How smart do you have to be to succeed?

What about to become a creative genius? Did Picasso and Mozart use superhuman intelligence to create their masterpieces?

And similarly…

• How intelligent do you need to be to become a successful entrepreneur?
• How good does your training program need to be to become an elite athlete?
• How perfect does your weight loss program need to be to burn fat?

These are questions that we don’t often ask ourselves, but they are built into our beliefs and actions about many phases of life. We often think that the reason we aren’t succeeding is because we haven’t found the right strategy or because we weren’t born with the right talents.

Perhaps that is true. Or, perhaps there is an untold side of the story…

“The Termites”

In 1921, there was a psychologist at Stanford University named Lewis Terman who set out on a mission to conduct a research study unlike any before it.

Terman began by finding the 1,000 smartest students in California between the third grade and eighth grade as measured by IQ. [1] After much testing and searching, Terman gathered a final sample of 856 boys and 672 girls. The children became known as “The Termites.”

Terman and his team began testing the children in nearly every way you could image. They tracked their IQ, analyzed how many books each student had in their homes, took their medical histories, and on and on. But that was just the beginning.

What made Terman’s study unique is that it was the first longitudinal research study, which meant that Terman continued to track and test his subjects for years afterward. The study, which is now famously known as Genetic Studies of Genius, collected data from the students throughout their entire lives. Terman collected additional data in 1928, 1936, 1940, 1945, 1950, and 1955. After Terman died in 1956, his colleagues continued tracking The Termites in 1960, 1972, 1977, 1982, and 1986.

To summarize, the study started with the smartest group of children in the entire state of California and then tracked their success throughout their entire lives. Decades later, the researchers had discovered something very interesting…

Threshold Theory

The surprising discovery that came out of Terman’s study is best described by creativity researcher and physician, Nancy Andreasen…

“Although many people continue to equate intelligence with genius, a crucial conclusion from Terman’s study is that having a high IQ is not equivalent to being highly creative. Subsequent studies by other researchers have reinforced Terman’s conclusions, leading to what’s known as the threshold theory, which holds that above a certain level, intelligence doesn’t have much effect on creativity: most creative people are pretty smart, but they don’t have to be that smart, at least as measured by conventional intelligence tests. An IQ of 120, indicating that someone is very smart but not exceptionally so, is generally considered sufficient for creative genius.” [2]

Remember our question from the beginning: “Did Picasso and Mozart use superhuman intelligence to create their masterpieces?”

According to Threshold Theory, not necessarily. Being in the top 1 percent of intelligence has no correlation with being fantastically creative. Rather, there is a minimum threshold of intelligence that you need to have, and after that it comes down to a lot of deliberate practice, putting in your reps, and developing your skill set.

Threshold Theory in Everyday Life

If you look around, you’ll see that Threshold Theory applies to many things in life. Success is rarely as simple as “just work harder.” The fundamentals matter. There is a minimum threshold of competence that you need to develop in nearly any endeavor.

After that, however, the difference is between those who put in the work and those who get distracted. Once you have a basic grasp of the right things to do, it becomes about the consistency of doing the right things more often. Once you understand the fundamentals, it comes down to your habits.

Some examples…

Weightlifting: Assuming you’ve met some minimum threshold and are doing reasonably effective exercises (like these) with reasonably effective form, the details don’t really matter that much. Once you’ve passed this basic threshold, what makes 95% of the difference is this: Are you showing up to the gym and putting in your reps?

Writing: Assuming you understand the core principles of writing and the basics of grammar, what determines your ability to write well more than anything else is writing a lot. Once you reach the threshold of writing a decent sentence, the thing that leads to success is writing more.

Entrepreneurship: Assuming you know what the most important metric is for your business, what makes the biggest difference is focusing on that metric every day. Once you cross the basic threshold of knowing what to work on, the most important thing is continuing to work on that one thing and not something else.

If you’re brand new to an area, then it’s possible you haven’t learned enough to cross the threshold yet. But for most of us, we know what works and we have enough knowledge to make progress. It’s not about being more intelligent or more skilled, it’s about overcoming distraction and doing the work that already works.

James Clear writes at JamesClear.com, where he shares science-based ideas for living a better life and building habits that stick. To get strategies for boosting your mental and physical performance by 10x, join his free newsletter.

