Halfway done with 2019 and it still feels like I’m just getting going. Isn’t that always the case though? Despite still feeling like I’m in 2018, I’ve learned a few big lessons this year that feel worth sharing. Even if it’s just for future Kayla to look back and think, “oh how quaint.”
All things are difficult before they are easy. I’ve started a lot of new projects this year. I launched a subscription box, am deep into creating a coaching program, and am taking active steps towards a retail location. And it’s hard. I have no freakin’ clue what I’m doing most of the time. But things become easier the more you do them. The box process has become a well oiled machine after six months and I’m sure everything that’s difficult now will become easy soon enough.
Anything can be accomplished with time and effort. This kind of goes with the first lesson. I never in a million years thought I’d be creating curriculum for an online coaching program. But with time and a whole lot of effort, even the most daunting thing (I’m looking at you retail store) can become a reality.
I’m a social introvert. This year I joined the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce’s ambassador program kind of on a whim. It’s a whole lot more socializing than I originally expected, but I’m realizing that’s ok. I’m still a hardcore homebody who loves to be alone with her husband and her cats. But I can also be that socialite attending networking events and grabbing coffee with strangers.
That you can’t always dip your toe in. This feels 100% true with the retail shop venture we’re embarking on. It’s definitely not something to just “try out.” There are leases, commitments, and so many other factors that can’t be half-assed. It’s time to go all in on Oh, Hello.
Don’t say ‘no’ to yourself for someone else. So often I find myself thinking, “oh there’s no way they’ll want to collab with me.” I’m literally saying ‘no’ for them before I’ve even asked. So many times this year I’ve been pleasantly surprised by responses to emails and inquiries. You never know what they’re going to say, so don’t say it for them.
I’d love to say that I learned something small like how to clean the oven (I still don’t know), but these past six months have been packed with some big “aha” lessons. How has the first half of 2019 been treating you?
