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When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I had so many dreams and ambitions. I envisioned creating something impactful, a business that would empower and inspire others. But what I didn’t anticipate were the challenges that come with building something from the ground up. If I could go back and give myself some advice, these are the five things I wish I’d known.
1. Success Looks Different for Everyone
I spent so much time trying to fit my journey into someone else’s idea of success. I wish I had known that success is deeply personal. It’s not about checking all the boxes society has for you, but about finding what aligns with your values and makes you feel fulfilled. Redefining success for myself allowed me to focus on creating meaningful impact instead of getting caught in the hustle for external validation.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that it’s okay to change direction. The path you start on may not be the path you end up on—and that’s perfectly fine. Early on, I was so committed to my original plan that I feared any adjustment would mean failure. But, the truth is, flexibility is essential in business. Being open to pivoting has allowed me to create a business that genuinely reflects my passions and meets my audience's needs.
3. You Can’t Do It Alone
In the beginning, I tried to wear all the hats. I thought that to be a successful entrepreneur, I had to be in control of everything. This led to burnout and a sense of isolation. The truth is, we’re not meant to do life—or business—alone. Finding the right people to support you, whether that’s through mentorship, partnerships, or community, can make all the difference. Building The Confident Woman community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
4. Imperfection is Part of the Process
Perfectionism can be a huge roadblock, especially for new business owners. I learned that waiting for everything to be perfect only holds you back. Taking imperfect action has been one of the most transformative practices for me. It has allowed me to move forward, make mistakes, learn, and grow.
Progress over perfection is what builds momentum and keeps you moving toward your goals.
5. Your Well-Being Matters Most
It’s easy to get lost in the hustle culture—to think that your worth is tied to your productivity. But I wish someone had told me that my well-being is the foundation of everything I want to achieve. Without prioritizing my physical, mental, and emotional health, I couldn’t show up as my best self for my business or my community. Taking care of myself has been the most important investment I’ve made as an entrepreneur.
Podcast Episode Recommendation
To dive deeper into these lessons, I recommend listening to the episode, “Empowering Women to Build Impactful Businesses with Confidence” with Amy Traugh on The Confident Woman Podcast. In this episode, we explore the journey of entrepreneurship, the power of community, and building confidence—lessons that have been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey. You can listen to the episode here: Empowering Women to Build Impactful Businesses with Confidence.
By sharing these five lessons, I hope to inspire others who are at the start of their journey or feeling stuck along the way. Remember, success is not about doing it perfectly—it’s about showing up, learning, and growing every step of the way.
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Meet the expert:
Rachel Brooks is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, award-winning author, and visionary behind The Confident Woman brand. She has spent over a decade overcoming personal challenges such as perfectionism and self-esteem, and she now focuses on empowering women to redefine success and create businesses and lifestyles they love. As the founder of The Confident Woman and host of The Confident Woman Podcast, Rachel integrates her expertise in digital marketing, personal growth, and holistic wellness to help women achieve true freedom and well-being in all aspects of their lives.
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