This article was originally published on JamesClear.com.

1. Interestingly, Termin actually created the IQ test that he used to determine the intelligence of his original group. The IQ test was originally created by French psychologist Alfred Binet and Termin adjusted the test to create the “Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales”, which is now in it’s fifth edition and is probably the most well-known IQ test.
2. “Secrets of the Creative Brain” by Nancy C. Andreasen. June 25, 2014.

Thanks to reader Dean Dwyer for sending me the creativity article by Dr. Andreasen, which led me down the long, twisted path to this article. As usual, you all are keeping me on the right track.

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We all need a hobby. It’s what gets us out of the house, and whether it is stamp collecting or paragliding, everyone loves to escape from the humdrum of work and let their mind escape into something they love.

But of course it’s not always feasible to do the things we love. It’s impossible to be a skiing fanatic living in Texas, without travelling thousands of miles and spending hundreds of dollars to touch the snow. Just as you’re going to have to spend hundreds to even reach China before playing the tables of Macau.

But never fear, you can find viable alternatives, and they won’t break the bank either. Below, you’ll find 20 hobbies we have compiled to keep you busy while not going broke.

Physically and Mentally Active Hobbies

1. Indoor Skiing

Of course we’ll start with all those skiing fans. The skis themselves will set you back upwards of $700 and that’s without boots, salopettes, jackets, and slope fees, but you can enjoy your hobby for much, much less. Ski hire is the obvious option, while you don’t have to travel to the Alps to enjoy a black run, but rather visit your nearest dry or indoor slope.

There are hundreds across the world, from Dubai, to Manchester, to Lynchburg, Virginia with facilities for both boarding and skiing, alongside ski hire and plenty of classes so you can learn to cut through the snow with not a flake in sight.

2. Rock Climbing Inside

Like snow, mountains are not easy to find – particularly ones that are safe to climb. But climbing centers? Well, they’re a little easier. Of course you don’t get the stunning views, but you also don’t have to brave the elements either.

You can stay dry and wind-chill free while sampling lead climbing, boldering, and top roping without the need for specialty shoes, which alone can retail up to $250. This is in addition to the savings you enjoy from not having to purchase a rope, harnesses, and other protective gear.

Not only is a climbing center a great place to develop a hobby, but also the perfect location to keep in practice between trips away to the mountains.

3. Yoga and Meditation

Not only are yoga and meditation hobbies that will improve your physical and mental fitness, but they can also be practiced with little investment. Knowledge and time are all that are required to learn the fundamental basics of each, while you may also need to purchase a simple, $20 yoga mat to optimize comfort during daily workouts.

These disciplines have a noticeable impact on your outlook and physical well-being, making them enjoyable and soothing past-times that actively improve your quality of life.

4. Hike and Ramble in the Great Outdoors

There are numerous types of cardiovascular activities, and your preferred option will depend a great deal on your level of fitness. Less intense forms of cardio are often considered to be gentle and recreational past-times, with hiking a relevant example.

Simply by investing in an affordable pair of hiking boots and independent layers of clothing, you can tackle some of the UK’s most picturesque and challenging trails at your leisure. This can cost as little as $100, depending on your existing clothing and the footwear that you own.

5. Jogging in your Local Park

In the UK market, the cost of joining a gym can vary between £50 and £60 per month nationwide. Those who select a daily membership plan can pay as much as £5 per day, and regardless of your preferred option you will be required to pay a considerable sum over the course of a year.

Gym membership is not a pre-requisite of a healthy lifestyle, and those who wish to remain active in their leisure time should instead consider jogging at their local park. This is far more effective and even more challenging than using a treadmill, while your body also benefits from an intake of fresh air and running along variable terrain.

6. Volunteer

If you are keen to develop your philosophical outlook and learn by embracing new cultures, you may want to consider volunteering your time to participate in a host of overseas projects. Western nations like the US and UK offer a wide variety of overseas community programs, with the latter’s government currently managing an estimated 150 projects across 25 countries all over the world.

This can help you to further your personal development, expand your mind and discover a purpose without having to spend heavily or outside of your means.

