Entrepreneurship is all about overcoming challenges, looking back at what you’ve achieved and learned, and looking forward to what’s next.
It’s about trying, testing, playing, growing, falling, listening, asking, saying and evolving. In other words, entrepreneurship is all about LEARNING.
This article was written collaboratively by 12 women business owners and myself. I’m grateful for every one of these talented ladies and inspired by their learning.
I asked them to answer these three questions:
- What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year? Why?
- What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year? Why?
- If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year for you to feel happy about your progress, both professionally and personally?
The responses were compelling. Precious. Real. Here for you is wisdom from other business owners, just like you.
And, I invite you to add your own answers to these three questions below the article. Enjoy!
TRICIA ANDRES MCDONALD, Sol Swimwear – Calgary, Canada
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
Developing a model for expanding my business, which seems to have many barriers. This model is ever changing and the deeper I get into it, the harder it seems to get. I am constantly second guessing myself as to how this should happen and whether it is worth it. Paired with having my husband as business partner has really affected not only my confidence in my business but our marriage. I have now tried to separate the two and it seems that I’m gaining momentum towards a successful expansion model.
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
I have learned that what I do, does make a difference in people’s lives (a REAL difference) because the demand for my services has grown, as well as my referrals are high quality, thankful and respectful women. I have learned focusing on my achievements each week helps me prepare for the next week because it builds confidence in myself and where I am going with my business. I have also learned that taking the time to step back from my business and view it in a different light will give me a different perspective and helps me to solve problems easier.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
I would have grown my business to include 10 consultants operating their own businesses under the Sol Swimwear name. I would finally meet or exceed my three-year-old revenue goal and I would have secured travel time to include at least 10 trips!
TANYA HARTZ, The Fire Within Acupuncture & Wellness – Calgary, Canada
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
August 2011 was the hardest month of my life – I lost my mother to cancer, and a wonderful client to the same illness. It’s been a difficult journey this past year trying to navigate through immense grief and emotional devastation while trying to balance business owner, motherhood, hockey, and keeping on schedule.
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
1. I’ve learned the gift of understanding – to use that wisdom for others who long to be heard, who long to connect with someone who’s been there. The sense of feeling supported is more powerful than any anti-depressant, or psychologist appointment.
2. Giving back has been healing lesson – when my mother was sick, I administered acupuncture, drumming, meditation and crystal therapy. The difference in her energy was profound, though many times when she couldn’t convey how she was feeling, I could sense her content within. I now offer free acupuncture sessions for those in a similar situation (upon personal request) and it truly fills my heart honouring my mother, and sharing the peace she felt with others.
3. I have learned how to live, and live strong. I have decided not to wait for things to happen but go get ‘em if desire burns. I have been blessed to be part of Crave Calgary, the first edition; I went on a girls and kids Disney Cruise; and am planning on a Prague hockey adventure with my son and sister July 2013; I decided to throw myself into my son’s hockey career and manage his team the past two years; I have created workshops dedicated to another’s healing; have been nominated for the Amazing Airdrie Women Awards and most recently The Calgary Choice Awards.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
It would most definitely be on a beach in Costa Rica over a glass of Vino! We would connect and discuss what a journey the past two years have been – on a Spiritual level, I have grown more than I could’ve ever imagined! I feel great every day and life itself is intoxicating – on a Professional level, I am driven to carry out my mother’s legacy in the work I continue to do in her honour, to change the world because mine has changed. We’d clink glasses and then settle in to work on our tans. 
SHELLEY MCKENZIE, TicTok Virtual Assistance – Calgary, Canada
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
Complacency. I had a full practice of wonderful clients yet I wasn’t satisfied. I began to feel restless and unfulfilled. Yet, the easiest choice for me was to stay in the comfortable zone I had created for myself and my business. I regularly asked myself why I wasn’t making the changes I needed to in order to see both my business grow and to grow personally. Indecision, fear, and comfort all put up their hands. It was easiest to stay right where I was, which really wasn’t too bad, rather than challenge myself to move to the next level. Take that next step. Try something new and different. Fresh.
