24 Things I've Learned Since Starting My Business

When I first started my business, I had no idea how much I would learn over the course of the next year. In honor of my 24th Birthday (3/31), here are 24 things I have learned since starting my business:

1. Don't compare yourself to others

Comparison is the thief of joy. When you focus on what others are doing, you are missing out on what's right in front of you! You're doing great - everyone's journey is different.

2. Everything does not have to be perfect

Perfection is the enemy of progress. At the core of perfectionism is fear. Fair of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of not measuring up to expectations. Take the pressure off and you will enjoy yourself along the way.

3. Mindset is everything

Replace "I have to" with "I get to" and you'll feel much more positive about your to do list. Entrepreneurship is a rewarding experience, it shouldn't feel like a burden. This is what separates it from a 9-5.

4. You are your own biggest obstacle

Again, mindset is everything. You are the only thing preventing yourself from reaching the heights of success. Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith. They keep it awake and moving.

5. Be open to change

Being open to change means that you are open to possibility, to growth, and to reflection leading to changes that are good and necessary.

Be open to shifting how you work with your clients, how you develop your products, and/or how you market yourself.

6. Don't be so hard on yourself

At the end of the day, you're still learning. Growth isn't linear. As long as you are trying your best and making yourself proud, that's what matters. Try to block out what others may have to say, and you'll be much happier in the long run.

7. Establish a niche that YOU are interested in

People usually latch onto a niche and pick something random and go with it instead of having one that they enjoy or have experience with. Having experience equals more success because it shows that you actually care about what your clients are doing.

8. Results don't happen overnight

It's a marathon, not a sprint. You are continually making progress that you are unable to see, but that doesn't mean that it's not there. Stay persistent and consistent and your efforts will take you far.

9. Word of mouth is powerful

A lot of your clients will be referrals. Perform at your best for every client, you never know who they may know.

10. Trust your gut

If you're feeling iffy about a client, or anything else in your business, just don't do it. Your intuition is one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox, and often, your gut feeling is right from the beginning.

11. You will work more than ever before

You will work way more than you ever did at your 9-5, but it's so worth it. The feeling of being your own boss is unbeatable, and it's worth all the long hours that you have to put in at first.

12. Automation is your friend

Save time with automation. Whether this is using an online scheduler for calendar management, or scheduling your social media content, it will save you so much stress in the end.

13. Know your worth and add tax

Never lower your rates for a potential client for the sake of landing a job. Your ideal clients will gravitate towards you and you will not have to prove your worth to them.

14. Set boundaries with yourself and clients

From the beginning, be sure to establish expectations with your clients regarding business hours and methods of contact.

For yourself, establish hours of operation. Working late nights and early mornings all the time is sure to lead to burnout.

15. Time management is a game changer

If you aren't using a calendar, you should start. Google Calendar is one of my favorites to keep both my business and personal life organized.

16. Burnout is real

Do not work yourself to the point of exhaustion. This will lead to you resenting your business and resisting the tasks that you need to complete. A healthy balance is key to avoiding this.

17. Prioritizing self care is important

Be sure to make time to take care of yourself. Entrepreneurship is taxing, although rewarding. Treat yourself every once in a while.

18. Time off is important

Working all the time isn't healthy. Taking vacations, or even just scheduling a few days off to not work is crucial to maintain your mental health.

19. Consistency is key

You can't expect business growth if you aren't putting in the work. You have to show up consistently for yourself and your business in order to see the desired results.

20. You never stop learning

First and foremost, you don't know everything. If this is your first go at entrepreneurship, I would equate it to trying to learn a foreign language while living in a foreign country.

Every day is a learning experience, no matter how long you've been in business. If you aren't learning, you aren't growing.

21. Ask a lot of questions

You can't learn if you aren't asking questions, plain and simple. Whether it's a coach or someone who has been in the industry for a while, they have a wealth of knowledge - take advantage of it.

22. Hire a coach sooner rather than later

You need all the guidance you can get. Without someone to guide you through the process, the journey can and will be rough! Boost your odds by bringing in the necessary support.

23. You will spend more than you make (at first)

The cliché saying "you have to spend money to make money" is so true! Especially when you're first starting out. There are so many subscriptions and technology necessary for your business to thrive. But these are necessary investments which will pay off in the long run!

24. Write out a business plan

For any business to have even a slim chance of survival, it requires a business plan. This will take your company from Step A to Step B and ensure that it stays on track.