Hands up if you can be pretty hard on yourself. You’ve done the thing and achieved the goal, but instead of celebrating, you’re asking yourself what’s next.

I’m the worst at this. My problem is that I never appreciate how far I’ve come. Instead, I’m focusing too much on the next step. But this is a mindset shift I’m making ready for 2023.
To pause and reflect on everything I’ve done so far and feel the sense of accomplishment that will propel me forward, instead of staying on the hamster wheel of nothing-ever-good-enough.

In the spirit of celebrating everything I’ve achieved so far, I thought I’d share 23 business lessons I’ve learnt in 2022 because I definitely didn’t know these this time last year!

Business lessons I’ve learnt in 2022

01. Things take time.

Honestly, starting off with a biggie. I’ve felt so frustrated over the speed of my growth. Yes, I started my business in a pandemic as a University student, but shouldn’t I be further along than this?!

*Spoiler* Nope! Building a long-term business takes time. Things don’t happen overnight but they will happen.

02. On a similar note, so much business growth comes from repetition.

You can’t do something once and expect your inquiry box to be overflowing with dream clients. Repeating the same methods, reaching out repeatedly, and putting in the work is the only way you’re going to see results. Yes, it can be boring, but the results are so so worth it!

03. Switching up your surroundings is always beneficial and sometimes necessary.

I know 5 days sitting at the same desk will drive me insane. But I kept doing it (the only thing I’m telling you not to be consistent with). Entrepreneurship is lonely, and staring at the same four walls only makes it feel lonelier. Work from a coffee shop, steal your bestie’s sofa, and go on a long walk! You’ll feel so much better for it.

04. Take advantage of your flexible schedule.

“She’s telling me not working is a business lesson?” Kinda. Working for yourself is a huge privilege, and one I don’t take enough advantage of. Yes, I’m always on my business IG and checking in inquiries, but that doesn’t mean I have to chain myself to the office while I do it (& I should probably stop being tied to my biz 24/7).
The times when I’ve had a weekday coffee with a friend or visited my grandparents are when I feel most appreciative of this job, and everyone deserves and needs moments like these!

05. Buy a better laptop.

The one you brought mid-dissertation and turned up half the size you were expecting is NOT when you should be working from. I’m kinda, maybe, definitely still working on this one!

06. Connection & community is everything

Honestly, I was searching for that secret success pill everywhere. How do they have so many clients? Why do they have so many online friends? And while there definitely isn’t a secret pill, connection and community are 100% the quickest and most fulfilling way to build a successful business.

07. Education is everything; fun, rewarding, and exciting. Keep investing in your education no matter what.

08. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and your business. Believe that the money you spend will come back to you (it will).

09. You don’t have to love social media all the time. But you do need to be consistent.

Honestly, I’d love my inquiries to flow through my website and email newsletter a lil more. But most of my projects still come via socials. For a long time, this frustrated me.

I can grow tired and frustrated by social media pretty quickly, which makes it tough to show up daily. But I know I need to do the work. I show up because I know my business depends on it, but I find a time that works for me.

Engagement while watching Netflix? Okay. Reply to a DM 24 hours after receiving? The world isn’t going to end. These mindset shifts have helped me stay on socials while trying to pivot my marketing focus away from these platforms.

10. Blogging is the most rewarding and fun marketing method out there.

11. You don’t have to wear a cute pink outfit to sit at your desk all day. But, dressing like Elle from Legally Blonde does drastically boost your serotonin levels.

12. A good routine is everything.

This isn’t the kind of business lesson where I tell you to wake up at 5am every morning and do an insane workout, meal prep everything you eat, and always log off at 6pm, stat.
That’s not really my style. But, waking up and going to bed at a similar time and working Mon-Fri is kinda a great system.

13. Other people’s success really is just proof you can succeed too.

14. A paper planner & digital calendar is the best combo.

15. Beach House is the only artist worth writing to. Their vibes are perfect.

16. A good cuppa or hot drink can instantly lift your slump.

17. Coming from a place of gratitude and abundance can really change everything. Even if it’s tough sometimes.

18. Speaking to one ideal client makes marketing one hundred times easier.

Niching down and developing my understanding of my dream client (wedding & event businesses) make my business feel more purposeful and easier to navigate.

19. You should never give up on something you love doing.

Honestly, writing website copy for wedding and event pros brings me endless joy. I love it so much.

20. Other people’s rapid growth doesn’t matter. Cheer them on and you’ll get good karma (a bit woo-woo but I believe it).

21. Podcasts are honestly the best.thing.ever.
Listen, learn, laugh. I listen to at least 2 a day!

22. Non-traditional blog posts like this one are fun!
Make a note to write them more often.

23. And my biggest business lesson of all: you’re only at the beginning of your journey. You have so much more to give and achieve.

Let me know your biggest business lessons and goals for 2023 in the comments below!