By Hanna Duncan- Founder of Well Products
As women, we have a natural inclination to get everything done and to
have it all, and at times we become our own worst enemy. But in my twenty
years of entrepreneurship, of my almost forty-six years of life, I have
learned these six secrets will always be true, regardless of where you are
in your life or career path.
#1. It Will Never Be Perfect
Most people fail to launch their new ideas, business or speak up in
meetings, or try out for that new thing because they think their idea, or even
they, are not perfect. But what you will realize is that it never will be perfect.
You will keep evolving and growing as the market, technology, and people
around you keep evolving. So, there are times when tiny adjustments need
to be made to make this thing, or you, even better, but the only way to
make that happen is to start. It is only then when you will actually know the
right questions to ask, therefore understanding how to make it better.
So often, my best ideas have come from launching ideas when they were
not 100% ready. But I would have never known how to make them perfect
until I was able to use them in the real world, with feedback from hundreds
of customers.
Likewise, in my personal life, after my divorce I knew that I wanted to be in
a relationship again, but frankly wasn’t ready. So, I needed to date and get
out there before I realized what I liked, did not like, and understand how my
own tastes and priorities had changed throughout the years.
#2 If You Don't Love It, It Will Never Work
If you are only doing it for the money, it gets old quickly. You start to take
short cuts, procrastinate, and find ways to get it over with. If you are doing
something to only make someone else happy, you begin to loath it, and
them, and become miserable.
When you are excited every single morning to wake up and work on it,
whatever it is, then you will always find a way to make it better and more
successful. When you are doing what you love, the money will
automatically come because you cannot wait to work on it and make it
better.
#3 Keep Learning
I absolutely LOVE learning. Whether it is a new way of thinking about an
idea, a life hack I saw on TikTok, or listening to my favorite podcasts about
Entrepreneurs struggles. Learning is what keeps the juices flowing, and it
trains your brain to think about things differently, see the world differently,
and understand things from other people’s perspectives. When you always
have it in your mind to learn something new, you start seeing the world as a
much bigger "bowl" of opportunities.
#4 Learn to Communicate to Anyone
Communication is an art, and understanding how people need to receive
information is critical to getting your way. Most people spend a lot of time
fighting to get their point across when, in reality, if you give them the
information the way they need to hear it, then you will usually succeed.
Some people are analytical and want facts and figures, while others are
visual and need visual aids to understand what you are talking about. If
you do not give them either of these groups the information the way they
need it, they will almost always say no.
Another way is by using the power of touch. People usually respond well to
touch in a non-intrusive way. Whether it’s a light touch on the arm, cupping
a handshake with both hands, or a hug – people will always respond
warmly to touch because you made them feel comfortable.
Pro Tip: One of your biggest opportunities for success is to talk to people
about things you do not agree on. When you understand their perspective,
as wrong to you as it may be, you are able to learn how to understand
where they are coming from. You can often times find a compromise that
they will agree on, but if not – you have just learned how to go around
them.
#5 Ask For Help
Asking for help is one of the hardest things for women to do, but we all
need a little help sometimes. It could be a little break from family, a little
help with the house, or just being stuck on a project and not knowing what
to do next. That is when it is time to stop what you are doing, and call
someone who can help or just act as a sounding board, have a drink, and
talk it out.
Now, there have been MANY times that all I did was sound it out to my
girlfriend who knows nothing about my field – and it totally works!
Sometimes you just need someone who does not know anything about
what you are doing, but who will ask the questions that no one else would.
Other times you need a mentor. And its not like this has to be someone
who you are formally going to need on a regular basis. Sometimes it is
someone who has much more knowledge in this subject, and you just need
a little time. A simple phone call or coffee will do it. Those who have
“made it” are always ready to help the next woman in line. Believe me –
everyone loves to be a teacher. So just ask for help.
#6 Make Time For Yourself
I know, I know… We always hear about the benefits of activities like
morning mantras, yoga, exercise, and meditation, but the truth is that not
everyone enjoys these practices (and when I say “everyone” I mean me).
But what I’m saying is that it will NEVER BE OVER. That endless list of
tasks, responsibilities, and chores will never truly be finished. It's an
ongoing process. So, it's essential to schedule some time for yourself to do
something that brings you joy. It could be anything that makes you happy
and fulfilled.
I once knew a woman who loved pizza, and every week she would visit a
new pizza spot, even if it was an hour or two away. It was her way of
making time for herself and enjoying something she loved.
Another woman I knew would take an hour-long bath every night. Every
night!Can you imagine? Even though she had a busy life with children and
a career, she made it a priority for herself. I was always impressed by her
ability to prioritize her own needs and the positive impact it had on her life.
She was a better mother, wife, and friend for it.
Remember, it's important to make your own goals, your own priorities, and
your own time a top priority. Don't compare yourself to others or worry
about what they are doing – it’s all a facade. It's okay to take a break and
enjoy the things that make you happy. Even if you are struggling or feeling
overwhelmed, try to find excitement in what you are doing, or find
something that will. Success comes from being happy and fulfilled in your
daily life, so make sure to go out and do what you want in the way that
makes you happiest. Good Luck!
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