By Flathead PowerHouse, Mallory Garshnick

I used to be a dentist. And during the many years I attended dental school and worked in a dental practice, I never thought I’d one day call myself an entrepreneur. One of the best things I’ve learned since graduation is that it’s never too late to try something new.

In my life, this has looked like starting a successful business that allowed me to retire from dentistry, moving multiple times to new states and new communities, and most recently, working alongside my husband and his team as they developed a productivity and customer relationship management app.

Finding your niche may take time. It’s important to follow where your heart leads you and allow your goals to change as you evolve and grow as a person. Here are three things I’ve learned as my own dreams have changed and I’ve gone from dentist to entrepreneur:

Create What You Wish You Had

The most inspired businesses often come from people who see a gap and decide to fix the problem. I built my network marketing business because I saw an opportunity to create the lifestyle I wanted. Instead of being stuck in the chair of a career I’d chosen when I was in my teens, I could unlock new possibilities by following my passions. The process of building a new career for myself wasn’t easy, but the result was worthwhile. By creating what you really want - whether it’s a tool, a product, or a lifestyle - you’ll be driven to create the best possible solution.

Embrace What You Don’t Understand - And What Scares You

I’ll be honest, I’m not a big fan of video content. I’d rather read an article than watch a video clip. But these days, businesses communicate most powerfully by video - so I’ve had to overcome my discomfort with getting behind the camera and sharing lessons, tips, and techniques my digital community. Even though it’s not a medium I prefer, I know others do - so I’m learning to embrace it and push past my discomfort. Success doesn’t come from staying in the comfort zone - you’ve got to take a step and trust in yourself!

Keep Your Eyes On Your Why

Anything you do in life, whether it’s studying for a degree, working for someone else to develop skills, or launching your own business, is most successful when it’s motivated by your deepest priorities. For me, as a new mother and a wife, it was important to create a business that let me take time to care for my family, to travel when my work called for it, and to work flexible hours and set my own schedule. But before I could do any of this, I had to understand my priorities - my why. It’s the biggest piece of advice I can give anyone, regardless of their age or level of experience. Once you know what’s most important to you, it’s much simpler -- although not always easy -- to build a career and a life around that priority.