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5 Books That Will Motivate You For Success

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If you like to dream big, chances are good you’ve experienced the motivational slump that makes progress feel like a slog through molasses in December.

 Whether your goal is to run a marathon, optimize your career, or sell everything and pursue self-sufficiency in a forest, you’re probably going to need some help to get there. These books offer advice that can help anyone–and, unlike many “motivational” books published in the last few years, they go light on the cheese. 

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins 

I thought I’d solved a problem when really I was creating new ones by taking the path of least resistance.

David Goggins started out as a 300-pound African American who got scoffed out of a Navy recruiter’s office as a young adult. He went on to lose the weight, become a Navy SEAL, unlock incredible levels of self-discipline, and inspire millions to become untouchable. Can’t Hurt Me is his autobiography, and it’s a fun read. Skip this one if you’re going to be turned off by f-bombs dropped on practically every page.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.

Few things are more motivational than having a concrete plan to become the person you want to be. Atomic Habits is all about building a habit system that supports the life you want. In it, James Clear combines decades of research on human behavior and habit development to offer step-by-step tips on building desirable habits and dropping the ones that aren’t serving you. 

Essentialism by Greg Mckeown 

The way of the Essentialist means living by design, not by default. Instead of making choices reactively, the Essentialist deliberately distinguishes the vital few from the trivial many.

Not happy with how cluttered your home and your calendar are these days? Essentialism might be the nudge of motivation you need to streamline. In Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, McKeown describes his journey to cut the clutter from his life, home, and career, and he offers practical steps to help you do the same. 

You are a Badass by Jenn Sincero 

We are all perfect in our own, magnificent, fucked-up ways. Laugh at yourself. Love yourself and others. Rejoice in the cosmic ridiculousness.

This book definitely isn’t for everyone; it’s a bit too new-agey for some, and the author comes off as a bit too privileged for others. But if you’re in the market for a book-length pep talk capable of making you feel ballsy enough to take on your biggest dreams, you might have hit the jackpot. 

Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven 

Without pushing your limits, without occasionally sliding down the rope headfirst, without daring greatly, you will never know what is truly possible in your life.

Written by a retired Admiral in the U.S. Navy, Make Your Bed has chapter-by-chapter advice on making changes that can revamp your attitude. Feel unmotivated and undisciplined? Make Your Bed is a cross between a pep-talk and a swift kick in the pants, so whichever you need most in the moment, you’re likely to find here–along with memorable anecdotes from McRaven’s time as a Navy SEAL. 

Grab one of these reads when your motivation is flagging, and you’ll be back on your feet in no time! 

 

5 Weird Food Science Principles You Need To Apply To Your Cooking

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Let’s have some fun with weird science that you can apply to your cooking and create tasty recipes.

Methylcellulose

Methylcellulose, derived from plants, is a hydrocolloid. A hydrocolloid is the weird science name for a substance that turns into a gel when heated and melts back to a liquid as it gets colder.

This property is thermoreversible, which means that you can cycle back and forth between hot temperatures causing the cellulose to become more solid, and colder temperatures, causing it to melt.

Chefs in fancy restaurants use this ingredient to make hot ice cream and some fancy meringues.

If you want to try this ingredient in your recipes, you can find it for sale online. Be sure to buy the premium-quality food-grade type.

Liquid Nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is used for flash freezing. The advantage of freezing something very quickly is you avoid forming large ice crystals, which can degrade the taste and texture of the frozen food. Sushi restaurants use flash freezing to preserve fish in perfect condition until thawed, sliced, and served raw.

Use liquid nitrogen flash freezing if you want to make ice cream that is smoother and more creamy. Using liquid nitrogen will also avoid the grainy taste from unwanted large ice crystals in the ice cream milk mixture.

Vacuum-Packed Hot Water Bag

The French cooking technique used to heat food perfectly and evenly is called “sous vide.” Food packed in temperature-resistant plastic bags is placed in hot water.

You can cook food at the exact temperature you want by regulating the hot water temperature using a thermometer. This method is a fast and convenient way to heat or reheat food, and the results are also perfectly cooked and delicious.

Once you learn to cook food using this method, you will rarely use a microwave to reheat food. It is impossible to overcook food or dry it out using this method. Moreover, you avoid the taste-changing oxidation that may come from the exposure of the food to the air while cooking.

