Learn the 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Small Business Owner

While some of you may be thinking, “Hey, wait a minute! I thought you were a self-published author?” Let me explain… while yes, I have self-published many journals, I consider myself a small business owner. Why? Because when I think of the word author, I think of someone who sits and writes all hours of the day or night, then hands their manuscript off to an agent or publisher. Self-publishing has been more of a business in the aspect of responsibilities. There’s writing, marketing, shipping, sales, networking, decision-making, accounting, and an array of other tasks and skills. Let's get started!

Unlocking Business Success: Learn the 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Small Business Owner:

1. Decisions need to be made from your heart.

Set aside your ego, the part of you that keeps you comfortable and safe or producing just to keep up, and instead lead from the place that will never steer you wrong; your heart. You may not always agree or love what your heart is saying, but you can trust that where it takes you is for your highest good.

2. It’s okay to make mistakes.

There’s a quote that says mistakes are proof you’re trying! And I agree, especially in business. Trying to avoid mistakes and hiccups will only keep you boxed in and never reaching your full potential. Most of our growth comes from making a mistake, so you might as well embrace and learn from them.

3. Set a goal so you know what you’re working towards.

Goals help when you aren’t feeling motivated. They keep you determined, consistent, and on track. Any time I am working without a clear goal I get sidetracked, unmotivated, and confused. Get specific, know what you’re working towards, and just go for it.

4. Be flexible in your approach.

Sometimes you need to pivot, that’s okay! Look at the redirection as another opportunity to use your creativity and resources to find a solution.

5. Not everyone will cheer for you.

The most important cheerleader you need to have rooting for you, is yourself. It’s not that your family and friends don’t want you to succeed or be happy, it’s just that they don’t always understand your path. Spoiler alert, they don’t need to. Many of us are conditioned to believe the only path is the structured 9-5 with the pension and health benefits. There isn’t anything wrong with that, and there isn’t anything wrong with your path either.

6. Add rest to your calendar.

Schedule the time and make it happen, just like you would a lunch date with a friend. I’m not opposed to hustle, I believe aligned action is required, yet if we don’t make time for rest, our family, friends, and hobbies that still light us up, then what’s the point of being your own boss? I hear people joke that they left their 9-5 to work 24/7, but with the proper schedule and time management it doesn’t need to be like that.