22 Lessons in 22 Years of Entrepreneurship

“Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself.” – Dōgen

This year marks my 22nd year as an entrepreneur, and as I celebrate this great milestone, I am grateful to still be here doing the work I love, for such an awesome community. Today, I will share 22 lessons learned on my journey as an entrepreneur, which was inspired by my annual 22 things learned each year I share on my birthday. As I reflected on my list, I realize how many of the lessons overlap personal lessons.

Hopefully these lessons resonate with you and give you encouragement to continue the course.

1. My only true competition is the part of me that resists growth.

2. In order for me to reach my highest potential for success, my work must always come from the heart.

3. I can trust my inner guidance and should turn there first.

4. The best mentors are those who have not only mastered business but also their mind and emotions.

5. If it doesn’t scare me at least a little, I’m probably not truly connected to it.

6. There is always someone willing to help.

7. Inspiration comes from the work itself and the lives it touches.

8. Staying connected to my work and to the people I serve keeps me going, especially when I feel like giving up.

9. Failure has been one of my greatest teachers.

10. Aiming for perfection only creates mistakes and steals joy from the work.

11. Perfect balance is not possible, but making intentional choices about what gets attention and what doesn’t creates balance where it’s needed.

12. If I don’t love what I do, no one else will either.

13. It’s not enough to grow the business, I must also grow with the business.

14. Understanding and overcoming internal resistance is one of the most important parts of the process.

15. There will always be people who benefit from what I do and how I do it.

16. Celebrating small accomplishments lights the way toward larger ones.

17. There’s a saying, “When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I’ve found it’s not that you won’t work, but that the days feel more connected, inspired, and joyful.

18. The 80/20 rule saves time and energy, creating more freedom to focus on what matters most.

19. Doing the hard things first shows me they aren’t as hard as I imagined.

20. Great sleep, proper hydration, and good nutrition are the foundation for lasting success.

21. Creating systems may take time and energy in the beginning, but in the end they save time and create the freedom to keep building and imagining.

22. Discipline is the key to personal and professional freedom.

With love and gratitude,
Dana Andrea

Grow on your entrepreneurial path with me.
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