It is hard to believe that it has been a whole year since I left my corporate role and pursued entrepreneurship full-time. Looking back, it has been filled with ups, downs and a few sideways moments. I have learned so many lessons and want to share the biggest lessons with you.
Biggest Lessons from Year 1
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A lot of things didn’t go as planned
I made mistakes. Lots of them. And I learned more about myself and other people than I can ever explain. I am stronger than I sometimes feel and, most importantly, my gut tends to be right even if my execution is lacking.
Some things were easier than I thought they would be. I feared not having all the lovely support teams that come with a corporate career, but I quickly realized that I know more than I think. I have been able to resolve IT problems. Talk about a confidence booster!
However, some things were harder than I imagined. My corporate career definitely prepared me for adaptability and pivoting on a dime. Boy was this necessary on occasion. Clients don’t show up. Contract restructure. In all of it, there are many things you can’t control. The only thing you can control is yourself and your response.
It is all about the ability and willingness to pivot when needed. Not taking things personally. And always finding how you can provide value without wearing yourself down.
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My creativity was unleashed.
I have never really thought of myself as much of a creative person. I love a great brainstorm, but am not a design person. I know I can write but have never really thought of myself as a writer.
You can imagine my surprise when it was as if a light turned on inside of me and words started pouring out. So many ideas came to me so quickly that it was hard to keep track of them all. From this insane burst, I now have a book coming out.
It isn’t perfect, but I am proud of it as a first effort. I believe it will change lives by starting a conversation, by creating space for people to talk about tough topics.
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My support system was key.
There were as many downs as there were ups. Having people in your corner, providing the necessary encouragement meant everything. Going on your own can feel isolating. It is so important to have a community of friends, family and peers. People who can support you and lift you when you are unsure, unsteady and just need to hear, “Keep going.”
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Asking for help saved a lot time
I am a natural problem solver and take great pride in doing things on my own. But this year has humbled me. I have learned there are times to raise the white flag and ask for help. Especially from the experts. It has saved me time and money because my time is valuable. Invest when necessary and it will pay for itself.
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Old habits die hard.
When leaving my corporate career, everyone talked about how I could live a life without an alarm clock and make my day whatever I wanted. I thought the same. But I did the opposite. I kept my normal workday even when it didn’t make sense. It took me a while to really settle into and adjust my mindset for the new freedom that came with entrepreneurship.
I saved this one for last because it surprised me the most. Maybe it shouldn’t have, but it did. There is freedom, but my work ethic keeps me incredibly grounded. It helped me have structure especially when things felt unsteady. However, this is an area I want to continue to focus on.
All in all, this has been a most outstanding year. I have been more creative, more open than I think I have ever been. I have had to learn to set boundaries because when you work for yourself it can be easy to get lost in all that needs to be done. It is all on you, after all.
Entrepreneurship is definitely not for the faint of heart or thin skinned person. I have to admit I did a decent job of planning and being realistic about what I was taking on.
I can’t wait for you to see what I have planned for year 2!
