In 2022 I finally took the plunge after eight years of running my business on the side.
As I reflect on my first year working solely in business, I’m blown away. I have learnt so much, it’s gone so much better than expected, and I thank everyone who has been a part of my ‘journey’ (there’s that word again…) and who has supported and cheered me on!
Inspired by the name of my blog, here are some of my reflections from the last year.
Know your why.
Think of your why as your compass.
Your why defines who you are and why you do what you do.
It is the reference point for all your decisions and actions.
Knowing my “why”, including my core needs, values and priorities, and reminding myself regularly what my why is, has helped me stay aligned with my priorities and make decisions that help me stay true.
And understanding my deeper purpose and motivations has provided clarity and direction, time and time again.
You don’t have to hustle (really!).
One of my most significant realisations was that constant hustle and burnout are NOT prerequisites for success.
Gone are the days of the empire-building girl boss stepping over others in their pointy heels on their way to the top while swigging back cups of coffee and glasses of champagne and burning the midnight oil.
Nope.
Finding a sustainable pace that supports rest, rejuvenation, creativity, and balance is essential. As is respect – for yourself and others.
You will be so much healthier and happier that way, and it will do wonders in setting your business up for longevity.
Have a transition plan.
Having a well-thought-out transition plan in place prior to finishing up in my job proved to be crucial.
By outlining the steps and actions required to transition into my business successfully, I was able to navigate this career change with confidence, ease and purpose.
Setting clear intentions, goals, and actions can help you navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the entrepreneurial journey and keep you out of overwhelm.
A transition plan not only ensures a smooth and efficient shift but also significantly minimises any potential disruptions or setbacks that could arise during this transitional period.
Prioritise your health and well-being.
Taking care of my physical and mental well-being is a non-negotiable priority in my life.
I’ve recognised that when I prioritise self-care, I’m more centred, connected, and able to serve better, and my productivity, ideas and creativity increase.
Establish boundaries.
Setting healthy boundaries in business has been crucial for maintaining work-life balance, avoiding burnout, and in directing me to work with people and clients who are values and purpose-driven.
Creating clear boundaries allows me to prioritise my well-being and prevent overextending myself. It enables me to allocate my time and energy effectively, ensuring I have enough resources to fulfil personal and professional responsibilities.
By setting boundaries, I can confidently engage with individuals and organisations that align with my values, leading to more productive and fulfilling collaborations. This practice has helped me succeed in my business and contributed to my overall happiness and satisfaction in life.
Challenge the norm.
I’ve embraced a controversial belief: you don’t have to niche down!
I went down a rabbit hole earlier this year after feeling the pressure to niche down yet again. I mean, why did I have to? There are so many things I do, and I love the diversity!
This was when I discovered there were other people like me and that there was a name for them.
Polymaths.
Generalists.
And my favourite, multi-passionate creatives.
This has been liberating.
“You are not lost or confused. Society has been just pressuring you to become someone that you are not. Allowing yourself to embrace who you are is the first step towards healing and reaching your full potential.”
what-is-a-multi-passionate-person
By embracing a broader approach, harnessing my strengths and interests, and working with how my ADHD brain thrives, I’ve explored new ideas and opportunities, worked in industries I hadn’t worked in previously, met many wonderful like-minded people, and nurtured my creativity and growth.
It’s about finding what works best for you, your brain and your business, even if it challenges conventional wisdom.
Finally, never stop learning.
Because you’ll never know it all, and there is always something new to discover and explore. Embracing a lifelong learning mindset allows you to grow intellectually and personally.
Earlier in the year, in my pursuit of my joy, I attended an intro to watercolour course, took my husband to a pottery class, and my bestie to a candle making class.
And in June, I completed my certification as a Health and Wellness coach, something that will support me as a mentor and coach to better support people with their wellbeing. Units included nutrition, physical exercise and stress management.
Additionally, I just started a Healing with Narrative Practitioner course, which I’m looking forward to delving into. I’ve always loved writing and believe there is a certain healing power in both writing and storytelling (this blog is proof of that as it started out as a way to support me heal from depression), so I can’t wait to learn more
So, let’s embrace the unknown and the possibilities and never stop quenching our thirst for knowledge! What can you do?
Each of these lessons from my first year in business has been instrumental in shaping my journey as an entrepreneur, and I am so excited to see what the future holds!
