100 Days— Lessons in Entrepreneurship
“it’s less about the mistake and more about how you recover from it…”
Wow, time flies! How has it been 100 days already? While in some ways it feels like it was only yesterday when I started this venture, I’m reminded how long it has been when I look at how much I’ve accomplished.
So, in honor of the first of many milestones, I thought I’d take a moment to share a few lessons learned from 100 days of entrepreneurship:
My Type-A Personality Was Made For This.
o When people hear that you work for yourself, they instantly follow up with “wow, the flexibility must be really nice” and, while I do like that I can make my own schedule, I’m working harder than I ever have before. My alarm is set every morning and I’m in the office from 9-5pm at least. Maybe one day I’ll embrace with mid-day workout trend, but not today.
Done is better than perfect.
o Full-disclosure, I’m a recovering perfectionist so this one was hard for me to embrace but it’s true. There’s no way that everything you do will be perfect and you are going to make mis-steps along the way. But getting caught up in the details will only deter you from the bigger picture and more important goals.
Mistakes do not define you.
o On that note, I’ve learned to embrace mistakes. I can’t take credit for this - this concept originated from one of my amazing clients – but I think it’s so true. Specifically, he shared from his own experience that he’s learned mistakes are inevitable in business but it’s less about the mistake and more about how you recover from it that can truly define you as a leader in someone’s eyes. (Matt, if you’re reading this, you’re very wise.)
We’re stronger together.
o I firmly believe that we are stronger together and in the power of community. Reaching out for help is hard, but I’ve learned to embrace the vulnerability of putting yourself out there. In the end, it’s worth it because I’ve learned so much from others in this community who have offered a helping hand or provided words of wisdom.
Finally, we all know the saying “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I know it’s cliché, but it’s so true. For the past 100 days, I’ve woken up before my alarm every day, excited and energized about what the day will bring. That’s not to say it’s perfect – I’ve most definitely had my days where I feel less than and that I’ll never be able to make the difference I want, but at the end of the day, I love what I do, and that’s all that matters.
Xoxo, Morgan