3 Tips for Capitalizing on Personal Growth as an Entrepreneur
Let me start by saying I truly planned on writing a post about brand voice and how important it is in shaping your brand identity, and marketing and spreading your brand message on social media. And, I promise to write this post (pinky promise) but I think when something moves you, you should absolutely go with the tide, so today I want to talk about how my entrepreneurial journey ( I get tongue tied even when I type it) turned into a journey of self discovery and self love.
First of all, I know... this is not what I intended to happen, but I think it makes it even more beautiful- almost Disney-like. So let’s go back a bit. I started this journey out of sanity, desperation and mental need. My husband was a football player and our constant travel made it hard to get an English teaching gig (which I paid- and am still paying a lot of money to both USCs for) so I needed to find something that fulfilled my passion and gave me purpose. I decided until I find that thing I would try virtual assisting. I had tons of experience working in an office, with legislators and different officials and specialized in getting shit done. So I went for it. I studied everything, I taught myself just about any topic that came up in a Facebook group from CRMs to web design, graphic design, Adobe Suites, Canva, email marketing, I mean everything. I even enlisted my sister and all her textbooks (she has an Art degree). And then it was time to niche down and I discover through my amazing clients and unleashing my creative spirit (which was tied up since college after I changed majors from marketing). I fell in love all over again ( sorry babe) I taught myself to code, design with balance, functionality and purpose. I rediscovered myself and I became more than Lem’s wife and Isaiah and Yana’s mom and it was magical.
Back to moving with the tide, this came about from a beautiful and empowering quote that is my new mantra: You can’t knock a woman off a pedestal she built herself. I know right...pure magic. I learned so many things about myself, most of all I’m learning to trust myself. Trusting my vision and allowing myself to grow has been the most beneficial mindset I’ve had to become a better business owner, wife, mother and collaborative creative. As I continue this journey, and others start on it I have three tokens of advice:
Learn to trust yourself. Be patient with yourself. It can be tough. I’m constantly standing in my own way. My first urge is to jump into action when I have an idea and to take on as much as possible without giving myself the space, time and care to learn and grow. I’ve learned to celebrate silence ( which is hard with a three year old and a 19 month old) and quiet my mind. I prioritize meditation, journaling and have only a few objectives for each day. I’ve also realized the importance of embracing the ‘big picture.’ The power of your thoughts and the energy you put out are stronger than you think.
Know that you have value. You are capable beyond your imagination. This road you’ve chosen isn’t easy, but you’re not alone. You bring all of your experience with you. Join a community and celebrate each other. I’m all in on collaboration over competition and love being apart of groups where we celebrate each other and learn from each other. Become a leader in your circles. That comes from giving advice and asking for it.
Respect the process. And trust it. But, create some strategies that make it easier. Growth is challenging. It’s hard to get out of your comfort zone and even harder to do it Every. Single. Day. But that is growth, that’s how we extend our limits and become better. This is when you cue the baths, meditations, journaling and pure will power (and maybe a glass of wine) to push through. Everyone’s journey is different, it forces you to change and grow but you have to set clear goals and expectations so you stay in the driver’s seat of your journey.
This journey challenges me everyday, but I don’t regret making the decision to keep going. I’m excited (and a little nervous) about the boundlessness of my life right now-career wise and I want encourage you to either take the leap or keep going. The water gets warm, I promise 😊.
