Editor's note: The following is excerpted from Make a Profit with Your Passion: Starting a Home-Based Art Business

But, if you have no idea where you really are right now, you cannot build from it and begin to achieve what you are truly capable of achieving. Start by asking - and answering - as honestly as possible the following questions.

1. What areas of art interest you the most? Is it painting? Drawing portraits? Perhaps mixed media? Life is too short to concern yourself with what others think is a worthwhile creative activity. If you are going to stay for the long haul, you need to choose area(s) that mean the most to you. Otherwise, your heart will not be in it, and you may as well be doing something else.

2. What education and training do you have in Art or Business? Art Degrees? Workshop Certifications? Individual art classes? What is your art background like? You may have had to take that business course in high school or college in order to fulfill requirements for another area. Now you can put it to use to help you with what you love to do. Do not overlook non-traditional art/business training. A standard four-year degree is not right for everyone. However, you are starting a business and no matter how creative you are, a good handle on just what your business skills and strengths are s vital. If you sit and really think about it, you may be surprised at what accomplishments you have accumulated over the years.

3. Are you confident using a computer? As in any business today, you will need to know how to use a computer with ease. If you feel your skills are lacking in this area, begin working toward improving your abilities right away. Look into computer classes at your area college, seek out an online course, or perhaps a friend could tutor you? Many artists get by with out having these skills, but as they say “knowledge is power."

4. Do you constantly seek out time and ways to be creative in your life? If you seem to be craving ways to be creative, it is a sign that you desire a challenge. This is a good thing, if you do not, perhaps another area would be better for you to go into business.

5. Do you have at least 3 months living expenses saved up to live off? It is important to have a financial safety net when starting any business, Three months is a very low estimate. When starting out it will be a while before money begins to come. Maybe you could keep a day job for now.

6. Is there adequate space in your current living situation to be able to conduct your business? Do you feel cramped where you currently live? Perhaps you should look for alternatives for a workspace. If you are not sure at this point, do not be over concerned, as they say, “Where there is a will there is a way”. Maybe you could carve out an area temporarily that will suffice until you later.

7. You are very self-directed and do not need someone else to tell you to complete projects? It is essential that you be able to follow through on plans in order to get your business off the ground and running. Being a self-starter and self-directed are necessary personality traits for a business owner, you alone are responsible for your business flourishing or floundering.

8. Are people closest to you are willing to support you emotionally if you go into business with your art. If you are married, is it going to cause difficulties in the relationship? What if you need to work long hours, or you need to invest your personal assets in your business? What about possible child care situations? You will need to examine these areas carefully before taking the plunge.

9. You find new challenges exciting and love learning new things as often as you can? Things will come up on a daily basis that will require you to be able to shift gears, look for solutions, or possibly learn a new skill. Unless you are fortunate enough to have an army of people at your beck-and-call, you will wear a large number of hats in your career. Being flexible is a very large asset.

10 Can you can deal with stress in a positive fashion? Starting any new project will involve a certain amount of stress. Nevertheless, do you have ways you can deal with it that is healthy for you and those around you? If not, seek out ways and make them a part of the workday. For instance, take regular time away from your work and get a fresh outlook, by taking a walk, talking on the phone, or playing with the dog.

If you look deep into where you are right now, you can gain the insight to know what you need to do to move forward and use your passions to make your dreams come true.

Next time: part two: setting goals