Sounds great, right? But here’s the deal.

Creating a business can be hard. Real hard at times.

Think of a rollercoaster with highs and lows — and many different emotions through the journey. That’s what entrepreneurship can be.

Here are three tips to set yourself up for success.

Start the process early.

Even if you’re just wondering a tiny little bit if you could launch a business, start exploring the options, researching and learning. In other words, give yourself as much time as you can. The process to get a business up and running usually takes longer than expected, not shorter. Plus, the business idea you start out with may be completely different from what you end up doing. A baby step today can make a big difference down the road.

Pursue something you love, and...

You’ll increase your possibility of success if you do something that combines your passions and strengths. This means finding something you love to do and doesn’t feel like work. In fact, you would even do it for free (because you might at first). This also means finding something you’re naturally good at. It’s easy for you. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of things to challenge you along the way. So so are passions and strengths enough? Not exactly. Look for an economic opportunity - something that someone will pay you for - to truly make a viable business.

Don’t do it alone.

Surround yourself with people who believe in you. With people on your path. With people you can turn to with questions and get qualified answers (and not just opinions). With people who have been there before. Find someone who has done what you want to do and have them as a coach or mentor. Accept help when it is offered.