Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

Alright, so you’ve got a vision, maybe even a plan, and you’re ready to go all in as a business owner or entrepreneur. But what does it actually mean to be all in, especially in those crucial first 6-12 months? If you’re imagining smooth sailing, let me stop you right there because going all in is about grit, grinding on repeat, and stretching beyond limits. Let’s break down what it takes and what you’re in for.

1. Time and Energy – Every Drop Counts

When I say “all in,” I mean waking up with purpose and staying up late with determination, rinse and repeat. Going all in is like being the captain, the crew, and the boat itself. It’s early mornings and late nights – not just when inspiration strikes but consistently, no matter what. It’s getting clear on priorities because once you’re in this phase, every minute counts.

A good rule of thumb? Count on spending about 70-80 hours a week pouring energy into research, networking, pitching, building, and, most importantly, adapting. And yes, that might mean skipping out on social gatherings or rethinking what “free time” even means.

2. Building – Brick by Brick

Think of building your business like constructing a house. Every day you’re laying down bricks: making calls, following up, sourcing products, locking down leads, testing, and tweaking. And just when you think you’ve got the wall steady, there’s a new crack that needs fixing. But here’s the thing: all of those small actions, when done consistently, stack up. Don’t discount the baby steps. You don’t see results overnight, but every call, post, and outreach has a purpose.

Example:

Say you’re working on a digital business. In those first 6-12 months, you may not have the biggest following, but building a steady stream of valuable content and creating strong connections are bricks that form the foundation of your future empire.

3. Learning Mode – Constant and Unrelenting

Entrepreneurship doesn’t come with a manual, so the only way to make sure you’re on the right track is to be in perpetual learning mode. It could be as basic as watching tutorials, reading books, getting mentorship, or even trial and error. Here’s a truth: the first 6-12 months are packed with lessons you won’t get anywhere else.

And when you’re “all in,” every single mistake is valuable, every lesson amplified. If something fails, it’s feedback, not defeat. Keep evolving. Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to pivot when needed.

4. Staying Mentally Strong – The Real Backbone

Now, here’s the part no one warns you about: how mentally tough you need to be. Not every day is going to feel productive or encouraging. You’re going to hit slumps, face doubts, and have people tell you you’re crazy. That’s where resilience and mindset come into play. Remind yourself why you started, and learn to manage stress in a way that doesn’t derail you. Develop coping strategies, because going all in means you’ll be faced with a rollercoaster of highs and lows – it’s part of the journey.

5. Balance the Burnout – Knowing When to Recharge

There’s a fine line between “all in” and “burned out,” and when you’re grinding this hard, it’s easy to cross it. Sometimes taking a step back for a few hours or an afternoon to recharge is exactly what you need to keep the momentum going. As much as hustle culture tells you to push through no matter what, real success comes from knowing when to pull back just a bit so you can come back stronger.

6. Earnings Start Small – But Consistency Pays

Those first months might not bring in what you hoped, but being all in means you’re looking at the big picture. Track every win, no matter how small. One sale, one new client, one email lead – they all count. Reinforce this progress with consistency, and over time, the momentum builds. Treat every dollar as an investment in your future empire and reinvest where you can to fuel your growth.

7. Networking Like Your Business Depends on It (Because It Does)

Building a network of people who get what you’re trying to do is invaluable. These connections are your resources, potential clients, partners, and even future mentors. Networking can happen anywhere – online, at events, or even during chance encounters. Go into every conversation with the goal of building value for others and being someone who others remember.

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The Bottom Line: Going “All In” Means Becoming Your Own Blueprint

Going all in means setting your sights on the future while doing the hard work in the present, keeping every ounce of effort in perspective. You’re showing up for the version of you who achieves the vision. Because when you’re all in for 6-12 months with full consistency, you’re not just working toward income – you’re working on creating wealth, learning resilience, and living in a way that prepares you for any challenge. This is where the real groundwork for freedom begins.

Let’s face it, there are no shortcuts when you’re building something that matters. So if you’re ready to go all in, understand this: every drop of sweat, every hour, and every small win adds up. You’re laying the foundation not just for a business but for a life you own. That’s what “all in” is all about – making a decision, sticking to it, and building a life that’s on your terms.

Joy Junkie