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Author: Anna Prountzou

Article: Starting an online business, or any other business can be time consuming and risky. For many of us it is just not an option to completely drop out of paid employment too pursue our dreams. While I completely agree with the concepts of "the alternative" life, without the constraints of the 9 to 5, I do have responsibilities that I cannot ignore.

If you are one of the few people in this world that has escaped the trappings of a mortgage, loans and having to work just to keep up with these payments, then the thought of starting your own business is less daunting. However, I am mainly aiming this article at the many people who dream of branching out on their own but cannot risk it all.

I have read many theories by various authors about a different lifestyle, one where you work less hours but earn the same money or more. Theories about people having the choice to do what they want when they want. Some of the concepts discussed are very interesting and attractive, but for many of us they are not realistic, at least not straight away. I think this is particularly so for people with children. While it may be fine for younger children to be taken off on travels to explore the world, it is not the same for families with older children that have exams to take, or just need time to find their own path. Having teenagers is even more restricting because they have their friends and life; many would dread the thought of being taken away from their own environment to spend quality time with their parents!

However, I do believe that there is a way for people to create that lifestyle even if they have worked themselves into a trap. Below are my tips for people who think they can not start their own online business because they cannot leave their current job or cannot fit it into their current commitments:

* I think the best way to get this across is to look at the following quote by Dr. Ana M Guzman: "I decided not to let my past rule my future so I decided to change my present in order to open up my future." This quote sums up exactly what has to be done to begin creating the future that you want. If you want a future where you have more control over your life, can spend your time doing more of what makes you happy and not be ruled by what society expects from you, then you have to start creating that world today.

* Make small steps, one at a time that will eventually lead you to where you want to go. Reading Timothy Ferriss's book "The 4 Hour Workweek" is a good place to start. He makes some interesting arguments for a better lifestyle. Most of his ideas and suggestions can be used by the majority of us; however some are just not practical for everyone. So read the book with an open mind and take the advice he gives where it is realistically possible. I would not recommend to anyone with a family or other commitments to just take the plunge, unless you are financially secure enough to cope with it.

* I guess the most powerful change that can be made today, is your thoughts and behaviour. For example, one thing I did was to cut out information overload (as recommended in the book). That has made a huge difference and now I am finding the time to concentrate on the really important things that will lead to my life change, like developing my online business.

* Start thinking about what you really want, what is the lifestyle that you are looking for. Most people will say travel the world, some might be like not have to answer to anyone else and to really control their day.

* Decide what you can do without so that you can live the life you dream off. Would selling your big house make it possible to live the life you crave? On the other hand, would you be happy living in a small flat with no mortgage and the freedom to get up and go whenever you wanted? Ask yourself some real questions about what you have today that you don't really need or want. Sometimes just making some tough choices instantly improves your life; even if the rest of the world think you are crazy.

* More than anything, you must believe that you are in control of your future. It is up to you to plan the course and make the changes. You have to follow through what you decide to do, stick with it and when the time is right for you, then take it and make your life how you want it.

You may be asking yourself, what has this got to do with online business or making money on the internet? Well simply put, one of the most liberating ways to make money is online. It puts you really in charge of your life because there are no limits. You can run your business anywhere in the world, you can be on the beach or up in the mountains (as long as the technology is working!), you can even work in the middle of the night and sleep all day.

So the answer to a more fulfilling life has got to be working from home, working for yourself and being in control of how you spend your time. Even if you can't do it today, start planning it today, set some realistic goals and go for it, sooner rather than later!

To read more about starting your own online business, please visit: RealMoneyTalk.co.uk

About the author: Anna P is an IT specialist in the education sector. She has built an online tutorial for those wanting to start their own internet business aimed at self starters.