Online Hobbies

7. Online Gaming

The same principle of fees can be applied to bricks and mortar casinos, which often charge a premium for membership, drinks and food. While you won’t find the glamour of Las Vegas and Macau anywhere else in the world, you can still enjoy the thrill of the green felt with relative ease.

Whether you’re a high roller or just learning the game, you could visit your local casino, or better still, fire up your laptop and bring the casino to you. Playing a few rounds in an online casino has become incredibly popular over the last few years with the likes of Full Tilt dealing to millions of members.

You can play roulette, blackjack, and poker without even booking a flight to McCarran, and better still you don’t even have to play for real money. Practice your craft before playing for real stakes, and you never know – you might build up a bankroll big enough to get you to the Bellagio.

8. Social Gaming

If your preference is for traditional video gaming, you may very well balk at the cost of individual platforms and titles. If you are willing to swap your console for the type of social gaming experiences available online and through your mobile devices, however, you will be pleasantly surprised to find a diverse and thrilling range of titles.

These can often be accessed for free through either social media outlets or mobile app stores, and you retain the autonomy to decide how and when you spend your money during game play. Players usually have the choice to progress through levels either by paying real world money or completing in-game challenges, and those who are willing to invest time into the endeavor can access titles regularly with a minimal investment.

9. Blogging

While Google’s aggressive drive to improve the quality of online content may have made it increasingly difficult to earn a lucrative living out of blogging, this remains a cost-effective and potentially satisfying past-time that enables you to indulge your creative side. This is especially true for those with a flair for website design, as broad templates and domain names can be purchased for a minimal cost before being transformed into a responsive and attractive blog.

Not only does blogging represent a cost-effective hobby that exercises your creativity, but it can also deliver some remuneration in terms of paid advertisements and sponsored posts once your blog has been established.

10. Sell Unwanted Goods Online

On a similar note, embracing e-commerce and selling goods online also represents an affordable and engaging hobby that can also deliver a financial return.

It is also relatively easy, as you simply need to register an account on e-commerce sites such as eBay and Amazon, before listing your items and completing transactions. The main benefit of this hobby is that it can consume as much or as little of your time as you want, while costs can be kept to a minimum if you simply choose to sell recycled or second-hand goods.

You can also easily scale your e-commerce operation over time, although it is important to retain a keen sense of perspective and enjoyment when selling items online.

11. Online Community Projects

As we can see, the thrift market has exploded recently, thanks primarily to a combination of increased environmental awareness and a gradual fall in the average rate of disposable income. Beyond creating an opportunity to save and make money, however, the burgeoning online thrift market has also developed entire communities of people who wish to share and swap items in the local area.

Take Freecycle, for example, which represents a non-profit movement that promotes the virtues of reusing and recycling unwanted items. Participating in such a community movement can be extremely worthwhile, as it occupies your time and also enables you to make a positive contribution to the environment.

12. Trace your Ancestry

As of late, software and websites have been developed to help individuals trace their family history back to its origins. This has emerged as something of a hobby for some, especially those with a thoughtful nature and an innate passion for history.

The growing interest in genealogy underlines how engrossing this past-time can be, while there are also a rising number of online communities that can help you to trace your family history and indulge your passion. This is also extremely affordable, with outlets such as Ancestry.com offering competitive rates and membership discounts.

13. Connect with an Online Pen-pal

The online revolution and the development of remote communication techniques has made it possible to connect with people regardless of their geographical location. This has revolutionized traditional hobbies like connecting with an international pen-pal, as this is now more affordable, and enables you to connect with these individuals in real time.

While you may be able to cut costs by saving money on stamps and stationary, you will need to identify viable websites through which you can connect with like-minded pen-pals. This enables you to identify free or low-cost resources, while also targeting individuals with similar interests.

Arts and Craft Hobbies

15. Create Personalized Travel Mementos

Regardless of how or where you travel, it is nice to keep mementos that fill you with warm and pleasant recollections of your adventures. The only issue with this is the cost of traditional souvenirs, which are often sold at a premium to capitalize on the lucrative tourism market.

You can create your own mementos for a relative pittance, however, while also developing a passion for art and photography. Simply by enlarging your photographs and transforming them into beautiful canvases, you can enrich the visual appeal of your home while also creating low-cost and everlasting memories of your many travels.