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
Get help to get unstuck! I spent way too much time ruminating over what I needed to do and the many “what ifs” of doing anything! I over-thought every detail and spent too much time worrying about the “how” and not enough time getting clear on the “why.” I needed a new perspective, a fresh set of eyes, and waited too long to get one.
I learned that unless I took forward-moving action, nothing was going to change – at least not in a good way. I feel like I lived Albert Einstein’s quote, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” I learned that even if someone is not MY ideal client, they are someone’s ideal client. In other words, I learned to say no when the fit wasn’t there and release any guilt over my decision.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
I am happily immersed in my client’s businesses, working side-by-side (virtually) and helping them grow by leaps and bounds, removing the stress they have of running their businesses by themselves or with an incomplete team. I have a good work flow which naturally transitions to my personal and family life. I have time scheduled for work and for play. I continue to learn and expand by taking courses and reading a wide variety of books. Throw in a beach vacation and I have it made!
JESSICA KUPFERMAN, Jess Kupferman – USA
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
This last year I’ve grown in an interesting way. I felt nervous about being out on my own so I took on a business partner. Within about a month or so I knew it wasn’t going to be an exactly right fit….and I spent the rest of the year focusing on how to end the partnership and what to do afterwards. In a lot of ways, it felt like a waste of a year. But if I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be as clear as I am now in what direction to focus, so I’m grateful for the experience.
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
1. I don’t need a partner to succeed. Being afraid and scared is normal, but hiding behind someone else, or distracting from the goal, that isn’t a good answer. Partnerships can be lucrative for some, but in a consulting business it’s really not necessary to be someone’s full time partner. You want to be able to make decisions about your business without having to defer to anyone’s opinions or even their feelings.
2. Trust your instincts. When your gut is telling you something is right, or wrong, you really need to listen. I feel like I learn this lesson every year but it’s so true. You know when you’re not on the right path, or when you are on to something.
3. It really is worth the time to figure out what you’re best at, and then focus on doing that thing well. For SO long I wore ALL the hats – and all it did was cause burnout. Delegating what you don’t need or like to do, or what you’re not good at, is the best thing you can do to be successful.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
Consistent marketing efforts for one product. Success in one field. I tend to split my attention too much and it leaves me half-successful instead of fully productive. I know it’s possible, when focused, to be wildly well known but you have to do ONE thing only, at least at first.
JO EBISUJIMA, My Organized Chaos – Japan
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
Getting over 2011 and everything it brought was really hard. I am in Japan and my business and family was badly affected by the earthquake/tsunami/radiation disaster. It also made me realize how vulnerable we are. If something happened to my husband’s job, we would be helpless. I really needed to have a situation where I could also be financially stable. Also my son started elementary school this April so sitting down and having a good honest talk with myself about the business was really hard. I had to make some tough decisions about my business direction.
After crunching numbers and taking a realistic view of the whole situation I knew that my sewing pattern business would only ever really be a hobby business and not bring in a decent salary. It was really hard to step back from that business though because I had put my heart and soul into it over the last few years. That said, I only ran it as a hobby business while my son was still little, it gave me extra money for books and craft supplies and the flexibility around my son, so it served its purpose for that time. By finally coming to the decision I needed to move on, I could then fully concentrate on my new venture.
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
Learning to step out of my comfort zone but in doing so each time I have reaped new rewards it doesn’t make hitting send any easier each time though! Learning to ask for help, I am one of those people who likes to figure out problems by myself but this can also be a big time waster so asking for help has saved me a lot of time and effort over the last six months. Signing up for a business course and throwing myself in head first has made a huge impact on my business and I can’t even begin to list the lessons I have learned from that. And finally, finding a small group of like minded people that I can confide in – a mastermind group of women based in Tokyo. We get together once a month as well as chat online, having your own personal band of cheerleaders has been amazing. Surrounding myself with positively charged women has made an enormous difference. With my posse behind me, I feel like I can take on the world.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
This year has really been about setting up the new business and getting it established, testing and re-testing my system to make sure it works well for everyone. I have run my ecourse a couple of times this year but by this time next year I will have filled the ecourse each time I run it. I will be able to take on extra staff to do the things I don’t enjoy (accounts, bane of my life!) and I will have more VIP clients. By making a success of my business I will then be able to help other women in my kind of situation do the same thing. I will be happier and less stressed because I will know that our family has a back up plan and that we are no longer solely reliant on my husband’s income.
