I remember being taught years ago that most of our most valuable lessons in life do not come from times when we do everything right. In fact, our most lasting and important lessons often come from our biggest blunders and mistakes. I know that I have definitely been making my fair share of mistakes since I started working on my home business. It’s amazing how those “mistake lessons” really have taught me some valuable lessons!
Of course, this whole “learning from mistakes” thing is not necessarily something I appreciate when I’m in the midst of a big problem or mistake. It’s only after I’ve garnered the experience from the situation that I’m able to assess what I’ve been taught. Chances are, if I’m in the midst of a big blunder, I am NOT happy about the “opportunity!”
I’ve learned from experience that I cannot work nonstop without taking a day off. Even if I’m feeling energetic and invincible, it creates a situation where I am more prone to make mistakes and get “brain dead.” I’ve also learned that just because I have a signed contract and have spent days of chats and negotiations DOES NOT ensure that a client will follow through on their end of the contract. I’ve also learned that, as a rule, my children do not make good helpers or temporary employees. It ceases to be “fun” for them just about the time I’m really feeling the pressure to get a project accomplished.
How about you? Are you willing to share any of your major or minor mistakes that have taught you valuable and lasting lessons in your home business? Any words of wisdom or hard-earned advise that you can share with the rest of us about operating a home business in the midst of chaotic family life?
See Also: We Learn From Mistakes, Not Perfection–Looking Back and Learning Not to Repeat Mistakes