1. Mistakes are part of the game. Don't be so afraid to make mistakes that you are always second guessing yourself and changing tack. To put it into perspective is that we only generally learn from our mistakes so if you aren't making any, you aren't growing.



2. Stretch yourself outside your comfort zone. The great thing about going out on a limb and starting your own home business is the opportunity it gives you to stretch your capabilities and try new things. As many business owners can attest, you will need to be jack of all trades initially and possibly be doing things that may not be in your field of expertise. If you approach it with a great attitude you might stand to learn something new and grow your skill base.

3. Read everything you can. If you are embarking on a new home based business you want to learn and read as much as you can. Take time out to invest into your own knowledge and learn from other people's experiences so that you won't have to repeat their mistakes. If you happen to know someone who has their own successful home business why not approach them and take them out to coffee so that you can pick their brains. You will be surprised with the response as most people are more than willing to help someone out as they know what it was like when they first started.

4. Set goals and targets for you business. Without a plan you are left to the whims of whatever happens to take your attention on the day. And most business owners will tell you that there is an endless list of things that can occupy your attention. By having a clear idea of your goals and expectations you will allow yourself to focus on things that most matter and do without all the little things that just occupy your time.

5. Stay balanced. The worst thing that a home based business owner can do is to be so absorbed with their business that they lose perspective on their life. The business shouldn't take over every moment of your life. While you certainly have invested a lot of time and money into the enterprise and want it to work, making it your only focus on life isn't healthy. You will find that if you take time out for family, friends and yourself you will actually be just as productive if not more so and you will find that you won't burn out.

6. Get connected into your new business world. If this is the first time you are venturing out with a home based business then you might want to try and find time to make friends who are also on your journey. You will be surprised how much support, inspiration and motivation you can derive being around other like minded people. There are many great home business support groups out there so make an effort and join one.

7. Finish each day and be done with it. Just because your office is only meters away from where you eat and sleep doesn't mean that you should work because its convenient. Learn to work your set hours and then be done with it. Otherwise you have only bought yourself a job that follows you around everywhere you go. Learn to let go when office hours are over and don't be tempted to do those little niggling tasks just because its there, it can always wait till the next morning.