HOLLI THOMPSON, Nutritional Style – USA
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
I had to overcome my fear of putting my words on “paper” for a soon-to-be-published book. Part of that fear was the certainty and the permanence of a book. Unlike my blog, or the ever changing internet, a book can be forever. It was intimidating, and it flattened me. Not writing my book finally became more painful than writing, and words began to flow.
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
1) People count on you for inspiration, and to keep them on track. Consistency, therefore is of utmost importance. 2) If you’re going to do it, then make it, whatever it is, the absolute best you possibly can. 3) Perfectionism limits you, but excellence inspires you. 4) Hang with inspiring people. Watch them, and allow yourself to be lifted up. 5) Everyone needs a break sometimes, and it’s OK to roll in the carpet now and then. Pull the covers up. Sleep.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
My book will have been published or soon to be!! I’ve got to get this almost finished work out into the world. That’s my personal and professional goal for 2013.
COLLEEN HANNEGAN, Spirited Business Advisor – USA
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
The hardest thing I had to overcome was selling my retail business after 22 years. I studied and read all about how to create a successful exit strategy when you know it’s time to sell. And I did it effective Aug 10th! At the same time, this past two years, I’ve been studying all about how to create a business online, which is what I’m doing now with Nadine’s help of course!
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
1) I’m an expert at running a retail business, 32 years in service, but now I’m learning that once you know business management, whether it’s brick and mortar or on-line, you have earned valuable lessons to teach others how to be successful. 2) You need mentors, teachers, advisors … forget going it alone. You save time and $$ and avoid self-sabotage. 3) We all have our unique way of teaching and advising. 4) Our clients will find us when we stay true to our own identity. 5) Hire experts with proven track records!
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
I’ll have established myself as a Spirited Business Advisor who stays very busy through referrals, and I will be feeling extremely confident that business is solid and growing because I effectively serve my clients so well. And I’m looking at neighbourhoods where I’d like to purchase my new home.
LISA MONTANARO , Lisa Montanaro Global Enterprises, LLC – USA
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
Relocating 3,000+ miles across the United States to move from New York to Northern California. It meant a ton of logistics, like selling our house, and finding a new place to live. It also meant saying goodbye to friends and family. However, it provided my husband and I with the amazing experience of seeing our beautiful country as we drove ourselves and our two dogs 3,600 miles, seeing 13 states in 13 days. My husband is doing a three-year residency in veterinary internal medicine. I knew the relocation was a possibility, so started doing more virtual/national/online work last year in order to ensure that I could continue to run my business even after our relocation. I am thrilled with our new “home” and with the fact that my business expanded and grew with me, no matter where I live!
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
1) It’s hard to let go even when you know it is the “right” decision! There is a natural mourning process that must take place when you are choosing to forego something, give it up or have outgrown it. Recognizing that and giving myself time and space to process the releasing has been an important lesson. I tend to love change, but realize that loving change doesn’t always mean the letting go will be easy. My motto is Let Go To Grow! But it has to be done in a way that gives the letting go its due.
2) Home is where the heart is. Such a cliche, I know, but it is true lesson learned for me this past year, as I relocated from NY to California for my husband to be able to do a residency in veterinary medicine. I came to California with a happy and open heart, eagerness to connect with new people personally and professionally, and a thirst for adventure. I miss my friends, family, clients and colleagues back in NY, but realize that my “heart” is with my husband, and so feel very much at home here in my new digs and town.
3) Don’t pay attention or give energy to the haters. When you step out in a bigger way, you are bound to attract some attention. Thankfully, most of it is positive love and energy sent your way. But every once in a while, a “hater” sends some negative energy your way. Usually, he or she is looking for attention, or is projecting or internalizing something negative in his or her life. It is a slippery slope to give that negativity too much of your own attention. Address their request, treat them with respect, send them love, and then call it a day. You cannot please everyone, and trying to do so will exhaust you at best, and keep you from helping others that are ready for you at worst. Sometimes, if your light is too bright, others can’t look directly into it without feeling blinded. Focus on the people that love your light and let it shine through them!
