Are you responsible enough to be your own boss?

Are you thinking about leaving your full-time job and taking the plunge into entrepreneurship?

While this is incredibly exciting, too often the idea of being your own boss is romanticized. Yes, it’s amazing not having to report to a direct manager at a 9 to 5, but running a business is a lot of hard work. It requires dedication day-after-day with little or no validation. When the times get tough, you’re going to have to persevere and keep moving forward. However, it’s easy to fail if you don’t take the time to set yourself up for success.

In order to avoid common pitfalls related to being your own boss, stick to these tips.

Establish a routine. You might not have to report to work at the same time every day, but you should still get up early and maintain a professional routine. Waking up at the same time, showering and eating breakfast are all practices that can help you stay focused and get things done. At the end of the day, you should have a routine that helps you wind down too.

Get dressed. Working in your pajamas can be a luxury. And while everyone should be able to do it once in a while, you’re more likely to feel in your work element if you actually get dressed for the day. Plus, if you’ll be attending networking events (which you should be), you want to look your best and make a good impression.

Get out of the house. If your business is entirely online, it can be easy to feel trapped at home. Working from home can be nice, but over time, it can also become suffocating. Try going to your local library, or pay for some time at a local co-working space. Exposing yourself to a new environment will help you think more clearly and creatively.

By following these tips and tricks, you’re much more likely to succeed at becoming your own boss. You might be working from home, but you’re a true professional. With this thought at the front of your mind, good things are bound to happen.