As the year comes to an end, it is vital to pause and take a moment to reflect on the things that have made 2011 unique. For me, one of the most major decisions was to make the switch from corporate life to one of entrepreneurship. It was the first time I truly made a choice for me; it was frightening but has been a learning experience and something I’ll be proud of no matter what.
It has been a bigger change than I could have ever imagined. There have been highs and lows but what has truly stuck out the most for me is just how much I’ve grown, as an individual, taking on this incredible responsibility. Thinking about what I’ve learned, mistakes I’ve made and how far this business has come leaves me with moments of mixed feelings. While I am my toughest critic, I do feel I deserve a pat on the back. I have met challenges with grace and developed a strength I never knew existed.
This entrepreneurial life has been a roller coaster and to say I haven’t had moments where I second guessed my decision would be a boldface lie. But when those waves of fear pass, I am left with an unexplainable sense of pride. I trust in my ability to build something out of nothing and continue to showcase success after success in this lifelong journey. The small victories and triumphs over bumps in the road are what have made this new experience stand out as I reflect back on the year that’s come and gone.
If you’re feeling the urge to break out on your own, make sure that it is right for you and those around you. If you do come to that realization, then I offer the advice below, These are a few tidbits I wish others’ had shared with me:
- It is a lot more work and an exchange of pressures from having a boss to being the boss
- When in doubt, under-promise & over-deliver …or else
- Instead of being at the mercy of your boss, you’re at the mercy of your business
- Sometimes wearing every single hat sucks
- You will have at least one crying fit
- Some things just cannot wait until tomorrow
- The challenge of the unknown is both fearful but fun
- Working hard has never felt so rewarding
- Learn to trust in yourself and your decisions
- Seeing those decisions turn in to something tangible is an amazing, amazing moment
- Having the unrelenting support of family, friends and loved ones is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle
Maybe some of those points made you laugh in agreement; perhaps some scared you sideways to never to start your own business. Either way, if I can close out the year knowing I’ve influenced others and added a sense of value through my experience, I will be happy.
Business is business but people are people and we can all relate on some level of reflection.
And as we close out 2011, I’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you to The Broken Heel Diaries for allowing a group of individuals to showcase their voices and share their experiences, and at times, very personal entries in the hopes of helping others in countless ways. It has been wonderful to be a part of this team and I cannot wait to see what 2012 brings!
Note: We thank YOU Alexandra for your unrelenting positivity and good vibes! x, BHD
