Is your business position getting stronger by the day? Is your advantage growing? Do you feel more comfortable and relaxed? Are you spending more time doing the things you want to do? Are you getting tangibly closer and closer to your goal?

Or are you paranoid about when the current sales contracts end? Are you constantly worried because there never seem to be enough opportunities in the pipeline? Are you struggling to find the time to do everything you need to?

For the first couple of years working independently (or exploring something new, starting a new job, etc.), it’s natural to be in the second state. But after that, things should change. If not, you’ll want to ask yourself how much longer you want to keep struggling in the wild for.

When you feel like time is not in your side, it’s difficult to see beyond the present. It’s a shaky foundation to build a future on top of. The uncertainty makes you paranoid because any event could force you to quit.

When you feel like time is on your side, it’s much easier to plan for the future. Things are steady. Your cash position and savings grow. Your opportunities and network expand. Your reputation gets stronger. The uncertainty makes you feel excited because you’re in a good spot to take advantage of it. There are many things that can go wrong, because you got the big things right. There are many ways for you to succeed.