Whether you’re thinking about starting a business or you’re currently running one, being prepared is important, and being prepared to pivot is imperative.

When you feel like you’re overwhelmed or unequipped for a certain situation, make a list of the things that you CAN control. Keep in mind that there is only one person in this world that you can control.

Marketing at this point is a good way to get you some mediocre Yelp reviews and a Ramen-noodles-for-every-meal income. Don’t put the proverbial marketing cart before the sales horse.

Get rid of expectations and instead, set your intentions. When you set an intention, you’re declaring your plan or action, and how you intend it to go. When it (inevitably) doesn’t, you have the ability to pivot your course of action and keep working toward your goals.

Once you can see your group of ducks, you’ll be able to determine two things: First, is it necessary for each duck to keep existing in your life? If not, get rid of it. Second, if the duck is a real and true obstacle, what is your plan to overcome it?