Bobo Tea Balls

Have you ever wondered how they make those wonderful gelatinous balls found in bobo tea and other similar drinks?

The process uses sodium alginate, a chemical found in seaweed that gives the plant its flexibility.

Use flavored liquid with the correct amount of sodium alginate. Drop it into a calcium salt bath, and voila! You have bobo tea balls through a process in weird science called spherification. A stable gel sphere forms around the flavored liquid to create a ball with a delicious taste and squishiness.

Flavored Foams

A foam is a liquid with bubbles of air trapped inside. To create a tasty culinary foam, you can use a water-based flavored liquid, a whisker to put air bubbles in it, and an emulsifier like soy lecithin to keep the bubbles from popping.

Soy lecithin added to the flavored liquid lowers the surface tension of the bubbles, so they will not pop as easily. This ingredient helps the foam stay foamy.

Let’s Get Cookin

You may think these techniques are only for fancy restaurants, but you can do them at home too. And what would a weird science topic be without a weird science name? When you learn these techniques, you will be an expert in molecular gastronomy.

5 Secrets for Astonishingly Good Pancakes

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When you think of the perfect pancake, what do you see? A big stack of ultra-fluffy, golden brown pancakes served with all your favorite toppings? Bingo! But, if you don’t take the right approach, your pancakes may come out flat, soggy and altogether disappointing batch after batch. Luckily for you, we’re here with the top five secrets you need to make the pancakes of your dreams every time. Check it out.

Buttermilk is Not Optional – Ever

Fluffy pancakes start with buttermilk. Period. Milk alone cannot achieve the thick and fluffy texture you crave.

Buttermilk can work its magic due to its high acid content. As its acids hit the baking soda in the dry mix, the chemical reaction bubbles up the batter to add height while breaking down the gluten. On top of that, the buttermilk adds a richness unmatched by its milky counterpart.

Don’t have buttermilk on hand? You can often get away with adding one tablespoon of white vinegar to a measuring cup and filling it whole milk to the one-cup mark. Then, stir and let it sit for about five minutes. You won’t get the richness, but your pancakes will rise to the occasion, for sure.

Whip Your Egg Whites into a Frenzy

If you’re not whipping your egg whites into a frenzy, then you’re missing out on cloud-level fluffiness in your pancakes. When whipped to the stiff peak stage, the egg whites bring tons of air into the equation to fluff up each delightfully delicious disc.

To do this, simply separate your egg whites and yolks for the total number of eggs needed for your recipe. Then, add the yolks to the batter like normal before turning your attention to the egg whites.

After that, you just have to use an electric mixer to beat the whites until they create stiff peaks when you pull the beaters out. Once that’s done, gently fold the egg whites into your otherwise complete batter.  

Mix to Combine, Not Beat into Submission

Pancake batter definitely benefits from a gentle touch. Otherwise, your batter will toughen up, creating chewy, dense pancakes that will leave you full of regret.  

To avoid that, you just have to mix all your dry ingredients first to combine them well. Then, add all your wet ingredients – minus the egg whites, of course – and mix just until everything looks well combined.

Lumps are perfectly fine and normal, in fact, so don’t try to get rid of them. After it’s combined, reduce your intensity even more to fold in your egg whites without taking the wind out of their sails.

Use a Dry Pan – But Be Ready for Sacrifice

Although it’s tempting to use oil for your pancakes, it’s ill-advised. The oil just soaks into the pancake, weighing it down and ruining its lightly sweet flavor.

Instead, you have to use a completely dry pan. While that might sound scary, it’ll only cost you one small sacrifice: the very first pancake. After that, the rest of the batch won’t dare stick to the pan, especially after seeing you gobble up that test pancake with glee.  

Add a Not-So-Secret Banana to the Equation  

Bananas in your pancakes? The horror! Well, not really, not if you like bananas, that is. So, if you’re a fan of these tasty fruits, slice one up and toss it in your batter before folding in the egg whites. The fun additions can add interest to every bite, letting you come up with all new recipes to share with the world.

If you’d like savory pancakes, bacon, shredded cheese, and chives can get you there. Prefer to keep it fruitylicious? Strawberries, mangos, pineapple and coconut, and the list goes on. The sky is the limit in what you can make if you put your mind to it.

