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8 Insights I've had after 3 Years in Business
- Shayah Reed, Founder
- Jul 9, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 25, 2024
Being your own boss is the BEST. You get to sleep in, work in your cozies, and hit up mid-day yoga and lunch with a friend!
Jooookes🤪 I mean... that’s why you start your own online business right? To have control over your schedule and more time freedom?
Let me be honest - it’s not always easy running your own business!
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The biggest thing I’ve found is that you have to be self motivated. There’s nothing stopping you from being lazy, apart from your own motivation (or lack of) to succeed. You understand that you obviously need to work, but it’s really so different from working a 9-5 job or being employed by someone else.
No one is giving you a timeline (except maybe your clients) but there is no set structure. You’re the boss now! You have to create your own structure, your own rules, your own time management, and you have to hold yourself accountable - rain or shine.
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I’m always trying to create a healthy work life balance for myself but it’s a lot easier said than done, especially when you love your work. I’ve been trying to respect my time, space and energy a lot more lately and set necessary boundaries in place to do so! I've finally found a groove and it's been making the world of a difference not only in my business but in my personal life as well.⠀
Top 8 Insights I've had after 3 Years in Business
Because hind sight is 20/20... I'm going to share a few of the tools and insights that I wish I knew when I was establishing and starting to grow my business. Some of these are mindset focused and others are more practical, but all are equally important. These practices would have saved me so much time and money, as well as prevented a lot of head and heart ache!
You just have to start, even if you don’t feel remotely ready. You also have to be willing to look a little silly at the beginning. You might post a video and get 2 likes. You might host a launch and get 0 sales. And you might have to keep on doing this for a few months or years. Stick with it!
The comparison game is pointless. It took a longgg time for this one to fully sink in for me. I remember hitting my first 10k month and feeling so happy. And then a few minutes later, I saw someone post about their 100k month. Cue the feelings of envy and self-doubt. I’ve learned that you have to define what success looks like for you - and then shut everything else out.
Mindset is 95% of the battle. There was a time when I felt like I was doing everything right. I knew all the marketing strategies, I had all the tech systems in place, but I felt so frustrated because I still wasn’t seeing the growth I knew I was capable of. It took me a while to realize that without working on my mindset, and overcoming my self-limiting beliefs, none of the strategies were going to work. Accept that you will be facing your insecurities and inner resistances on a daily basis in order to grow your business. The inner self development work will make or break your success.
You and your business will not be for everyone - and that’s okay. You’ll get unsubscribes, unfollows, dislikes, refund requests, the occasional mean comment or difficult client. Do not let it phase you. Stay true to yourself and focus on the people who do love what you’re bringing into the world. Don’t let the harsh judgment and criticism of others derail your dreams. People will always have an opinion no matter what you do. Try not to take things personally. Shine bright, speak your truth and be yourself! → this is the most inspiring and empowering thing you can do.
You can’t build your dream lifestyle and business by yourself. Hire the coaches who are already doing what you aspire to do. Outsource tasks you don't enjoy and things that are outside your zone of genius. Bring on team members to take things off your plate sooner rather than later - this is critical to your success.
Embody what you preach and lead from your heart. Maintain honesty, integrity, transparency, and compassion in everything you do. You must be in exact alignment with what you teach or your audience will feel the incongruence.
Set and hold specific boundaries for your time, space, and energy. Setting boundaries (for both you and everyone else) is the key to creating a well balanced life and business. I've written a whole blog post to help you set boundaries! Find a way to communicate these boundaries in a nice way but don't budge on them. You are the only one who can do this for yourself and it feels very empowering to stick to your word.
There is no such thing as failure. Only lessons to be learned. Accept that growing a business requires experimentation and perseverance in an ever changing market. Be curious and open to new ways of doing things. Focus on what is working and never stop learning.
Managing your Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health
Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and grind, but when you’re your own boss, you can’t really afford to get sick or burn out. Below are a number of habits I’ve implemented to make sure I’m managing my mental, physical and emotional health. ⠀
Immune Support – Vitamin C + D every day, plus immune-boosting foods (ginger, garlic, onions, citrus, protein) and lots of water!
Movement – is my medicine! I aim for yoga every day or a short HIIT workout, but at the very least taking a walk outside and enjoying some fresh air has been HUGE for my mental health! Plus, I find all of these forms of movement enjoyable, so I actually look forward to them!⠀
Affirmations EVERYWHERE – I have the words “I value my time, space, and energy” almost everywhere. I also have a saved folder on my phone of sweet messages I’ve received from clients that remind me why I’m doing what I’m doing!
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Routine – This is tricky because every day looks different, but scheduling working hours for myself, getting dressed and ready in the morning and taking proper breaks for meals is key to keep me productive and on somewhat of a schedule. I have a whole other blog post about this!
Stress Management – Carving out time to decompress and relax away from any screens, going for regular pedicures and massages, diffusing essential oils, and ending my day with journaling have all been really helpful.
Your Dreams Won't Work Unless You Do!
I'm sorry to be the one to say this, but it's true.
You cannot manifest your way to what you want simply by putting it on a vision board or repeating positive mantra. You cannot wish it to be so, meditate on it, and have it magically appear...
Although, these things do help (I’m all for the woo and I update my vision board every month), but building your dream lifestyle and business requires decisive action and commitment to see it through.
Your dream business won’t become a reality unless you put both feet in and start believing in yourself and your ability to create it.
It requires you to show up fully, focus your energy, and complete the tasks that you start. It requires you to take control but also to let go (currently working on this one myself).
I know it takes time to build your self trust and confidence. I know it requires you to face your fears and get out of your comfort zone, AND I know it’s easier said then done... but the only way out is through!
I hope these tips, tools, and insights have been helpful for you!
XOXO
Shayah
