The Key to Creating a Successful Freedom-Based Business as an OT

Hi there! I'm Beki Eakins, a business mindset and lifestyle coach for occupational therapists. If you’re an OT aiming to build a life of freedom while sharing your skills in a meaningful way, this blog post is for you. Today, I want to dive into a crucial topic for any OT wanting to succeed online-taking risks in business.

Playing Safe Won't Get You Far

One of the most common challenges I see in the occupational therapy community is the tendency to play it safe. Many OTs fall into the trap of sticking to what feels comfortable, but comfort zones can easily become growth barriers. It’s time we acknowledge that safe actions rarely lead to impactful business growth.

Yes, risk-taking comes with challenges, but it’s where the magic happens. Taking bold steps, even with the potential for failure, allows us to grow faster than staying comfortable. My personal journey has been all about balancing risk with safety nets-mistakes are inevitable, but they are also the fuel for rapid learning and transformation.

The Fast Action Advantage

Over the years, I’ve observed a pattern with my clients: those who are willing to take fast action and make decisions without overthinking see results much faster. They understand that taking imperfect action, failing, and learning is better than staying in research mode forever.

Building a successful online business requires a willingness to make decisions, take risks, and leap into the unknown. Fast decisions mean faster results, and that’s why we always encourage our clients to seize opportunities quickly.

Avoiding the 'Comfortable Path' Trap

Many OTs enter the entrepreneurial world with unrealistic expectations-they want the income of a thriving online business while playing it safe. Some avoid investing in themselves because it feels "too risky," despite aiming for big milestones like six-figure incomes.

The real cost here is time-time spent trying out every free strategy available, only to end up frustrated when nothing sticks. I see so many talented OTs wasting time on websites, low-cost courses, and social media tactics that simply don’t work for our field. Taking a shortcut by investing in yourself-whether through coaching, mentorship, or tailored training-can actually help you achieve your goals far more efficiently.

The Real Risk: Not Taking Risks

Every time you decide not to invest in your growth, you're also choosing to stay where you are. Growth requires risk; extraordinary results come from extraordinary actions. As Jim Rohn once said, "If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary." Playing it safe may protect you in the short term, but it will limit your growth in the long term.

In the OT world, I often see hesitation about creating high-ticket offers-offers that truly reflect the transformation clients need. However, many people are actually looking for a premium service that solves their problems deeply and effectively. The truth is, taking the "risk" of creating a high-ticket offer is not risky when done right-when it’s backed by research and a well-crafted approach.

Investing in Yourself

Warren Buffett said, "The best investment you can make is in yourself." As OTs, we are often great at gathering new skills and seeking more knowledge. But in entrepreneurship, it’s essential to also invest in understanding how to build a business. The skills you have are valuable, but without the right business knowledge, it’s hard to share those skills effectively and profitably.

Investing in coaching, mentorship, or a supportive community is key to collapsing timelines-it can help you achieve in a few months what might otherwise take years. The path to success doesn’t need to be slow or lonely. Working with others helps you understand risks better, strategize effectively, and take steps forward with confidence.

Join a Community and Expand Your Horizons

One of the most valuable assets for any OT looking to create an online business is community. It’s easier to take risks when you’re surrounded by people who have your back, people who have faced the same challenges and made it through successfully. Having mentors and peers who understand occupational therapy and online entrepreneurship can turn big, intimidating risks into manageable, calculated steps.

Our OT Freedom Collective is exactly that-a supportive environment where we guide you through every step of creating a successful online business. We offer a team approach, so regardless of what aspect of business you may struggle with, we have the support and expertise to help you thrive.

Take That Leap

If you want big results, you need to take big actions. Don’t settle for ordinary outcomes by staying in your comfort zone. You have the skills, the passion, and the drive-it’s time to invest in yourself and create the life of freedom you’ve been dreaming of.

Ready for More?

If you found this topic valuable and want to dive deeper, tune into the OTs Yourself to Freedom Podcast for more insights into how you can create a freedom-based lifestyle and thriving online business as an occupational therapist. I’ve also created a special mindset meditation to help you boost your confidence and overcome money mindset blocks-it's available for free in the show notes of the podcast.

And if you’re ready to take the next step toward building your own freedom-based online business, feel free to reach out via the link here. Let’s create that change together.