Now that you know how to create pancakes to remember, it’s time to get cooking! Just be sure to make a trial batch to nail down your newfound techniques before inviting the whole crew over for your soon-to-be award-winning pancakes.

The Simple Genius Of Perfect Sandwiches: 5 Indispensible Tips

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Fun fact: About half of people in the U.S. eat a sandwich of some sort daily. This versatile meal was probably one of the first foods you ever learned to make on your own as a kid. And, chances are, you can spout off your favorite sandwich layers in nothing flat. But, there’s a sandwich and then there’s a perfect sandwich. What can you do to such a simple concoction to lead it to culinary perfection? Here are five simple and genius tips for the top-of-the-line sandwich. 

1. It all starts with the best bread … 

The perfect bread can be a matter of preference, no doubt. However, if there is one thing any chef will tell you when it comes to building a good sandwich, it’s that the bread you use means everything. Some would even say that if you’ve got the perfect bread, you’re already halfway to the perfect sandwich. Bread should taste good enough to eat all on its own with very little intervention. If not, find another type. 

2. Condiment placement means everything 

From mayo and mustard to olive oil and butter, condiments are a must with any perfect sandwich, but they should also be used the right way. The goal is to get a bit of that flavor with every bite. This means every bite will be just as flavorful and moist as the next. Remember this goal as you construct your sandwich—the usual method requires adding a thin layer to each slice of bread. If you’re using more than one condiment, don’t be afraid to slather a thin layer on the cheese or protein pick either. 

3. Treat your veggies right 

Whether it’s a basic leaf of iceberg lettuce or thin cucumber slices and tomatoes, the veggies on a sandwich should be handled just so. Wash cold veggies first with cool water. This adds that bit of crispness you crave in a sandwich bite. Make sure to handle them gently when layering them in place. Don’t be afraid of adding seasoned, warmed veggies either—this can make a sandwich much more dynamic. For example, shredded carrots sautéed in a bit of garlic and olive oil give a sandwich a new layer of flavor and texture. 

4. Always opt for thinly sliced meats 

Whatever type of protein you choose—turkey breast, pork tenderloin, ham, tofu—make sure the protein is sliced thinly. A sandwich should be easy to eat. No one wants to take a bite and pull away with all the protein in their mouth because it didn’t fall apart easily. 

5. Layer sandwiches with intention 

When it comes to sandwich perfection, never go at it haphazardly like you’re just throwing a bunch of stuff in the mix. How you layer matters. The general rule is to place your protein first and then build from there. Next comes the cheese, then comes the veggies and added garnishes. If you’re working with hot protein, such as warmed roast beef, consider adding cheese under and over the meat with the rest of the ingredients on top. 

The Magic of Edinburgh – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

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You might have dreamed of visiting Edinburgh, imagining what it would be like to walk through castles or take a day trip to Loch Ness, but there is so much more to see and experience in Scotland’s hilly capital city. 

Let’s explore five unique attractions to find the magic of Edinburgh in time for your visit. 

1. Royal Mile

Touted as a “Scot’s mile long,” the Royal Mile connects two royal residences, the Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House. It is also a main thoroughfare throughout the city and is the home to old and new parliaments, a cathedral and churches, law courts, and several tourist attractions, such as restaurants, pubs, cafes, and shops. 

2. Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat 

The 640-acre Holyrood Park lies in the heart of Edinburgh, just off the path from the city’s Royal Mile, next to Holyrood Palace. The main attraction of Holryood Park is Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano and the highest point in the park. It sits 823 feet above sea level, offering premier views of Edinburgh. The trip up and down the hill is lovely, too, filled with diverse flora. 

3. Edinburgh Castle 

Edinburgh Castle is probably number one on everyone’s list of places to visit, for a good reason. It stands on Castle Rock, a volcanic plug humans have inhabited since the Iron Age. The castle has served as a military fortress, prison of war, and royal residence over the centuries.

During visits to Edinburgh Castle, you might get the chance to hear the famous One O’Clock Salute from Half Moon Battery, which is the firing of a cannon to remember the tradition of assisting ships to synchronize their clocks. Additional highlights include seeing the Scottish National War Memorial, the Crown Jewels, and the National Work Museum. 

