Little did I know that 3 years ago, I would start out on this adventure called a Business.
When I set out to launch my own company, I didn't really know what that meant.
Sure, I knew some of what it would mean on the surface:
I am my own boss
I can set my own hours
I get to work on more of the projects I want to work on
I get to set the pace
And I can say that 3 years later, all of that is true. But here's the catch...
There is so much more to it. And boy have I learned lessons along the way. So, today, I want to share the 5 lessons I have learned and what turning 3 has meant to me.
#1: It's almost always harder than it looks.
I'm sure this is not a surprise to any of you reading this Post today but it is my #1 lesson. I have learned so many new things over the past 3 years: building a website, launching my own Blog, writing a book, learning about funnels, social media, etc. You name it and I have probably heard of it, tried it and maybe on occasion might just be really good at it. But it is almost never as easy as someone else says it is. Sure, it's easy for them and yes, it is always doable...But sometimes you just really need to assess if the time and effort are worth it.
#2: You are capable of more than you realize.
Okay, so this may sound a bit brash or self-serving but for all of you who have gone out on your own or starting something new you realize that when you come out of it on the other side that you are much more capable of things that you thought. Going back to #1, many things can be a challenge because the learning curve can be really steep but man, I have done more in the past 3 years in my own company than I would have otherwise - and I am forever grateful for that.
#3. It's a heck of a lot of fun!
So, naturally, if you start something that is super hard and get through it, afterwards you can look back and think about your growth and how you feel and realize that you absolutely loved the challenge! That is how I feel pretty much on a weekly basis because while I am learning new things and sharing them with people, whether it be through a Webinar, coaching call, Blog Post or my upcoming book - it's so much fun! Gone are the days when I look back on the week and feel I haven't accomplished anything...and here are the days and weeks when I can look back and smile.
#4. I am a better parent...well most days...
Hear me out on this one. I am a better parent because I know what it's like to be in my kids' shoes of learning new things, being challenged and not always knowing how to do something. Sure, I have skills and knowledge that I share with others. But I have also had, in some cases, a steep learning curve and can share those struggles and triumphs with my kids. It has been interesting listening to the questions my boys ask me about what I did today or what's next on my list. When something is a success, I share it and when something doesn't go as planned...well, I share that one, too. They see that I'm only human and that I make mistakes (on a daily, almost hourly basis, actually) and that gives them a stronger sense of trying something or sticking with something.
Didn't get that math problem? Okay, let's try again.
You don't understand how to get there? Okay, let's try again.
You didn't draw your picture perfectly? Awesome! It's an original :-)
If you ask my boys what I do, they may still say "Type a lot and talk on the phone" but they at least know that my typing and talking isn't perfect!
#5. It's worth it.
Full disclosure - my husband may beg to differ on this one...
Starting a business is not easy. There are many ups and downs - and I'm not just talking about the bank account. It can be an emotional roller coaster, if you let it. There are some great weeks and other weeks or days when I need to remind myself why I started down this crazy road in the first place (see #'s 1-4).
At the end of the day, I wouldn't trade any of this for the world.
I am able to share great content with people and work each and every day to help them become their truest, best selves. Giving them the permission and ability to 'show up' in the world how they have always wanted to but weren't really sure how to do it.
I help people build their 'Homes' based on their Foundation, Support and Protection (one of my 3 Phase Coaching Programs). The exercise of building your own Home, one you enjoy living in and feel fulfilled can be life changing.
Looking back on the past 3 years, some would say it has been a wild ride! But I say it has been a great life adventure and I am so looking forward to what the next 3 will bring!