For Achievers It's Your Business What's stopping you? MORE THAN 40 PERCENT of Americans surveyed have considered starting a business since the economic downturn, and a full 75 percent believe new entrepreneurs will do the most to revive the economy. Yet, only about a quarter of those thinking about starting a business actually acted on the idea, according to the recent Newpreneur Survey of about 3,800 people conducted by e-commerce company Alibaba.com. Being overwhelmed by the logistics of a new business was the biggest deterrent, cited by 44 percent of those who failed to follow through on their dreams. That concern was even bigger than fear of failure, which was cited by 37 percent. For people interested in starting a business, there are more resources today than ever. The U.S. Small Business Administration has a readiness assessment tool with questions to evaluate your skills, characteristics and experience as they relate to your preparedness for starting a business. Based on your score, you will receive a statement of next suggested steps, directing you to resources to help you prepare. Visit SBA.gov/smallbusinessplanner to get started. Web sites like Score.org and NSBA.biz also offer extensive information on figuring out the logistics. The Kauffman Foundation (Kauffman.org) also provides extensive information and e-newsletters devoted to entrepreneurs. Q: TWEET J A: What's a small way you make each day count? "To always be interested in others. Ask questions and allow others to share themselves." ioshhinds "I pre-schedule something to look forward to as the last activity to finish out every day on a positive note. It works!" @Earl52 CREATE A LIFE-GOAL LIST Si A Tip from Mark Victor Hansen IT ONLY TAKES 15 MINUTES, a piece of paper and a pen to put your life I goals in motion. In his audio series Think H I Big, Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of " I the Chicken Soupfor the Soul series, says to write down 101 of your life goals, small and large, within 15 minutes. Don't self-edit or second-guess just write.Your list can include small goals like paint the living room or larger goals like open up that restaurant I have always dreamed about. After you finish your list, assign each goal a deadline whether it's a few hours or a few years.Your list will highlight your areas of interest, show you how to spend your time and propel you to go for your goals. "Make the day count for others with validation! And don't forget to smile and be sincere when being uplifting!" @Crystal050203 "We think above and beyond ourselves. We help those in need. We believe that hope... heals." HopeHeals At the Bookstore The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier by Ariane de Bonvoisin (HarperCollins, 2008) Discover the nine principles to face transitions with courage through real stories, exercises and action steps provided in this new book by Ariane de Bonvoisin. Learn how to overcome the obstacles to change, such as fear, doubt, impatience, blame, guilt and shame. 12 SUCCESS OCTOBER 2009