16. Knitting and Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting have to be two of the cheapest and most versatile of hobbies. You can pick up knitting needles, crochet hooks and all kinds of wool from most craft supply, thrift and charity stores.

What’s more, if you cannot quite find the color that you like, you can always dye it yourself using Kool Aid. You can then weave the wool into pretty much anything – clothes, decor for your home or even toys.

The best part is that you can find a whole host of free patterns on knitting forums on the internet, or commit to an affordable monthly subscription with a crafts magazine that supplies materials and inspiration.

17. Embroidery

Once you have knitted or woven fabrics into garments and accessories, you may want to embellish them with needle, thread and yarn. This is a past-time known commonly as embroidery, and it is renowned as an extremely affordable and enjoyable hobby.

Embroidery is the process of decorating fabric with colored threads and patterns, although it can also incorporate materials like metal strips, pearls, beads and even sequins. It is most commonly used on clothing and garments, and those with a passion for this past-time can reduce costs by embellishing their existing clothes to create a unique new look.

A basic sewing kit can cost as little as $15, while yarn can be purchased in bulk from thrift or charity shops for just a few dollars.

18. Upcycle

Upcycling is an excellent and thrifty hobby to undertake because you can get started simply with the materials and DIY tools that you already have at home. You can pretty much transform anything, including mirrors, dressers, television cabinets or cupboards.

It is amazing how simply adding a lick of paint, some new handles or even a little stenciling can give an old piece of furniture a whole new life. As your confidence grows you could even try combing furniture to alter its use and create something unique.

Your imagination and sense of adventure really is the limit to what you can achieve, while you can also use your passion to participate in upcycling business start-up and non-profit collaborations.

19. Origami

Learning the art of origami, the ancient Chinese paper craft, is another versatile hobby that you can do anywhere. And you don’t even need to devote considerable amounts of time or money to it.

You can pick up the basics in an hour or two using an online tutorial on YouTube or in a book borrowed from library. You can then go on to fold and crease paper into all sorts of wonderful creations that can be used to amuse, decorate or even store your household items safely and securely.

An engrossing and low-cost hobby, origami can also wow others and become a unique party trick.

20. Loom Weaving

Despite its recent popularization in modern culture, loom weaving is not just for kids. It is also a relatively ancient art. These versatile little loops are also extremely versatile, and can be weaved into pretty much anything, not just bands.

Patterns are available on the internet for how to weave them into rings to wear, sleeves to decorate the arms on your glasses, toy animals or even clothes. They come in a huge array of colors, including some that are quite luminous, and they are even available in glow in the dark, so there is enough diversity to interest those with a real passion for arts and crafts.

20. Decoupage

Decoupage is a deceptively easy and diverse craft, and one that some have turned into a visually stunning art-form. It is also extremely engaging and affordable, as you can simply utilize colorful tissue paper that has either been discarded or left at the back of your cupboards.

By cutting this fabric into a host of shapes and decorating it, you can create everything from a trinket box cover to a unique piece of artwork.

Featured photo credit: Freelance it Labs via freelanceitlab.com

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A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart. – Hercules

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Julian Beever is a talented artist who has mastered the art of creating unbelievably life-like optical illusions in the street. A master of perspective and creativity, Julian creates unique art using a technique called anamorphosis.

The art is drawn from a certain perspective, so you can see the picture perfectly from one angle. And when standing in the right place, these mind-blowing pavement drawings leap off the street, looking so life like it’s hard to believe they’re just drawings.

What did you think of this 3D pavement art? Comment below!

Featured photo credit: Julian Beever via tuningpp.com

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“A dog has the soul of a philosopher.” – Plato

Are you one of the 70% of people who sign their pet dog’s name on greeting cards? No need to confess, just read on! Did you know that three dogs actually survived the Titanic? They were a Newfoundland, a Pomeranian and a Pekingese. I do not know what was in their genetic makeup which helped them do that. Maybe they were just lucky.

So, are dog breeds all different? What role does genetics, training and the dog’s own personality play in determining whether they are indeed man’s best friend? Let us look at 8 facts which are backed by science which will help us understand this better.