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
If we met one year from today (which would be awesome after just spending some time together in San Francisco — can we make it an annual date?) 
, here is what I would love to have happened for me to feel happy about my progress, not perfection!
I will have enjoyed, relished and celebrated all of my personal passions and hobbies throughout the year — singing, acting, dancing, learning Italian, practicing sign language, horseback riding, hiking, traveling, reading, writing, etc. I will have made time for them in my life, and continued to figure out ways to combine my purpose and passion with my business and professional work.
I will have been blessed to have worked deeply with many amazing clients, and happily watched as they made huge strides to live successful and passionate lives. The transformations that my clients will have experienced will be a huge sense of satisfaction for me.
I will continue to be happy and the glass will still very much be half full!
I will be well on my way to creating some cool programs for my peeps like an online mastermind program, and an entrepreneurs retreat in Napa Valley, California and eventually in Tuscany, Italy.
I will be speaking not only nationally, but working on my first international gig.
And I will have continued to enjoy a beautiful love affair with my husband, who I have been with since the word “teen” was part of my age!
CLAIRE STEICHEN , Clear Strategy Coaching – New York, USA
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
This year I overcame a desire to change the world in a big, public way. I had a dad who made significant contributions to innovation in his field, in addition to just being good at what he did. As a result, I’ve always had a feeling that I had to do more than just what I love to do. This looked like a plan to be a policy maker who would re-define the workforce for women. It felt big!
But, I kept dragging my feet around the actions it would take to support the platform. And when I really asked myself why that was, I realized it was because I was trying to be like my dad. Letting go of it was odd, but it also felt like a huge weight off my shoulders.
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
1. I need to balance my charismatic leadership with some grounded written work, otherwise it’s, “Where’s the beef?”
2. I am good on a panel, less so talking to a room of 100+.
3. I am really good at team facilitation and want to do more of it.
4. I am really bad at administrative work and need to outsource it.
5. That I belong doing corporate work.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
I need to have gotten three to five corporate clients and be easily on my way. I need to have had a fun year, full of travel, entertaining and friends and family. I need to have relaxed and allowed myself more pleasure. I need to have had confidence that everything would be fine.
MARTINA PAYETTE, The Trentham Foundation – Calgary, Canada
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
Starting my own business has been like swimming an Individual Medley (IM), for any swimmers out there. Starting with the full flying power of Butterfly – the excitement and energy are explosive – the fresh start; regaining breath with Backstroke, where smooth and steady wins; Breaststroke – the hard work of pull and glide to keep the momentum going; Freestyle – grace, power and the feeling of slicing through the obstacles to a finish ….with my best time ever. It’s standing on my podium and celebrating my .001 second improvement every time. It’s finding the stroke that works best to meet the challenge I’m currently facing and remembering I’m not in the race alone. There are those swimming ahead of and beside me, pushing me for my best and those behind that seek the same inspiration from me. A lifetime of IMs….how exciting is that!
Thanks to Nadine for coaching our LEAP mastermind team and to my wonderful, brilliant team mates, Leona, Christina, Lisa, Kim and Lynn. Like Dory says, “just keep swimming, just keep swimming”!
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
1. Start before you’re ready and notice what is showing up along the way. 2. Planning matters and creates freedom. 3. The software available to small business is amazing and finding what fits takes time and play. 4. You don’t succeed alone.
All of the above lessons required a shift in perspective for me – a combination of accepting how I work best, my strengths and the recognition that time and energy are finite resources. Being open and flexible to try things, play around in safe spaces balanced with a commitment to truly look at the steps/tasks/time/energy needed to take an idea through to a planned program/offer. With so many more aspects of work to consume my time, I learned the lesson of conscious planning. That the time committed to planning creates the freedom for great work. I remember a quote that went something like, “There is no Art without discipline” or something like that. For me, planning is the discipline (the practice) needed for my programs/business to succeed. It is the part of mastery that I may not love but it serves as the structure upon which I can create the work I do best.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
I have developed a strong daily practice that supports me personally and focuses my day. I have adopted practices of mindful planning and a commitment to revisiting my vision and staying true to my work. The value of my work is rewarded in a satisfying way.
