Guest Opinion: Lessons from six months in business
BY AMY NEBONS | Owner, Blink Events LLC
Now I’m six months into my first year, and things have changed — but in many good and challenging ways.
There are many lessons to be learned six months into starting a business. While each business owner is likely to learn something different, here is what I’ve learned from being a business owner:
Starting a business is hard. Not only did I underestimate the amount of physical tenacity it takes but I underestimated the amount of mental tenacity needed to sustain momentum through the ups and downs.
Anyone who ever started a business can attest to the many different hats it takes to succeed. I’ve realized my own limitations, and sometimes that is discouraging. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a cloud of self-doubt. On any given day you could be on top of the world with visions of success, only to consider getting a part-time job at Pottery Barn the next.
The key is maintaining an eye on those high points and remembering them on the cold and rainy days. For me, the ability to persevere is what results in self-growth. Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. All those quips are meant to remind us it takes time to build greatness. Reciting daily mantras or reviewing my resume of wins helps me to keep on swimming.
I am a lot smarter and more capable than I thought. The second I made the choice to start my business, the rebel in me came out. Suddenly there were no rules to follow. I was free to make myself whatever I wanted, and empowerment led to creativity. By opening my heart and allowing myself to dream more, I have been able to achieve more.
As I reflect, I see how much I have grown in many aspects of my life. Instead of hearing the old familiar voice in my head telling me why I couldn’t do something, I was filled with a new and unexpected voice telling me the reasons I could do it.
Life is a journey, so own it. Instead of regretting life choices, I’ve learned to embrace them. I’ve also learned how to listen to the universe. Once I vowed to listen, it started speaking to me. I’ve realized the significant ties between my past experiences (or perceived mistakes) and my present blessings. By embracing the journey, I have learned to embrace myself and all the quirks that come along with me.
Work-life balance is real. As a new mom, I realize every moment is precious. What does work-life balance really mean and look like? I was placing a certain amount of inadequacy and criticism on myself for not being able to figure it out. After six months of back and forth, I’ve learned I don’t think I will ever truly feel like there is a perfect balance.
Women have a tendency to compare themselves to other women who appear to do it all, and we fault ourselves for not being able to compete. What I’ve learned is we all have our strengths and weaknesses. We’ve all struggled with our own insecurities.
Let’s embrace who we are and do what we believe is best for us, not someone else.
There are a million things I’ve learned in the past six months, but these are some of my prouder accomplishments. As I embark on the second half of my first year, I am hopeful that I will encounter many more lessons to share. Until then I leave you with this little mantra that has helped me to see the sunshine on my gloomier days:
There are a million things I’ve learned in the past six months, but these are some of my prouder accomplishments. As I embark on the second half of my first year, I am hopeful that I will encounter many more lessons to share. Until then I leave you with this little mantra that has helped me to see the sunshine on my gloomier days:
“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, she became a butterfly.” — Barbara Haines Howett
Amy Nebons, originally from the East Coast, moved to Iowa in 2012 with her husband and two mini-schnauzers and now is a mother to a baby girl. She received her bachelor’s degree in theater production from Providence College in Rhode Island and her master’s degree in interior design from the Boston Architectural College in Massachusetts. She currently owns event management company Blink Events LLC, based in Des Moines.
CONNECTION POINTS
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn or by phone at 617-840-5073. She also can be reached by email. Learn more about her company at www.blinkevents.net.
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