7 Things I Learned the Hard Way about Entrepreneurship

I’ve been self-employed for most of my adult life. 

That’s 9 out of the 11 years I’ve been in the workforce (if you can call it that). 

I started out as a freelance writer after graduating college. These days, I run a multi-6-figure marketing startup that helps brands have a positive impact (sup, @wholeheartagency). 

The years have brought plenty of ebbs n’ flows, ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks. I like to think I’ve learned a thing or two. And I’m still learning every day. 

Here are some things I’ve learned to be true in the game of entrepreneurship. For the most part, I’ve also found them to be true in life.

1. FAILURE IS A CONCEPT. “Failing” is inevitable. It’s required. It’s just part of the journey. And so, I don’t really think of failure as failure… at least, not in the ultimate sense. It’s only failure if you label it as such. It’s only failure if you give up. (And even if you do give up, it might not be failure but a purposeful pivot.) 
2. FREEDOM REQUIRES DISCIPLINE. If I had to pick just one value in life, it would be freedom. But, I’ve learned that sustaining it requires a hell of a lot of discipline. Forcing yourself to show up when you don’t feel like it. Doing the work. Sticking to the habits that set you up for success. Entrepreneurship doesn’t excuse you from structure, rules, or discipline. You just get to decide on what that looks like yourself. 
3. HEALTHY HABITS MATTER. My early-20s self was all about hustle culture. And I pulled it off at times… and occasionally still do. But realistically, it’s not sustainable. Even if you were some hardened machine that could operate devoid of rest, play, or inspiration, doing so would only hold you back. The quality of your work would suffer, and you’d probably suck to work with. Fueling yourself with the proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and intentionally setting aside time to rejuvenate and self-motivate is key to doing great work for the long haul. 
4. NO ONE WILL EVER CARE AS MUCH AS YOU DO. About your “thing,” that is. If you hire people, you can only expect so much from them. Even the best employees can’t be expected to pull all-nighters, put their personal lives aside, and throw themselves entirely into what you’re trying to create. That’s your job, as the entrepreneur and founder. 
5. EVERYTHING IS YOUR FAULT. You can’t blame other people, the economy, politics, or technology for any shortcoming or setback. Even if you’re faced with real adversity, even if someone screwed you over. Because the fact is, countless other people have gone through the same thing (or worse) and come out on top. At the end of the day, you are responsible for your reality. This should be empowering, above all else.
6. NEVER PUT YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET. This could be having only one product, client, revenue stream, etc. Even if it feels like a sure thing, the world changes too quickly. What’s in demand today could be irrelevant tomorrow. What’s supporting you today could disappear tomorrow. Diversify your revenue stream, but do so in a way that is logical and sustainable. (That is, don’t take on so much that none work out.)
7. YOU’RE EITHER GROWING OR YOU’RE DYING. Standing still in business means decline. Between inflation, competition, and the constant changing world order, you need to actively grow just to stay in the game. That’s not to say you’ll ALWAYS be on the up… that’s not realistic. But you should always be striving, and never accept stagnation.