10 things I’ve learnt
I loved Heath Ledger. I cried when he died.
A bit like how I felt about Micheal Hutchence.
And now I’m really showing my age.
One of my all time favourite movies is 10 Things I Hate About You, my first outing with Heath.
Re-watch it, or discover it all over again if you weren’t around in 1999. Or you were under a rock.
Pure nostalgia.
It got me thinking about my own version, 10 Things I like about me or 10 things I’ve learnt in my first year of business.
Because it’s been a year. Just about now.
So here’s my top 10 take on things I’ve learnt and perhaps they may help you too:
You know enough. You’ve got enough skills, knowledge, talent, experience to go and do your thing. We only learn by doing. You don’t need another course, just some courage. That’s how I’ve launched a podcast this year with no clue how to do it.take on things I’ve learnt and perhaps they may help you too.
Imposter syndrome is an arse. I have wasted a lot of time thinking I am making this stuff up as I go along and everyone else knows what they are doing and are experts. News Flash, they don’t. Ask any successful person what they are really doing and if they are truthful, most will say “haven't a clue” most of the time but I’m super clear on what I am building. Learn from and take inspiration from those people.
The most important currency is you. Your physical and mental health is super important and your superpower. Your body and brain are vehicles to help you create what you crave. Invest in them, don’t take them for granted, you have one opportunity at this life so take care of these things above all.
Sleep and water. Related to point 3 but don’t skip it. If you really want to fly, cut down or cut out booze. Game changer. You can thank me later.
Deal in facts but trust your instincts. It's critical to know and manage your numbers but it's super critical to build self-trust. Every time I’ve gone against my gut, it's been the wrong decision and I have the data to back that up. Assumption is also a losing game.
Who you spend time with is key. I’ve carefully crafted a great support team; friends, family and people to work alongside. I’ve distanced myself from people who drain my energy or don’t share my values. I feel better because of it. I love my people and I can’t see the haters with my love glasses on, I just send them my best and look towards my future.
Ask for help. Every time I’ve summoned up the courage to ask for specific help, it's been given. I believe most people are kind. Just be clear in what help you are asking for and be respectful of people's time. Also, if someone asks me for help I willingly give it back. The Law of Reciprocity is a real thing.
Set business hours and boundaries. Plan your time, don’t let people steal it from you. You teach people how to treat you by what you tolerate. Make sure you take breaks. Make sure you eat food that fuels you. Get some sunshine and breathe in some fresh air on those breaks. This is hard learnt lesson for me. No I’m not your Mum but you know I’m right.
Make a plan to list and celebrate your wins, at least every month. When your head is down and you’re focused on moving forward, it's easy to forget where you’ve come from and what you’ve achieved. You won’t be able to connect the dots of achievement and how you’ve grown unless you look back, and the learning and celebrations from doing so will give you fuel for the future.
It's your story and you get to write it your way. There is no right way of doing life, business or work anymore, but the clearer you are about your own values, what drives you and lights you up, the easier it can be. Everyone can thrive outside of outdated systems and structures for sure. The world needs more people willing to test the status quo and go their own way, do good work, have positive impact and purpose. And remember, if you want to make a change, you can. It's YOUR story and you get to hit them with a plot twist whenever you want.