December is here, and I’m feeling it, mama. All those end-of-the-year feelings are here. And it’s even more intense this year, because we’re ringing in a new decade. A space full of potential and promise — fresh and pristine and ready for you to make your mark. 

If you find yourself thinking about the past few years in your life, you’re in good company. Most of us seem to be spending our time looking back over the last decade, thinking about the lessons we’ve learned, and what we’ll take with us into the next ten years.  So…what have been my life lessons in online business?

Honestly, there are some days that I can’t remember if I ate breakfast, so remembering what I was thinking and feeling back in 2010 is beyond me. But I do know that in the four years since starting The Free Mama, I’ve learned a few things. 

If you’ve been here for more than a minute, you know that 2016 was a time of change for me — and most of it wasn’t easy. In fact, I’d go so far as to say 2016 was perhaps the hardest year of my life. I had just been through a traumatic miscarriage. We moved. I was pregnant again. I started this whole business thing with no real support system in place — and then I wound up on bedrest.

2016 taught me that I am strong enough to survive hard things. That I could get up again, even after a really hard punch to the gut. That I could start all over, from nothing, and somehow turn that into something real. 

The takeaway: You are stronger than you realize, Mama.  And you won’t know what you’re made of until you’re tested.

By the time 2017 rolled around, I was committed to making Houston our home. I was committed to growing my business. As Daphne started Kindergarten, I felt like we were both exploring entirely new worlds, declaring our independence, learning to stand tall on our own.

2017 was the year I committed to myself, too — I hired a business coach and stepped into being the woman I know I’m supposed to be — even though it was terrifying. I still remember how my whole body shook when I signed up for that first big coaching program. I was all in — and I had to make it work. 

The takeaway: You are worth investing in. You are worth the time, energy, and money that you put into yourself and your dreams.

And then came 2018, The Year I Worked Harder Than I Ever Have in My Entire Life. In fact, when I look back at the things I accomplished in 2018, I’m seriously proud of myself. I did more in that year than I ever imagined was possible. And I did it mostly without making myself — or the people around me — crazy. 

The sheer volume of work was staggering. I put in the hours even when there wasn’t an immediate payoff. I showed up over and over and over again, and kept moving forward. I fulfilled my lifelong dream to write a book. And I learned to let go of a few of my control freak tendencies and embrace outsourcing so that I could hit all my big goals. 

The takeaway: Overnight success is most definitely not overnight. You can’t expect to stand on the winner’s podium if you don’t show up at practice every single day.

This past year has been about some serious self evaluation. I came into 2019 ready to Do Big Things. I had loads of energy, tons of excitement, and a stellar team to help me. I charged forward at breakneck speed, smashing through goals — until I found myself asking, “Hang on. Is this the life I really want?”

I learned that it’s not only about crushing your goals — it’s making sure those goals are the right ones. It’s being intentional about what I create in my business and in my life. 

The takeaway: Take the time to consider whether you’ve set the right goals for yourself. Your path might be different from someone else’s but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. 

So, those are my life lessons in online business! Next week, I’m going to share a closer look at 2019 and what’s coming in the New Year. Until then, stay warm!

P.S. Need a stocking stuffer for an amazing woman you know — or perhaps a little something for yourself? The Free Mama Swag Shop dropped two limited-time items just for the holidays! Take a look!

P.P.S. I just recorded a great interview with Lindsey K Porter from Enlightened Relationships podcast. It’s a quick but impactful episode where I dropped some insane value to help you succeed.