A little birthday reflection
The sixth birthday of my business (Compass Rose Coaching) snuck up on me this year.
With my recent move to my own apartment taking center stage (a couple o' pics below), August 9th came and went quickly—but when I realized the date, I was flooded with memories.
I thought back to the day I filed for my business license in New York City and opened a checking account, heart pounding. I was excited, naive, nervous… and also proud of myself.
I knew I was a good coach.
And, I had no idea how much I’d need to learn to actually run a profitable business.
I look at the 2019 version of me and smile—she believed in herself. She couldn’t have imagined a global pandemic just seven months away. She also couldn’t have imagined how much perseverance, creativity, and faith it would take to find clients and build a business.
One of my biggest reasons for starting a business was to create more freedom.
Little did I know how much work that freedom would require.
But six years later, I’m still here. And here’s what I’ve learned:
6️⃣ Things I’ve Learned in 6️⃣ Years of Business
Great clients and collaborations make it all worth it. I am so grateful for the curious, passionate, big-hearted people that I get to work with every day.
Creating your own income is something to be deeply proud of. All y'all entrepreneurs out there know it’s not easy—and it’s nothing like the comfort of a steady paycheck—but making a living (eventually!) from doing what you love is deeply rewarding.
Connections with colleagues matter. Especially when you work from home. You need people who “get it” and will cheer you on.
There’s always more to do. The To Do list never ends. It can help to create your own boundaries (mostly with yourself!) to make sure your life outside of work doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
Be you. I spent years trying to fit into other people’s business formulas. It never worked. It wasn’t until I started working with Val Nelson, a coach for highly sensitive people and introverts, that I learned to ask, “What could make this easier or more joyful?” instead of “How can I force myself to be more consistent?” (It's very different energy!)
The coolest part about this year’s business birthday?
A serendipitous little message found me that day.
With my recent move, I’ve been scrolling Facebook Marketplace for furniture and kitchen odds and ends. On August 9th, I stumbled across a framed print by Amanda Jones that read:
“Why do we rush to grow? Things that grow fast: weeds. Things that grow slow: trees.”
Here it is...
Print by Amanda Jones
It stopped me in my tracks.
Because when I started my business, I wanted so badly to grow fast.
But I learned how to grow slow.
And honestly? The opportunities I have today wouldn’t be possible—and wouldn’t feel as aligned—if I hadn’t allowed myself to grow at the pace I did. 🌱
So if something in your life or work is taking much longer than you hoped, maybe this is your reminder: it’s okay.
Some of the most worthwhile, deeply rooted things take time.
You are not behind. You are becoming.
What’s growing slowly for you right now?
How can you tend to it—and yourself—with more compassion?
And what might you gently let go of along the way?
🌱 Cheers to our slow, steady, beautiful growth,
Stacy
PS. Find Amanda Jones on Instagram here.
PPS. I was recently featured by the two coaching firms that I partner with! I did a "Voices of Inclusion" interview with Dr. Priya Nalkur of The Roundtable Institute and I wrote a guest blog for Firefly about my recent time in Montreal for a Facilitator training. Check 'em out if ya like!
PPPS. Here are a few pics from my new place...
