Gottlieb from Super Connector Media, once shared a piece of advice that resonated deeply and profoundly altered my perspective: “I only work for one person. That person is me, 10 years from now.” This isn’t merely a mantra; it’s a powerful framework for living and working with foresight and intentionality. It encourages a mindset of being in service to your future self, understanding that today’s small actions ripple outwards to shape tomorrow’s reality.
The core question becomes: What concrete steps can you take *today* to “hook up” or set up your future self for success, ease, and optimal performance? Consider a commitment like going to the gym every morning. How can you make it incredibly easy for your “tomorrow self” to fulfill that promise? You might lay out your gym clothes the night before (some dedicated individuals even sleep in them!), prepare your water bottle, and ensure you get to bed at an early, consistent hour. This principle extends beyond fitness; it applies to all aspects of life. It could mean meal prepping on Sunday for a week of healthy eating, organizing your workspace before logging off, setting aside a portion of your income for future investments, or dedicating time to learn a new skill that will benefit your career down the line. We naturally look out for our friends and family, ensuring their well-being. It’s time to extend that same care and strategic planning to your most important ally: your future self. By making thoughtful, proactive choices now, you’re investing in a more successful, less stressful, and more fulfilling future.
Empowering Your Journey: Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope these five insights, drawn from my own experiences of navigating the transition from a hobbyist to a full-time entrepreneur, provide you with valuable guidance. Whether you’re embarking on a new career path, scaling an existing business, or simply striving for more personal growth, these lessons offer a roadmap for making more conscious decisions, taking bolder actions, and cultivating a resilient mindset.
Every journey is unique, yet we often encounter similar challenges and triumphs. I’m eager to hear from you. Are there specific things you wish you had known before you started your career, launched a venture, or took a significant, life-altering path? Sharing these lessons enriches us all and fosters a supportive community where we can collectively learn and grow. Please feel free to share your own profound takeaways and reflections in the comments section below. Let’s help each other advance on our individual journeys.