1. Belgian shepherd dogs can sniff out cancer and other diseases

It is generally known that dogs have an extremely acute sense of smell, about 100,000 times sharper than ours. Scientific studies have been done on the Belgian shepherd dogs (the Malinois) which have shown that they can detect prostate cancer in men. These dogs were able to correctly detect the cancer by sniffing urine samples.

Apparently cancer cells leave a particular odor which these dogs can pick up, after training. They got 63 out of 66 right! These studies were conducted by a French researcher and were presented at a conference organized by the American Urological Association.

2. Border collies, poodles and German shepherds are the most intelligent dogs

If you ever wanted a really intelligent dog as a pet, choose one of the above. These dogs are actually as clever as a two year child and they can process up to 165 different gestures, movements and words. Not bad for a dog. The Afghan hound comes at the bottom of the list as being pretty dumb. These findings were the result of research carried out by a canine researcher, Dr. Stanley Coren, of the University of British Columbia.

3. There’s selective breeding for tailor made dogs

Consumer tastes and dog breeders have collaborated in producing dog breeds which meet market demands. This is why we have hunting dogs, sociable dogs and guard dogs. The only problem here is that the inbreeding leads to many dogs having typical diseases which are now very hard to eliminate.

Golden retrievers are more liable to get cancer while King Charles spaniels may have more heart diseases. Experts say that pugs could be bred to have larger muzzles so that they do not suffer from respiratory diseases, like they do now.

4. A special dog breed is supposed to help autistic children

A cross breed of the golden retriever and poodle (the golden doodle) is now being bred to help children with autism (ASD). They have been incredibly successful in that the kids’ sleeping patterns and general behavior have improved by leaps and bounds. This new breed of dog combines the star qualities of both in that they are friendly, patient, loyal and above all forgiving when the kids give them a rough time. These dogs have enriched the lives of autistic children and helped them to lead more normal lives.

5. Chocolate can kill a dog

Chocolate can make your dog very sick or even kill him or her. An 8 lb. pound poodle was fed one pound of chocolate on her birthday and nearly died. If you feed a golden retriever who weighs about 60 pounds with a bag of Hershey kisses, then the effects will be much less severe. The problem is that chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic for dogs. Another bad idea is to feed a dog with apple or pear seeds as these contain arsenic which can also be fatal for dogs.

6. The Newfoundland is the best swimmer

This breed of dog is known for its webbed feet and strong swimming skills. It is no surprise to learn that it was first used to help fisherman in Newfoundland to pull in their nets and also in helping to haul back wood from the forests. They have a double waterproof coat which helps them survive in icy waters. They are strong, loving, courageous, and loyal. They make great guard dogs, too. The only problem is that they adore water and mud which can make them a difficult home pet.

7. Moscow stray dogs

These 35,000 feral dogs are famous for many reasons. One is that they have become much smarter at getting people to drop their snacks just bought at the food kiosks. They sneak up and bark at the customer who, startled, drops it and the dog gobbles it up. This is known as “the hunt for shawarma”.

Another incredible thing is that these dogs have become adept at travelling on the subway to get from one part of the city to the other. They seem to possess an inbuilt sense of timing to know when to get off at the right metro stop! They are also better behaved on the metro than they are on the streets when hunting down food. Biologists, such as Andrei Poyarkov, who have studied these dogs noticed that they have learned how to cross streets by using the traffic lights. They have also adapted to the continually evolving Russian capital.

8. Dogs who look like wolfs live longer

Generally, dogs live about 15 years but this does vary according to the size and face features of whichever breed we are talking about. Bulldogs and pugs who have flat muzzles tend to live shorter lives. Those who look more like their wolf ancestors with sharp, pointed features will live longer. This is just one of the fun facts mentioned in Planet Dog: A Doglopedia by Sandra and Harry Choron. The longest living dog was a Queensland Heeler called Bluey who lived to the ripe old age of 29 years and 5 months.

Do you have any fun facts about dog breeds to pass on?

Featured photo credit: Spoosquatch/ Perry McKenna via flickr.com

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Are you over 6 foot? You probably despise riding public transport and staying over at someone’s place as the couch always tends to be too short. Here are ten more life difficulties any tall person can absolutely relate to:

1. Hearing all those shabby lines and recycled jokes

People are not original with their jokes about your height. If you got a dollar each time you hear: “What’s the weather like up there?”, “Can we stand back to back for a pic?”, “Do you play basketball?”, “What did your mother feed you as a child? Miracle Grow?” etc, you’d be a millionaire today. Yet, the most frustrating is that some people still find it witty and are 100% sure you have never heard that before.

