Three lessons from the first six months
Wow, we’ve made it to six months! And we’ve been taking some time to reflect on the fact that we actually launched a business! That’s kind of a big deal for us, for anyone really, but for two working mums, we’re a bit proud of ourselves. It’s been ups and downs, setbacks and breakthroughs, and a whole lot of learning. We’ve each put some thought into our top three lessons from the first six months, you’ll find them below. And no doubt the next six months will be filled with more - more excitement, more vulnerability, more learning, more encouragement - bring it on!
Kim & Brooke ❤️
Kim’s Three Lessons
View each setback as a learning opportunity
The first few setbacks felt like impossible hurdles to overcome. I knew we had to get the right mindset if we were ever going to make this thing work. With the help of our very clever and thoughtful officemate/sounding board/all round good chick, we changed our thinking from setback to learning opportunity and it has gotten us across the line on many an occasion - in business and in life!
Surround yourself with the right people
This is not a new concept but one that I need reminding of all the time and it is so important for maintaining your path. Oprah Winfrey said, “surround yourself only with people who are going to take you higher.” And Brené Brown shares a tool called '“The Square Squad” in her book Daring Greatly and then again in her book Dare to Lead ( a great read by the way!).
The Square Squad - "Get a one-inch piece by one-inch piece of paper and write down the names of the people whose opinions matter to you. It needs to be small because it forces you to edit." and “The people on you list should be people who love you not despite your vulnerability and imperfections, but because of them. The people on your list should not be ‘yes’ people. This is not the suck up squad. They should be people who respect you enough to rumble with the vulnerability.” www.brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead
Trust your instincts
I’m in my forties now and feel like I am still only scratching the surface here but this business has definitely brought this learning journey more front and centre for me. Being in mid-life means it’s not my first rodeo (we are talking the good, the bad, and the ugly), and past lessons are sitting right there in my gut ready for me to access to help guide me forward. The physical signs and messages my body generates when things aren’t in alignment value-wise are pretty telling. Recognising and then listening to my gut instinct has taken practice, especially if my confidence has had a knock, but when I’m able to truly tap into my instinct it almost always provides clarity for what the next best step for me is.
Brooke’s Three Lessons
Everything is figureoutable
Starting a new business is exciting, but inevitably it also comes with it’s challenges. One of the most important things I've learned is that there is a solution to every problem. No matter how challenging a situation may seem, I’ve learnt there's always a way to overcome it. I’ll admit, there were definitely times when I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. But with some creative thinking, brainstorming, and trying a different approach we’ve been able to come up with solutions. As Marie Forleo said, "Everything is figureoutable”. This is a lesson that I will carry with me as I continue to navigate the rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship.
Messy action beats perfectionism
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that messy action is better than no action at all. When you wear multiple hats as a new business owner, it's unrealistic to expect yourself to excel at everything. Striving for perfection can stunt progress and lead to missed opportunities. It’s better to embrace imperfection, take action, move forward, and create momentum. Make the mistake, take the risk, try new things. Just keep going.
Surround yourself with the right people (Snap! 😜)
Having the right people around you can make all the difference in your personal and professional life. Having people who believe in your dreams and you, and whose skills, experience, and perspectives you can learn from is invaluable. I consider myself really lucky to have my business partner and aunty, Kim, by my side. Her support and encouragement have been instrumental in launching ACTIVV and getting through the first six months.