As we navigate through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on the lessons we’ve learned along the way. As a successful business owner, I would like to share the lessons that I would tell my 16-year-old self, lessons that I believe can benefit us all as we continue to grow in our careers.
1. Money doesn’t automatically mean happiness. When I first became a millionaire, I thought that my life would be perfect. I was wrong. Instead, I was just addicted to my work and never really mentally present at all of the moments with my family that really mattered. The journey of building a successful business is filled with countless challenges and obstacles, and it can be easy to get caught up in the pursuit of financial success. However, true happiness and fulfillment can only be found by living in the present moment and enjoying the process of growing and developing your business. Freedom is a Mindset, Not a Destination. Freedom is a decision you make and then choose to build your business around your life. It’s not a destination you will ever reach once a certain milestone happens.
2. Each level of success comes with a new set of problems. As you continue to grow and reach new levels of success, it’s important to remember that with each level comes a new set of problems. Don’t be so quick to rush into the next phase and miss all of the good stuff along the way. Take time to stop and look back on how far you’ve come and be proud of all that you have accomplished. The journey is just as important, if not more so, than the destination.
3. It’s okay to change careers or business direction. You don’t have to have your entire life figured out right now. You just need to know the next step, and can change direction at any time. Sometimes, a change of pace can bring new energy, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose to your life and business.
4. It’s important to realize that our North American business culture encourages people to work way too much, instead of teaching people how to be effective with the time they spend working. This leads to exhaustion and burn-out. It’s ok to demand a career or business path that allows you to have time for yourself. This doesn’t mean you are lazy if you choose to do so, even though our business culture may make you feel guilty for doing so.
In conclusion, the lessons I would tell my 16-year-old self are just as relevant for us all today. Let’s remember to enjoy the journey, find happiness in living in the now, take time to reflect on our accomplishments, and know that it’s okay to change direction if we aren’t happy. By incorporating these lessons into our daily lives, we can continue to grow as successful business owners, both professionally and personally.