2. Flying anywhere

Firstly, you are always asked to put something in the upper baggage storage. Secondly, economy class was not designed with even a single thought for tall people. I don’t even want to mention low-cost airlines where you basically have to sit with your knees pulled up to your chin. Sometimes we just have to splurge for those luxurious seats with extra leg room to sit next to a much shorter passenger who’s still complaining!

3. Standard-sized furniture

Kitchen stalls, desks, sofas and even toilets are designed for “normal-sized” people. Your office desk is too low, your chair is uncomfortable in every possible way and you can make it even lower to have your computer at your eye level. You often get cut when slicing veggies and spill salt, sugar or whatever as it’s just too low for you to watch properly what you do. Getting a massage isn’t your best relaxation method either – the tables are always too short.

4. Pants equal to capris

Your awesome cozy pajama pants turn into capris after the first wash. High-waisted shorts are not your thing either as they seriously need to make inseam more than 2 inches. Dresses look like shirts on you and shirts never have the right sleeve and collar length. I know bare ankles are trendy this season, but it’s damn cold in winter!

5. Talking to shorter companions in loud places

How many times have you got severe neck pain after having a night out at a crowded bar? Or a music gig? Either you stand in silence and sip your drink or spend the night bending down to hear your mates talks and looking awkward.

6. Being a grabber

Can you, please, fetch me that book/ mag/ cookie/ backpack/ cat from that top shelf/cupboard/overhead storage/tree?

7. Hiring clothes

So you need a wetsuit for diving/rafting or sky gliding. Good luck getting a decent size! XL versions will either be too short or too short and too loose. Just deal with the fact that no what epic extreme sports you are doing, people would still laugh at your ridiculous outfit on the photos.

8. Amusement parks are not your thing.

You simply don’t fit properly in those tiny roller coaster sits and even if you do, you have serious concerns about your safety and always have to watch your head if there’s a tunnel ahead.

9. Being easily spotted

You always stand out in the crowd, so your friends can easily call you up and you rarely have troubles locating your buddies at jam-packed event either. Yet it get’s really awkward when you try to sneak unnoticed (good luck!), avoid someone or just pretend you didn’t see them (duh, how could you from that high?!). The apogee of this is when random people approach you and ask if you can direct them to their friends.

10. Caressing is always clumsy

You think your hugs feel like a clamp. Or worry about smashing into your rib cage. Your partner has to stand up on tip toes when you kiss or you have to lean down really really low if they are shorter. Cheek kisses isn’t your type of greeting either. It’s hard to side-hug someone as either you end up leaning too low to place your arm around their shoulders or they have to clasp you around the waist.

The struggle is real as a tall person! But overall, the benefits outweigh the difficulties.

Featured photo credit: mendhak via flickr.com

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Are you having troubles navigating the sea of new image types? Saving a file used to be simple – programs had one option for how to save a document, plus image files were no more complicated than a jpeg. Times have changed however, and as our applications offer ever more ways to modify, edit and create images, so have the ways we share them evolved too.

Despite the opportunities that come with new ways to present images, the variety of file types is frankly, overwhelming. What might be a perfect option for your own viewing from a harddrive is suddenly too big to download when you post it online; what looked crisp in your image editor is suddenly a blurry mess after you save.

For example, a .jpeg is a perfect option if you’re sharing an image online and want a small file size. However, if you need sharper definition, say for a logo, a .png file is a better choice. A .png file is also what you need if you’re looking to preserve transparency in your image. That being said, .png files are often large and can take a long time to download. Add into this confusing soup the fact that only .gif files support image animation, and it’s no wonder losing your way is all too easy.

Knowing which filetypes support razor sharp edges, a variety of bright colors, transparent backgrounds, or animation takes time – time you may not have. Thankfully, the good people at the website Who Is Hosting This? have created an eye-popping, well-executed cheat sheet for determining which file you need, right now.

