Yes, I’m finally 60 years old.. (not really but I like the admiration and shock when I announce that to people, ha!) As I reflect back on the past decade, I want my small business clients and friends to learn from my failures and successes (and there have been plenty of both, let me tell you!)
Here goes…
1. Having Your Own Business Is Way Better Than Having A Boss
Look, I loved my last boss, but he was still a boss. He had a boss, who had a boss. I couldn’t have the freedom to do or say the things that I wanted to as much as I do while owning my own business. In addition, I make way more money than I’ve ever made as an employee. I wish I truly had had the courage to leave 10 years ago and start my business way sooner.
2. I Am Thinner Than I Think
I always am and I always will be thinner and more attractive than I ever feel. When I look back at pictures 10 years ago and reflect on how I was always dieting and exercising and worrying about my looks, I see how silly it was. Sillier still is that I still catch myself doing it.
3. Being A Mom Is Exactly As Big A Deal As I Thought
Having my little guy after 4 miscarriages in the last 6 years has given me such powerful perspective about how important the ability to actually have the privilege of being a parent is. Any time I catch myself complaining about being exhausted from parenting, I remind myself of this thing that I kinda suspected but never really knew a decade ago.
4. The Virtual World Is The Future Of Relationships
I met my beloved hubby Andy on a virtual dating site called Lavalife 7 years ago. Today, the projections are that in another decade 1 out of ever 2 relationship will start from a virtual platform, be it a dating or a social media site. I also see this phenomenon in my business. 10 years ago, I wish I knew the depth of this online world’s impact on our relationships so that I could be a giant and an expert who has bigger connections and networks than I do today.
5. I Know Enough To Be Successful
A decade ago, I started pouring thousands upon thousands of dollars into various forms of coach training that I never really ended up needing or using in my marketing consulting work today. If I could’ve believed that I knew enough and WAS enough, I would’ve started my business much sooner.
6. It’s OK To Speak My Mind
I was still trying to be the corporate-good-girl 10 years ago so no, I didn’t really say exactly what was on my mind. I was forced to ignore the dead-woods, the bullies, the egomaniacs that I worked with. Today, I make a living out of speaking my mind and surrounding myself with exactly the kind of person that energizes me. I couldn’t be happier about it. Wish I knew then, what I know now.
7. It’s Possible To Make A Lot Of Money Without Killing Yourself
The main thing that always stopped me from having my own business was the thought that I would have to completely neglect my home, my family life, my friends and my own health to achieve any kind of momentum. As someone who made almost twice my last corporate pay cheque last year, I’m happy to report that it was a false belief that held me back.
8. We Can Manifest Everything We Want In Our Lives
A decade ago, I wanted a loving and hunky husband, a baby and to have my own coaching practice. I literally had to heal myself from bad relationships, horrible jobs and selfish friendships to be able to attract EVERYTHING I wanted into my life. I have gotten almost everything that was on my vision board that I made a decade ago. Wish I knew then that it’s totally possible to do that, I would’ve felt so much better while swimming through the shite.
9. Relationships Are More Important Than Money Or Jobs
When an ex-boss got canned and the replacement who was his direct-report refused to return his calls, I realized something: Jobs come and go. Clients come and go. Money and opportunities are literally everywhere. However, relationships are everlasting. The only things that have followed me from my corporate world into this strange new entrepreneurial one have been my deep friendships. If I knew this a decade ago, I would’ve invested more into my relationships, regardless of the job or the gain.
10. It’s Never Too Late For Anything
A decade ago, at the ripe age of 35 (aha, now you know how old I really am!) I thought that I was over the hill for marriage, for kids or to even start a business. While all my friends around me were settling into comfortable motherhood and happy marriages, I felt ancient. I’ve learned that you’re only unhappy with your age if you’re unhappy with your life. Today, I feel like I could be a 100 years old and if I had the life I have now, I’d still be shouting about my birthday from the rooftops.
Happy Birthday to me!
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