Last week, I sat down with someone passionate about starting a business. She’s got the drive, the ideas, and the vision. But when I asked her about taking those first steps, she hesitated.
“I want to start,” she said, “but I just don’t have the money.”
Sadly, this line of thought is all too common. I’ve seen it halt the progress of seasoned entrepreneurs, newcomers, and even those with promising ideas. The concern? Lack of funds. But underneath, it’s often fear disguised as practicality.
And I’ll tell you — I don’t like it. I don’t like seeing people pause or hesitate on the brink of potential because of financial fear. Ideas, businesses, and legacies are left on the table every day because of it.
So today, let’s talk about this mindset. Let’s discuss how to reframe it and why “not having the money” shouldn’t be your reason for not moving forward.
The Real Issue: Money or Fear?
When I talk to people struggling to invest in their businesses, there’s a pattern. They focus on the “what if’s” of financial loss:
“What if this drains my savings?”
“What if the return isn’t immediate?”
“What if I fail and end up worse off?”
“What if I find the money and I lose out?”
These worries are understandable but often keep people locked in hesitation. They fixate on what could go wrong rather than what could go right.
Here’s the truth: money itself isn’t the issue. It’s how you interpret the lack of it and let that interpretation shape your actions. This financial fear can keep you stagnant, unwilling to take a step that involves risk.
Here’s a hard pill to swallow: money is the most submissive thing in your life. Money only goes where you tell it to go. When you receive money, where are you telling it to go? You can’t say, in one breath, that you want to invest in your business, and then direct your money in the opposite direction.
Changing the Narrative
How do we shift from this fear-driven mindset? It starts with a simple reframe.
Instead of asking, “What if this investment doesn’t pay off?” try asking yourself, “What if this investment is exactly what I’ve been wanting my entire life, and it just happens to require a financial sacrifice?”
Sometimes, what seems like a problem is actually an opportunity in disguise, calling for a direct approach and a willingness to sacrifice. When we address these challenges head-on, we often find that what we thought was a setback is actually the path forward.
This shift can be transformative. Suddenly, instead of being caught in a web of “what ifs” about financial loss, you start visualizing a positive outcome — one where your business grows and thrives.
When you focus on “What if I succeed?” you open yourself up to possibilities. Your mind begins to see solutions and potential outcomes, preparing you for growth rather than guarding against setbacks.
But What If Money’s Still Tight?
I get it. Some may read this and think, “That’s all well and good, but I genuinely don’t have the funds.”
And that’s okay — financial fear is natural. But if we’re waiting for the “perfect” financial moment, we may never start.
The cost of inaction — missed opportunities, untapped potential, and lost time — is often greater than the investment itself.
If you’re serious about growth, there are creative ways to get started even with limited resources. For example, I offer a free business plan guide to help you start the planning process. Or, if you’re looking for foundational support, my masterclass is available for $499, which breaks down to just $42 a month over a year.
If that amount still feels out of reach, let’s take a closer look at your finances.
Ask yourself:
Are there non-essential expenses that can be cut temporarily? Cable, eating out, food delivery, or other luxuries can add up quickly and could be sacrificed to fund your dream.
Can you find a temporary job or side gig to generate some initial capital? This can help you create the financial runway you need to invest in your business and keep things moving.
The reality is, if someone can’t afford $42/month, the hard truth is they’re hoping to be a business owner rather than preparing to become one. And while I empathize with that, being a business owner requires a commitment to growth, which inevitably includes financial investment.
Take the Leap
So, how do you start to break free from this financial hesitation?
It’s simple (though not easy) — you take a step forward, however small it might be.
Invest in that course. Hire that consultant. Get that tool that will save you time and energy. Every little investment builds momentum, confidence, and, ultimately, your growth.
Remember, every successful entrepreneur you admire didn’t start with all the answers or endless resources. They started where they were, took risks, and found a way.
The Bottom Line
Starting a business requires more than the desire to succeed; it requires action and financial commitment. Business success isn’t on sale or available at a discount. It takes sacrifices, planning, and calculated investments.
So next time you think, “I don’t have the money,” try asking instead: “What if this is exactly the investment my business needs to thrive?
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