4. Mary King’s Close

Mary King’s Close is Edinburgh’s underground street, buried beneath and running under the famous Royal Mile. This underground street features a series of abandoned homes and alleyways, lying below the bustling city streets since the 17th century. Mary King’s Close is a place frozen in time, and tours reflect that, since there are no actors, placards, or recreations. You see it as it was when it was last inhabited. With all the humidity and organic eeriness, it’s a haunted tour based on ambiance alone. Be careful if you have claustrophobia or fear of dark and unfamiliar spaces. 

5. Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura is an unusual visual arts gallery and Edinburgh’s oldest tourist attraction, established in 1835. Focusing on optical illusions, you can also experience several hands-on activities, such as going through a mirror maze and an Ames room filled with distorting images. Another popular activity is the vortex tunnel, which provokes a sense of imbalance while completely safe and stable. Finally, you can climb to the roof to get a bird’s eye view of the city using free telescopes. 

These are only a few unique and magical things you can see and do in Edinburgh. 

5 Hacks to Cut Down Your Overheads

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Overhead costs are ongoing business costs that businesses must pay in order to stay operational. Rent, salaries, utilities – all of these costs fall into the category of overhead. While it’s true that you have to spend money to make money, some overhead costs don’t need to be quite so high or such a burden for your business. Below are five ways that you can cut overhead costs to increase your company’s profits. 

1. Shop Around for Office Space

Your office space makes up a huge part of your overhead costs, but there are many ways that you can trim those costs.

  • Boost your work from home workforce. Sending staff to work from home allows you to cut back on the office space that you currently occupy. Think of it: if you could send a percentage of your workforce to home offices, you could easily move into a smaller and cheaper office space.
  • Declutter. If you’ve been in your office space for a long time, you may have accumulated a lot of things you don’t need and could easily get rid of. Once you’ve decluttered, you could discover that you don’t need the large office you currently lease.
  • Move to an “open office layout.” An open office layout allows you to flex how many people work in your office without seeking out new office space every time you make a hire. 

2. Lease Equipment, Don’t Buy

While buying equipment can seem cheaper than leasing, leasing has many advantages. Low up front costs allow you to get the office equipment you need without making a huge investment. And, best of all, maintenance and replacement costs are taken care of for you. This saves you money in ways that are hard to calculate but very real. 

3. Use Eco-Friendly Equipment and Business Practices

Utilities are a drain on your business, but you can reduce your overhead by finding eco-friendly ways to reduce your dependence on energy. Whenever possible, use natural lighting and day lighting instead of (or to supplement) electrical lighting.

Buy ENERGY STAR rated appliances and seek out the most energy-efficient equipment available. Buy energy-saving power strips, use LED light bulbs and switch to a digital record keeping system to cut back on your use of paper. 

4. Outsource Services

If your company is small enough, you may not need to hire specialized positions like an HR manager or a payroll person. Fill these functions by working with companies that provide these services at a low cost. You’ll save on salaries and may also get more value for your money.    

5. Hire Wisely

Structure your company in the most efficient way possible, with team members filling multiple roles whenever possible. This keeps your team small and lean, which also helps you save on salaries that could increase your overhead dramatically.

If you’re still looking for ways to cut back your overhead costs, work with an accountant or an efficiency expert to keep your costs low. 

The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real New Zealand

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So you’re headed “Down Under” and you want to experience New Zealand like the locals do?  We’ve got you covered with all the must-see things to see and do on your trip.

Read on for a roundup of five authentic activities to add to your New Zealand itinerary.

1. Experience a Haka

Many people see their first haka at an All Blacks rugby game. However, there are many places to witness this ancient Maori war dance ritual, which embodies the passion and power of the vibrant indigenous people of New Zealand.

Depending on the venue, you may even have the chance to participate in one—a true “bucket list” experience.

2. Nosh on New Zealand Lamb

New Zealand is known all over the planet for its tender and succulent lamb. However, this is just one example of the quintessential cuisine awaiting you in New Zealand. Kiwis also love their crayfish, mussels, fish and chips, “barbie,” mince pies, and artisan cheese.

And make sure to wash it down with a local Sauvignon Blanc or other selection from one of New Zealand’s world-class wine regions.

3. Hit the Road

New Zealand boasts some truly spectacular scenery. One of the best ways to take it all in like a local? If you don’t have access to a car, New Zealand is home to a vast intercity bus system stretching from the North to the South Island.