NADINE NICHOLSON, Nadine Nicholson & Co. – Calgary, Canada
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
Making the decision to invest in a high-level, one-year business mentorship program. I made up a rule in my mind that if I decided to say yes to invest in leaping my business forward that I would somehow be saying no to the potential of having a second child. It took some mental and spiritual work to see both will come at the exact right time and pace for me.
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
1. Go slow to go fast. I realized the need to trust the inner knowing to stop and pause. I wanted to be completely conscious about where I was going next and see the juicy opportunities around me.
2. Letting go is liberating. In my own business and life, I have a BIG vision for 2013. It’s exciting and scary, all wrapped into one. And, I know that if I keep doing certain things the way I am, my vision has no chance of happening. I could pretend something magical will happen or I can get real about what I’m saying “yes” to and even more importantly, what I’m saying “no” to. Space is opening up for my big vision to actually happen. And, that’s liberating.
3. Do a “sneaker check” wherever I am and be in the moment with the people I’m with, whoever they are. And taking a look down to see where my sneakers are. Wherever they are, I know I need to be, too.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
Oh my gosh, so much. To name a few things… I want to completely refresh my online brand presence to reflect more of who I am and my most ideal of ideal clients, our son will be settled in kindergarten, our mortgage will be paid, I will have taken at least 10 weeks of vacation, and I will have successfully completed Lisa Cherney’s inner circle mentorship program with the huge outcomes that go along with it.
SUMMER ALEXANDER, Summer Alexander Research – USA
1. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome over the last year?
The fear of being myself in my business. I so wanted to “fit in” within my industry and peers that I found myself downplaying my attributes in an effort to make others feel important. As you might guess my business suffered as a result. I even had a month with 0 clients. It took me some time to realize what the problem was but when I realized that I wasn’t showing up as the real me in my business, everything changed. I started by changing the verbiage on my website and then I sent an email to my subscribers clarifying my business (and life) philosophy and even lovingly invited them to unsubscribe if we were no longer a good match. Surprisingly (or maybe not) only one person unsubscribed and I received more positive feedback from that one message than from any email I had ever sent to them before. Today not only has my market research clientele increased but my membership programs and business coaching slots are full! Keep in mind only a few short months ago everyone of these was completely empty.
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
1. Show up as yourself – Always. To do anything less is to single handedly sink your own business ship. 2. Own your greatness. Each of us was blessed with a unique gift or talent and no matter how many other people are doing what you do – none of them can do it quite like you. 3. Continue to be a blessing and always go above and beyond in everything you do. It definitely pays to run your business with a spirit of excellence. 4. You know that thing that the mere thought of doing completely terrifies you? Do it anyway. Now. 5. What you do provides immense value for your clients and you MUST charge accordingly.
3. If we were to meet one year from today, what has to have happened over the year?
I would have to continue to push past fear and pursue every opportunity that my thoughts would have me think: I’m not good enough to do, I’m not qualified to do and someone else would do a better job. One year from today for me to feel happy about my progress I would have to continue to stay present in the moment and enjoy my journey instead of lamenting about the past or projecting into the future.
CATHY YOST-ANDERSON, Cathy (Coaching) Inc. – Calgary, Canada
2. What are 3-5 lessons you learned over the last year?
The truth isn’t fifty shades of grey it is black and white. The sky didn’t fall when I put me first! What you think of me is none of my business. Every year I choose a Word of the Year. This year I chose two words – Truth and Self-Worth. Two simple words, unbelievable impact! These words were meant to teach me about me, and they did, in ways I couldn’t even imagine.
Truth taught me that ‘anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either’ Albert Einstein. While I didn’t win the popular vote this year, ‘when you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything’ Mark Twain. Truth is neat and clean. Truth also taught me that when I speak it I honour myself. That in turn gives me a sense of Self Worth. Failing to tell the truth may be the polite route, but it catches up with you and eventually erodes your soul. Truth and Self-worth challenged several of my close friendships this year. What I know is ‘I won’t change so people will like me, I will be myself so the right people will love the real me’.
