Lessons Learned in year 1

Hello friends! Welcome to the blog!

What an incredible year this has been! From a full-time public school teacher to a full-time life coach and photographer, this year has been full of ups and downs and so many lessons learned. I am sharing a few of those lessons on the blog with you in hopes you will find it valuable and come along on the journey with me.

Deciding to go on this journey been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. As I reflect on my first year, I am filled with a mixture of pride, humility, and an endless stream of lessons that have shaped not only my business but also my personal growth. Here are the top ten lessons I’ve learned, enriched with wisdom from some of the most influential thought leaders in the field.

1. You Will Get Stuck, and It’s Okay

Starting a new venture is like navigating through uncharted territory. There were numerous moments when I felt stuck, unsure of the next step. What I’ve come to realize is that these moments are normal and part of the process. Byron Katie reminds us, “Life is simple. Everything happens for you, not to you.” Getting stuck is not a sign of failure; it’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Embrace these moments—they are as important as the moments of progress.

2. Keep Going Because the Journey is Transformative

The journey of building a business is not just about the destination; it’s about who you become along the way. Dan Sullivan famously said, “Always make your future bigger than your past.” Every challenge faced, every hurdle overcome contributes to your growth and resilience. Keep going, even when the path seems unclear. The transformation that occurs within you is worth every step.

3. Ask for Help

There is a common misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness. In reality, it’s a sign of strength and wisdom. Jody Moore encourages us, “Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” Seek guidance from mentors, peers, and experts. Collaboration and community can provide fresh perspectives and support that can propel your business forward.

4. You’ll Fall Flat on Your Face. Get Up. Slowly. Dust Yourself Off. Catch Your Breath. Start Walking Again.

Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of it. My coach and teacher Brooke Castillo says (on repeat!), “Failure is the currency to success.” You will fall, and sometimes the fall will be hard. The key is to get up, take your time to recover, and then keep moving. Each fall teaches you invaluable lessons and builds your resilience. Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.

5. Practice Believing in Yourself and Your Business

Self-belief is the foundation of your business. There will be days when doubt creeps in. Other days doubt seems to attach from all sides attempt to drive you into a pit of fear, uncertainty and depression, but it’s crucial to practice believing in yourself and your vision consistently. Dr. Joe Dispenza says, “Your thoughts are incredibly powerful. Choose [them] wisely.” Affirmations, visualization, and celebrating small wins can help reinforce your confidence and commitment.

The most important, perhaps, is practicing believing in yourself and in your business. I’d like to add that believing in your current and future clients is also important. It’s crucial to practice believing people need your help and they’re on their way to you for said help. A belief is simply a thought that’s practiced over and over again. It’s important to practice that which will benefit you in the end.

6. Believe in Your Clients and Their Desire to Receive the Help You Are Offering Them

Your clients come to you seeking change and guidance. Trust in their capacity to transform and grow. Deepak Chopra teaches, “The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat, can influence your life by 30 to 50 years.” Believing in your clients’ potential is just as important as believing in your own. This mutual trust forms the bedrock of a successful coaching relationship.

This is something I’ve had to work on. When doubt was the loudest in my head, I had to bring myself back to the core values behind my business-Help women reduce mind-drama and life a fulfilled life. That is what I am out here doing, and at times I had to stop and take a lesson from my own book.

7. Detours are Okay. Detours are Also Part of the Journey

Not everything will go according to plan, and that’s perfectly fine. James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, reminds us, “Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.” Detours often lead to new opportunities and insights that you might have otherwise missed. Embrace the unexpected twists and turns—they are part of the rich tapestry of your entrepreneurial journey. They are part of the rich tapestry of human experience. I’ve always believed in detours. Only God know how many detours I’ve taken in life to get to where I am. Detours are not to be used against you. I’ve come to believe that they are necessary to your human experience here on earth. Apply this to every part of your life because I do, and it takes away so much guilt, heart-ache, slams the door on the lie that is perfectionism.

8. Expect Loneliness to make an appearance Once in a While in Solo-preneurship

Running a business can sometimes feel isolating, especially in the early stages. Jeff Goins writes, “You are not alone. You are not the first to feel this way, and you will not be the last.” It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and find ways to connect with others. Join networks, attend workshops, and engage with communities that share your passion. You are not alone in this journey.

This also applies to all over parts of our lives. We’ve all felt alone and lonely many a times when experiencing something for the first time all by ourselves. It’s tempting to stay in the corner and feel awkward about reaching out for help, (trust me! I did stay for longer than I wanted to and got stuck in the quicksand that was loneliness, but I pulled myself out after a few months), but you’ve got to find a way to reach out for a life-line. It’s out there. Look up. Extend your hand. And grab a helping hand.

9. Give Value to Your Clients Long Before They Buy from You

Building trust and credibility with your audience takes time. Tony Robbins emphasizes, “The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.” Offer value through free resources, content, and support. This not only helps potential clients see your expertise but also builds a relationship based on trust and generosity. People are more likely to invest in your services when they feel valued and understood. I LOVE providing value to my audience. It makes me so happy to create new resources, challenges, and love on my private FB group members. Anytime I do, I feel so so good. If yours is a service based business, you can do the same thing to give of your gift to the world.

10. Keep That One Person in Mind Who is Out There Listening to Your Message and Waiting for You to Hit “Post”, “Go Live”, and Show Up in Your Business

In the vast world of online business, it’s easy to feel like your efforts are going unnoticed. However, remember that there is always someone out there who needs to hear your message. Jack Canfield advises, “You only have control over three things in your life—the thoughts you think, the images you visualize, and the actions you take.” Focus on that one person and show up consistently. Your dedication and authenticity will resonate and create a meaningful impact. Simon Sinek adds, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”

Friends,

The first year of my life coaching business has been a profound learning experience. Each lesson has contributed to my growth as a coach and an entrepreneur. Whether you are an entrepreneur or on a journey of self-improvement in a different way, know that you aren’t alone and much can be learned along the way. You don’t have to reach your destination to extract value from your experiences. My advice and wish for you is that you embrace your journey with its ups and downs, and remember that every step you take brings you closer to your goals. Here’s to many more years of growth, transformation, and success.

When you look back on your life next year this time, where will you be? Create the life you truly want to life. I want to read your blog next year reflecting on the lessons you learned and transformations you’ve experienced along the way. I want to be a witness to the amazing results you achieve on your own terms. Let’s get started!

Join our FREE 5-Week Challenge to discover what gifts you can give to your Future Self. The Challenge is Live right now and you can join today!

Join our Facebook Community and invite your friends to this group so they too can create and give their future selves all the gifts their hearts desire!

Share with me all the things you want to gift your future!

Be well and take good care of yourselves,

~Nilo

Hey friends! Do you want to learn about life coaching? You are in the right place for it! I am a Certified Life Coach helping women get more done in their lives by increasing productivity, focus and confidence in their ability to do what they say and say what they do! You an I go on an adventure to Get it Done! and come out stronger on the other side. If you are ready to learn more about my services, send me a message below and schedule a time to chat all about it!

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