From bustling metropolises like Auckland and Wellington to off-the-beaten destinations like Rotorua and Wanaka, Kiwis know that there’s no adventure quite like a good, old-fashioned road trip.

4. Take the Ferry

While New Zealand’s roadways have abundant allures, your trip to New Zealand won’t be complete without taking the ferry. Many locals travel between the North and South Island via ferry.

While both the Bluebridge and the Interislander ferries will hook you up with everything from free Wi-Fi to refreshments for the 3.5-hour trip, you may not need them. You’ll be too busy taking in the breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds islands as you coast through the Cook Straight.

5. Catch Sight of a Kiwi

New Zealand is renowned for its wildlife, and its iconic wild kiwi birds are regarded as a national treasure. They’re also incredibly elusive.

However, there are some places where you’re more likely to see one of these endangered flightless birds for yourself—either in the wild or at a reserve. These include Stewart Island, Kiwi Birdlife Park, and the Franz Josef Wildlife Centre.

The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real South Africa

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You’re in South Africa, a country that offers a landscape that has something for everyone. How you choose to explore the country is up to you. Just know there are many ways to get up close and experience the history, culture, landscape, and oh, yes, the wildlife this country is known for.

1. The Garden Route (Western Cape)

There are plenty of miles to cover in South Africa, and each has its own points of interest and things to do, such as The Garden Route, which covers approximately 124 miles of picturesque landscape.

The route runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River and allows travelers to get off the beaten path, park their rented vehicle, and explore area beaches, lakes, nature reserves, and the Garden Route National Park.

2. Kruger National Park Safari

A sure way to discover and learn about the many species of wildlife inhabiting South Africa is to schedule a safari tour with Kruger National Park for one of their many tours. Led by a knowledgeable guide, who takes visitors through the park and surrounding areas, you’ll experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 

While immersing yourself in the park’s atmosphere with accommodations to suit personal preferences, from tents and treehouses to luxury lodges, you’ll be in the midst of Kruger National Park and all it has to offer. 

3. The Blue Train

Arguably one of South Africa’s jewels in the crown is The Blue Train, which travels approximately 994 miles from Pretoria to Cape Town with a couple of off-train excursions on the itinerary. Overall, the train is the epitome of luxury on rails. 

While on board for the scenic journey, travelers are wined and dined in style while the train winds its way through open farmlands and semi-desert landscape as well as past Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands. 

4. Tour South Africa’s Wine Region

Something travelers new to South Africa may not know is the country is known for its wine regions situated around the cities of Paarl and Stellenbosch. South Africa has been in the wine business since the 17th century. 

To get the most out of visiting the wine regions, book an exclusive guided tour of the Western Cape region and its prominent wineries to have access to and sample some of the country’s most tasteful vineyards.

5. Cruising the Waterways

South Africa has an expansive coastline that allows for plenty of opportunities to get to know the area with a guide boat trip. Travelers who want to sit back, relax, and revel in the beauty of the moment, can book a sunset Champagne cruise out of Cape Town.

Above water, travelers can enjoy watching the sea life with whale-watching and dolphin-watching cruises or watch the antics of the black and white attired penguins at Penguin Island. There are also shoreline cruises that get you up close to crocodiles and hippos.

If you prefer down-under experiences, South Africa is a world hotspot for exploring the shipwrecks, inland caves, assorted underwater inhabitants, and other mysterious features with a scuba adventure.

 

5 Ways Your Health Can Be Impacted By Pests

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While some pests may appear cute and cuddly, many of them can be harmful to our health. As there are several critters to be worried about, a few of the biggest culprits include cockroaches, mice, and ants. Chances are, you’ve probably seen some of these pests crawling around your home. While a few of them here and there usually isn’t a problem, frequent visits from these pests can be an issue—and even life-threatening.

In this post, we’ll discuss 5 ways pests can impact your health.

Asthma

If you have asthma, you probably notice pests more than the average person. Critters like cockroaches are known to trigger asthma symptoms, which can be a serious concern. You may have an allergy flare-up and have no idea why. The best course of action is to get rid of the cockroaches immediately.

The main reason cockroaches trigger asthma symptoms is that they carry around a protein called tropomyosin. This is known as a key trigger for allergies and asthma. Additionally, it’s important to note that any part of a cockroach can contain this protein, including saliva and waste.

