Lessons from the other side of the country: Kitty Chan
This year has been a roller coaster for us as a business. We took some risks, made some friends, and learned some lessons along the way. And as with everything else, we can’t really reminisce without you guys. So, here is everything that I took from 2019.
1. There is no time like the present
There have been so many days, when I kept thinking, ‘what if I didn't move out here?’ ‘What if we didn't run that sale?’ ‘What if we didn't post that picture?’
We always have 20/20 vision after the fact, and we keep thinking back to the ‘what ifs’. Instead, we should be here, in the present, more often. Thinking, what do we do now after the sale? How can we improve our engagement on that next picture? What should we do this weekend? When we keep thinking about what has already happened, we're never going to be enjoying the moments of today, and missing out on the things that are in front of us, at this very moment. There is always time to reflect, but I learned that it’s important to be in the moment, to let go of all the what ifs, and enjoy the results we have, and the people we're spending time with today.
2. The little wins
We can't always expect overwhelming results. Things will inevitably go wrong when running a business, no matter the size. No matter how well prepared you thought you were, something will go wrong. In the end, it's all about managing the problems and disasters in front of you.
Assume your campaigns will tank and no traffic will be generated. Assume no one will buy your products. Assume, no one will show up to your event. As a result, you'll go the extra mile to make sure that everything is right, and you’ll begin to value every small win as a wonderful surprise.
3. Emotional resources are much more precious than financial ones
Yes money is important for our business, it's how we stay afloat and are able to continue to bring you your favorite shoes. But throughout this year, we've all had our ups and downs. We've had our share of highs, but there were also days when we hit rock bottom. There were the days when we didn't want to get out of bed, or move a single muscle. It was during these days, that we had to learn to pick up after each other. No matter what happens, the business still runs. But more importantly, we learned to be there, as a support for each other. When you work in a small team, you're not only professional support for each other, you're also emotional support. You're family, and it is so important to be there for each other. This was a year of so much change, and we've learned so much about being there to celebrate each other’s wins, but also being there for each other when we were at our worst.
4. Delivery fees are absolutely worth it
Having moved to the other side of the country, away from family, you can never have a day off, for chores or cooking. Most of the time, it’s fun to try new recipes, to rearrange the house but some days you just can't bring yourself to do any of it. But fear not, on those days there is nothing quite as convenient as delivery. Or, if it's just pouring rain outside and going out to get soaked while you run errands, is not part of the daily agenda, online shopping and delivery straight to your door will always be there to help you.
5. The weather app is my best friend
I never really checked the weather much back home, except in the winter in case of snow storms. But moving out West, I've had so many days where I walk home half wet. This year, I've learned to always have an umbrella wherever I go, and got a small one to fit into my bag easily so I'll always have a little shelter. And, to check the weather every morning.
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About the Authour
Partner of Meraki Design House