What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Business

Looking back at the beginning.

If I could sit down with the version of myself that was just getting started, there are a few things I would tell her.

First, I would tell her that she doesn't need to have everything figured out.

I spent so much time thinking I needed a complete plan before I could move forward.

The truth is, some of the most important lessons came after I started.

Not before.

I would tell her that comparison is exhausting.

There will always be someone with a bigger audience, a better portfolio, more experience, or more resources.

Focus on your own path.

Build what you're building.

The people who need what you offer won't care whether you started yesterday or ten years ago.

I would tell her not to be afraid of mistakes.

Some of the decisions I worried about the most ended up being things I barely remember today.

And some of the mistakes I wish I could undo taught me lessons I couldn't have learned any other way.

Most of all, I would tell her to trust the process.

Growth usually happens slower than we hope.

But when we stay consistent, those small steps eventually become something bigger than we imagined.

Looking back, I realize I didn't need perfection.

I needed patience.

I needed courage.

And I needed to keep going even when I couldn't see the full picture.

Maybe that's something you need to hear today too.

Keep going.

You're learning more than you realize.

— Lindsay