Mosquito Viruses

A deadly virus from a mosquito is another serious health problem to consider. If you’ve ever been camping, on a lake trip, or near a pond, then you know a thing or two about mosquitoes. While you essentially don’t feel anything when they bite, you may feel the need to itch very soon. However, while the bites can be itchy and uncomfortable, they’re far better than the alternative.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes can carry and transmit a number of diseases. This includes West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Zika Virus. These viruses can cause various symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, skin rashes, and aching.

Vector-Borne Diseases

Mosquitos aren’t the only ones who carry dangerous, and sometimes deadly, diseases. In fact, there are several vector-borne diseases to consider, which are diseases that are carried and spread by different vectors. Ticks, rodents, and other animals are a few examples.

If you notice any of these critters flying or crawling around your home or business, you’ll want to do your best to eliminate them. EPA-registered pesticides and repellents may help.

Anaphylactic Shock

Have you ever been stung by a bee or another insect? If so, it probably wasn’t a very fun experience. While these strings usually do no serious harm, that isn’t the case for everyone. If you’re allergic to a pest’s venom, you could go into anaphylactic shock, which poses a life-threatening situation. If you or someone you know experiences this, call 911 immediately and use an epinephrine injector if prescribed.

Microbial Diseases and Infections

Did you know microorganisms can be pests, too? That’s right! Several different microorganisms and acellular particles are considered pests, including bacteria, viruses, prions, and protozoans. Unfortunately, these can cause serious infections and diseases. Given the seriousness of these microorganisms and acellular particles, households and businesses worldwide use EPA-registered antimicrobial pesticides for controlling these pests.

Pests can be annoying, destructive, and harmful to our health. To keep these pests at bay, make sure to clean your property frequently and use eco-friendly pesticides and repellents.

5 Critical Mistakes People Make When They Try to Grow Their Small Business

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Take a look at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data on the success of small businesses over time, and you’ll immediately see that about 20 percent of small businesses in the United States fail after just two years. That’s a lot of failed businesses.

So, what happens that makes these companies unsuccessful?

Let’s take a look at a few of the most common mistakes and explore how you can avoid them when attempting to grow your own small business.

The Top 5 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make When Growing Their Businesses

1. Spending too much upfront

When it comes time to grow your business, you want to start small. Think big, but start small.

In other words, don’t throw all of your money into one growth endeavor. Rather, try several growth strategies, putting a little bit of money into each. That way, you can see what areas of your business growth plan are succeeding first before you put more money into other attempts that may not be worth it.

2. Being disorganized

As any small business owner knows, being organized is critical to your business’s success. Staying organized is even more important. 

As you grow your business, you’re going to have more streams of income, more expenditures, more payouts, more employees, more insurance plans, and … much more. Staying organized in all of these areas means planning ahead, creating the necessary infrastructure, and keeping copious records.

3. Not understanding what need they are attempting to fulfill (and if it’s scalable)

One key to a good business idea is fulfilling a need that your target audience has. This means that you have to understand your target audience in the first place.

Let’s say that you sell children’s clothes, and you primarily sell play clothes — things that are easy to wash and will stand up against dirt, food, and grime. You are successful, and you want to grow your business, so you immediately start selling fancy dress clothes for kids. 

Why might this not be a good idea?

Answer: It may not be what your current target audience wants (i.e. They want play clothes for busy kids who get dirty, not fancy dress clothes).

Lesson: Learn what your target audience wants before deciding how you want to grow.

4. Not hiring help

You can’t do everything yourself as you grow your business. Perhaps you were able to do it all when you only had a few customers and a few sales, but as you grow, you need to hire help. Do this sooner rather than later.

5. Being discouraged by mistakes

It is certainly possible that you will attempt to grow your business, and whatever you try will fail. The biggest mistake that a small business owner can make at this point is giving up. 

Don’t be discouraged by your mistakes. If you fail, learn from your mistakes, and try again.

Grow Your Small Business

One of the most wonderful things about owning your own business is setting yourself on a path to financial independence. In other words, most small business owners hope to one day be able to make more money while doing less work. 

If this is you (and it should be), take this as a sign to take that next step and start growing your business the right way — by avoiding the common mistakes we’ve outlined above.