Reflections: What I’ve learned about starting my own business

I left my full-time job back in January 2020, right before the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Much has changed in how we do business and I’ve had to also drastically pivot my business a few times to adapt to a changing marketplace. So how have I been?

Healthier than ever

Having full freedom of my schedule has allowed me to spend more time focusing on health and wellness while still maintaining a similar level of productivity.

There have however been some small lapses when I had to rush projects.

• Excessive screen-time has definitely led to sore eyes.
• Long hours in the chair with minimal movement has caused back-aches.

With the holiday reset that came at the end of 2020, I’m back on track and in tip-top shape right now 🙂

More time for family

The flexibility in my schedule has also allowed me to be the primary caregiver for Toby. I was able to look after him when his daycare closed down, and am able to take some of the load off my wife for daily duties.

Slightly less money

Here’s a full review of my business finances for 2020. Despite the dip, I’m confident that things will only get better moving forward.

A lot more motivated

• Working for something you believe in definitely inspires. There has been no shortage of things to do or project ideas.
• Since I’m a “solo-preneur”, decision making is also a lot simpler and quicker.

A little more lonely

Gotta be honest here, I miss working with co-workers and meeting with clients/customers in-person. Hoping that the vaccine will improve this a little.

Business-related lessons:

• You don’t need to be different to get started, nor do you need to be doing something innovative or brand new.
• You do however need to add more value/know how you’re “better”.
• Don’t reinvent the wheel, learn from those that have come before you.
• It’s all about the relationships and the network that you cultivate.
• Things don’t have to be as formal as you think they need to be.
• Want to be productive? Do the things you’re avoiding.
• When you doubt yourself, it increases the time it takes to complete something.
• Your goal shouldn’t be to complete everything, it should be to focus on the things that bring you closer to your goal.
• Learn to give supportive NOs
  • By being authentic and direct.
  • By providing resources, references, or more information to help the other party improve/move forward without you.