Perspectives in business: What I’ve learned in 16 years

This month Allee Creative celebrates 16 years in business. It’s been a wild ride. From solopreneur to a full team, two recessions and a pandemic, we’ve weathered a lot. Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. More specifically, being a woman business owner over the past two years while also navigating the ins and outs of raising four teenage children in unprecedented times has challenged me to pivot in ways I never imagined.

Business ownership, leadership, climbing the proverbial “career ladder” looks different for everyone. For me, as I accumulate years in my career, I’ve also accumulated new perspectives about what works, what doesn’t and what matters most.

Let go of what pulls you down

People. Tasks. Events. Prioritize time for the things that fuel you–that make you happy. It’s hard to say no, I completely get that. For me, it’s a work in progress. But each time I say no to things that will overextend my time or my mental health, be it work or otherwise, I feel so much better.

Stop trying to prove yourself

You’re good at what you do. You know that, your family knows that, the people that matter know that. Everyone else? That’s their loss if they can’t figure it out. Stop trying to please others. Do good work for yourself because it makes you happy.

Turn it off

You know what the prize is for working 45, 50, 60+ hours a week? Missed time and moments with the people that matter. As they say, no one ever says “I wish I had spent more time working” when they’re living out their last days. Yes, leadership, entrepreneurship, business ownership is a grind. But think back to why you got into where you are in the first place. Flexibility? More time with family? Being in control of your schedule? When I take time to reflect on my ‘why’ I’m able to re-focus and some days, that means turning it off without feeling guilty about it.

Take care of you

It makes perfect sense that this is last on my list because it doesn’t matter how many years in business I have under my belt, this is the hardest for me. Especially with all of the curve balls that have been thrown at my business, my family, my kids — the world — the past few years. But here is what I know: We can do hard things. We can weather the storms. We can come out on top. And we do that by taking care of ourselves just as much as we take care of others in our lives. I know when I make time for me I feel so much better; I bet that when you do the same, you do, too.

So keep doing the hard things. Keep grinding but do it in a way that protects your health, your sanity and your heart. Keep your ‘why’ in front of you every day. Good things will continue to be there for you. This I know for sure after all this time.

Thank you for being a part of the journey.