There you have it – wisdom from 13 entrepreneurs, just like you. I, for one, will come back to this article again. I hope you do too.
In the comments below, please share your own answer to the three questions above. Or, if you’d rather share the insights you had from reading this compilation of wisdom, please do.
Liking this content? Get email updates...it's FREE!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Nadine, thank you for putting this collaboration together. I loved reading the stories of fellow entrepreneurs. So many of their stories resonated with me; fear seems to be a theme many of us struggle with, both fear of success and fear of failure. I love the attitude of perseverance and pushing through the barriers to get what we want.
Sounds like many of us will be meeting up on a beach this time next year.
Shelley, and thank you for being part of it! You’re right – there really is an attitude of perseverance in these posts. Thanks for mentioning that. I wish you SO much success in 2013, Shelley.
Nadine, this was a great post! Thank you for putting all of this together! I can relate with so many of these responses. I took a few moments to also reflect on this questions because I think they are very important.
My biggest challenge this past year was overcoming fear – it doesn’t get you anywhere but stuck.
Lessons I have overcome include: Knowing I am the one to make everything happen, waiting won’t make things happen. And asking for help when I need it but still trusting my gut when deciding what the next best step will be.
And one year from now, I hope to be on the beach drinking wine as well! I also hope to have grown my business exponentially and be moving away from the “start-up” phase.
Cheers to a great 2013!
Yay Charlotte! These are invaluable lessons. Yes, we all feel fear. Every single one of us. The key is to stay in action and keep going, every day. I recommend you read The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It’s fabulous. All the best in 2013, Charlotte.
Great questions Nadine, indeed and what a wonderful example of what collaboration can be about. These questions are really powerful but also necessary. We must look back on what worked and what didn’t so we learn. This way we can identify what is easy for us to do and imagine ways of doing more of it and what is not so great and so make the decision to quit doing it or to delegate it. But unless we stop and ask ourselves these questions and we answer them honestly, we cannot proceed with our businesses but also with our lives. I would highly recommend anybody to use this ‘trio Qs’ in their lives as well.
Christine, it’s surprising to me how many people try to go forward without reflecting and looking back. Then when they do look back, they see all the incredible things they achieved and gain even more confidence going forward. Plus often when we reflect, we realize what we THOUGHT we wanted to do next year, is not at all what’s NEEDED.
Hi Nadine,
What I see in all of these women is their desire to grow on and from a soul level, and not strictly on a business level. Money does matter, but in order to attract it authentically, and to use it wisely and enjoy it fully, you have to develop the spirit first.
I appreciated the honesty in these posts and the triumphs that make these women and the people they influence a blessing to others!
Thanks to all of them, and to you, Nadine, for such a meaningful collaborative effort of sharing your brilliance and splendor with others!
Hugs,
Margo
Margo DeGange,
Founder, Women of Splendor
You’re most welcome, Margo. I love your insights.
What a great compilation of wisdom (as you put it). I really relate to the struggles other entreprenuers have, especially women and mothers…makes me feel like I’m not alone. I also really appreciate the honesty and reflection in everyone’s answer. Thanks for putting this together, I look forward to reading about the success these women will have in 2013!
Danielle, you are definitely not alone. It’s what I love about working with women – we are here to help all grow.
Hi Nadine,
I love when you host these collaborative posts … they add such depth to the conversation. I related to many of the women that shared their experience of 2012 (if not this past year, but prior years) and I see a common theme of letting go. That’s definately been the energy for me at the end of this year.
My greatest challenge in 2012 was letting go of things (personally and professionally) that didn’t serve me. There were so many lessons wrapped up in that (maybe because I wasn’t paying attention to it for most of the year) that I can’t even begin to list them. The biggest one – and most painful – was to not put off what my heart is calling me to do.
I hope you keep doing these collaborative posts Nadine – they always surprise me.
Miki xo
Miki, hello! Your heart knows every time.