This blog was sponsored by The Crusher Wines. Photography provided by Maribel Morales Photography.
Recently, I was scrolling through Facebook and one of those memories popped up. It was picture of me and two of my friends at Zion National Park and I had to pause for a moment. This was such a special trip because it signified the beginning of my journey as a full time entrepreneur. Three years ago, I started Fitness Ambassadors. I was working full time in marketing, running a blog and trying to figure out how to juggle all of that and a personal life. It’s now been TWO years since I made the leap to quit corporate and go full time. Looking back, it’s surreal for me to see how different my life is, how much my outlook as change, and how I’ve pushed through some really challenging times. So when The Crusher Wines asked me “How do you crush your goals?”, I thought beyond crushing my fitness goals and felt compelled to share seven lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur.
Find your purpose and own it
I always knew I wanted to create a friendly community and do something that was truly fulfilling. Figuring out how I wanted to do it was the tricky part. However, I soon learned that when you operate with true purpose, everything else starts to fall into place and the right opportunities come knocking. It took me a few years to figure out my PURPOSE. Once I did, I finally found direction. When you know WHY you’re doing something and check that against every decision and opportunity, it makes it easy to see more clearly if everything you’re doing is contributing to your main goal. I’ve had to learn to turn away opportunities that could’ve been fun or lucrative, but wasn’t the right fit. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.
You have to believe what your doing is important
Whether you want to start a blog or a business, you have to be your biggest cheerleader and be confident about what you’re doing. I remember when I first started my blog and business, I didn’t feel fully supported by my friends and family. I had plenty of moments where I felt lonely because I didn’t have friends that could relate. But I also didn’t let the approval of others stop me from pursuing and sharing my passion for fitness and community. It eventually boils down to, “Do you believe in what you’re doing or what you have to say is important?” If the answer is yes, then you better fxcking own it. I’ve done my best to follow my instincts and trust my gut and push forward. So far, I’d like to say it’s definitely paid off.
You need people
As much as I like to think I can do it all, it’s not possible. You need people. Good, solid, positive, encouraging, inspiring, optimistic people. I’m so grateful to have some rockstars in my life that support and encourage me no matter what and keep me grounded and humble. I mentioned that being an entrepreneur can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to travel the road less traveled alone. Choose your tribe wisely.
You’ll also outgrow people
This was one of the hardest things for me to learn as well as I take friendships and relationships very seriously. I do believe there are people that are meant to come into your life that will stay forever and some that are only there for a season. There’s so much to learn from each relationship – personal and business alike. As much as I’ve felt joy, camaraderie, and community, I’ve also felt disappointment, taken advantage of, and distrust. As you continue to grow, your friends/colleagues/acquaintances either grow with you or they don’t. So you have to cut those that are negative or toxic because they don’t add value to your life.
Time is valuable. Protect it.
I can’t preach this enough! In order to keep from burning out, feeling stressed, and losing your mind, you HAVE to guard your time wisely. It takes practice to identify which requests for your time is really worth it and also learning how to say no. In the beginning of it all, I was so wrapped up in attending a bunch of media events, meeting everyone for coffee that wanted to “pick my brain”, and saying yes to opportunities that didn’t truly excite me, it all eventually caught up to me. I’d feel sad, tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed as hell. Now, I’m more comfortable saying no to a lot more, being selective with my meetings, and saying yes to the right opportunities and partners. Being protective of my time keeps me hyper-focused.
If you’re reading this and wanting to learn from someone you admire (another entrepreneur, photographer, blogger, Instagrammer, artists, etc), don’t ask that person for an hour of their time over a $3 coffee (that I hope you would at least offer to pay for). You’re essentially asking for a free consultation of all the lessons they’ve learned. How would you feel if someone asked for all your secrets for free? Chew on that.
Always be a student.
Never stop learning! There is always something new to learn as things are constantly changing. Think about it. Instagram didn’t exist 10 years ago (fun fact: they were actually founded on Oct 6, 2010). I’ve enjoyed learning from friends, other business owners, and from people that are experts in their own right. If you always approach your work with an open mind and a willingness to learn, you’ll get much further than someone who thinks they know it all.
Celebrate the little things
I am terrible at slowing down and celebrating my accomplishments, which are SO important to preventing burn out. I get so caught up with my task list, that I move on quickly to the next thing and forget that I did something I should be proud of. In an effort to celebrate more, I actually have a list on my phone where I write out some highlights that occurred each month. It’s a great reminder when I look back to see all the milestones I’ve accomplished and to feel proud of them, because I should! By celebrating, it doesn’t have to be a party or a big to-do. Something as simple as acknowledging it over a glass of wine is enough. Recently, I took a page out of The Crusher Wines’ playbook, which champions working hard to achieve your goals, but also taking time out to celebrate your wins. Together, with a good girlfriend of mine, we shared a bottle of The Crusher Wines’ delicious Cabernet and it was the perfect way to take a moment to slow down and appreciate the little victories that keep me inspired.
I hope you find this blog to be helpful and encouraging. I really enjoyed thinking about the past two years and sharing these lessons. It’s been such a crazy, wild journey that I would do all over again in a heart beat. Thank you to Crusher Wines for allowing me to slow down over some vino and celebrate two years of being a full time blogger and entrepreneur.