From Teacher to Entrepreneur: The Mindset Shifts That Built a Life-Changing Business

Are fear, self-doubt, or indecision keeping you from starting your online business?

You’re not alone.

In this blog post, based on my interview with Heather O'Donnell on The Teacher Biz Podcast, I share the full journey of how I went from a music teacher with big dreams (and even bigger mindset blocks) to building a successful online business that now supports my family, gives me freedom, and brings me joy.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about whether you can actually do this, read on. These mindset shifts are exactly what helped me take imperfect action and grow a life-changing business—and they can help you too.

✨ What You’ll Learn:

• What to do when you don’t feel “ready” to launch

• How teacher skills translate directly into digital business success

• The power of launching before your product is done (and why it works!)

• How I moved from live launching to consistent monthly revenue

• Real talk on failure, mindset, and trusting the process

Do I Need Everything Ready Before Launching an Online Business?

When I launched my business in 2020, I didn’t have a polished website. I didn’t have an email list. I didn’t even have my course built.

What I did have was a clear desire to help people organize their digital clutter and the willingness to launch messy and learn as I went.

“Clarity comes from action. You don’t figure it all out first. You figure it out by doing.”

It turns out, waiting until everything is “perfect” is just another way we keep ourselves stuck. Your best ideas often come after you start. Just pick something and go.

How Can Teachers Use Their Skills to Start an Online Business?

If you’ve ever taught in a classroom, then you already have one of the most valuable skills in online business: the ability to teach.

Teachers naturally break down complex topics into step-by-step frameworks. We create systems. We guide transformation. And those are the exact same things you do when building a digital product, course, or membership.

"If you can teach, the world is your oyster. Your online business is your classroom."

Whether you’re teaching organization, parenting, health, tech, or anything else… your ability to guide people is your secret weapon.

What Mindset Shifts Help You Start an Online Business?

I let fear and indecision hold me back for six years before I ever launched. My biggest mental blocks?

• FOWOT: Fear of What Others Think

• Imposter syndrome

• Perfectionism

• Indecision

It wasn’t strategy I needed. It was courage.

So instead of trying to build the entire business first, I decided to build the train as it went down the track. I ran a free challenge, validated my idea, and sold my course before it was made.

“You don’t need confidence to start—you build it by taking action.”

Should I Rely Only on Live Launches for Online Business Growth?

Live launching through challenges helped me grow quickly and connect with my audience in powerful ways. But it wasn’t sustainable forever.

Eventually, I realized I was on the Revenue Rollercoaster—big months during launches, followed by dry months. That pressure isn’t fun when your business becomes your family’s full-time income.

So I started focusing on:

• Evergreen sales

• Affiliate income

• A membership with recurring revenue

"If you want your business to support your life, not run it, you need to move from hustle to sustainability."

Live launches are great. But predictable profits? That’s freedom.

What If My Business Isn’t Growing Yet?

Here’s the truth: not seeing results doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re planting seeds.

One thing I teach my students is what I call The Ace Game. Imagine drawing cards from a deck. Each “no,” each quiet launch, each slow month—it’s just another card. The Ace is in the deck. You just have to keep flipping.

“The Ace is always in the deck. But you have to keep playing the game.”

Like the bamboo tree that grows underground for years before sprouting 90 feet in just weeks, your business is growing roots you can’t see yet. Keep going.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a full course.
You don’t need a massive audience.
You don’t need everything figured out.

You need one thing: to start.

You’re already equipped with skills that translate beautifully into business. You’ve overcome hard things before. This next step? It’s just one decision away.

"Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Just start."

I did and it changed everything.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I launch a digital course before it’s finished?
Yes! I did exactly that with my first course. I sold it, then created it week by week with real-time feedback. It’s a great way to validate your idea and stay motivated.

Q: I’m a teacher—how are my skills useful in business?
Your ability to teach, create systems, and guide learning makes you perfect for online education models like courses, memberships, or coaching.

Q: What if I’m scared to be visible or put myself out there?
That’s normal. Most people are. But fear shrinks when you move. Start small, get feedback, and remember: no one else has your voice or your path.

Q: How can I make income that’s consistent—not just from launches?
Recurring revenue through memberships, evergreen products, and affiliate marketing can stabilize your income and reduce pressure between launches.

🎯 Ready to Take the Next Step?

🎥 Watch My Free Workshop: Your Path to Predictable Profits
📚 Explore My Membership & Resources: banishbusinessclutter.com/store
🎙️ Listen to My Podcast: Launch Perspective
📷 Connect on Instagram: @lydiamartinbiz
🧠 Use My Favorite Tool for launching your business: Get Kajabi