Featured photo credit: Mike via flickr.com

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Save some money on decorations this Christmas by making your own beautiful paper Christmas tree.

In this awesome video released by RecycleNowCampaign, we are shown how to make unique and cool paper Christmas trees within a matter of minutes. All you need is paper, scissors, a spool of string, and a pencil.

Since the method is so simple, you can make as many as you want. You could even use magazines, newspapers or colored paper to make lots of different Christmas trees!

Do you know any other Christmas-themed decorations you can easily make at home? Comment with your ideas below!

Featured photo credit: RecycleNowCampaign via youtube.com

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Leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of a regular job and a reliable paycheck is a daunting prospect for many budding entrepreneurs. Indeed, the fear of becoming self-employed often scuppers many great, profitable ideas. Yes, there is no denying that being self-employed has its challenges and that not everyone has what it takes to grow a successful business. But if you feel that you have a great idea, are persistent, determined and resourceful, then being self-employed offers a potential lifestyle you’ll never realize as an employee. What follows is a list of 10 of the biggest benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone and becoming self-employed.

1. You control your life

Many entrepreneurs are the type of people that like to take control and make decisions. As a self-employed business owner you have the freedom to make decisions that shape the present and future for yourself and your family. Your destiny is in your own hands. As an employee, however, your financial status is intrinsically linked to the success of your employer.

2. You get to choose your hours

Being self-employed means you get to choose when you work. Rather than being contracted to set hours, you can start as early or late as you want. Although this inevitably provides a much desired level of flexibility, the self-employed entrepreneur must be disciplined in order to run a successful enterprise. Balancing work and family life can be difficult, but running your own business affords you the ability to take time-out when needed. As long as you’re realistic and don’t award yourself too many vacations, a well-run business provides many lifestyle benefits you simply don’t get as an employee.

3. You get to work with people you like

When you’re an employee, you work with people you like and others you very much dislike throughout your career. As an employee, you don’t get to choose whom you work with. If you don’t like your co-workers, tough. But that’s not the case when you own your own business. You get to make the decisions about who to hire and fire, and you can build a team aligned to your personality and goals.

4. You get the rewards

Sure, as an employee you’ll get paid overtime for putting in the extra hours. But you’ll rarely get a share of the profits generated from that work. Whereas when you’re self-employed, you get to see the financial results of your hard work. Yes, starting a business is never without risk, But if you get it right, the rewards far outweigh that risk.

5. You can follow your passion

If it’s just about the money, forget it. The most successful business owners are rarely purely motivated by money. Invariably, they love their product or service or just love building a business. They want to make things better, cheaper or easier. Being self-employed helps you escape the trap of working in a job you hate and allows you to turn your passions into a business.

6. You get to live a varied life

Honestly, I don’t think I could ever go back to punching the clock for an employer. Arriving and leaving at the same time each day. Knowing exactly what each day will hold. Is that in any way exciting or inspiring? Being self-employed is often like being on a roller coaster. No day is ever the same. You’ll get used to dealing with orders, accounts, sales, complaints, celebrations and bereavements all in the course of your working days. It’s rarely dull…

7. You create

Being creative is uniquely satisfying. The very best entrepreneurs are often creative people with a desire to solve problems and make life better. In fact, the actual process of building a business is creative in and of itself. When you own your own business, you get to shape the dreams of yourself and others. You’re always building.

8. You get to help people

Being able to help people is one of the main benefits of being self-employed and running a business. Even a very small local business helps people by creating jobs and supporting a community. Maybe you’d love to create a program that improves education among children? Or create a service that improves the lives of local families? Owning your own business can help you achieve these goals.

9. You can make a stand

Being self-employed means you can stand up for what you believe in. Not only do you get to build a business that provides a product or service that benefits others – you are also able to create a vision, goals and an ethos that inspires those that you employ and serve. You can truly change people’s lives.

10. You are rewarded with self-fulfillment

What if you never took that step? What if you let a fear of failure condemn you to a life of mediocrity? If you find yourself dreaming of running your own business and of making a difference, you must not let anything stand in your way. The lessons you learn and the pure sense of self-fulfillment trump any fleeting fears or failures. It’s a journey truly worth taking.

Featured photo credit: Unsplash via unsplash.com

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