Starting a Business? Avoid These 5 Mistakes I Wish Someone Warned Me About
Starting a business is one of the most exciting, empowering things you can do—but let’s be real, it also comes with a whole lot of lessons you don’t see coming.
I’ve learned many of them the hard way (hi, burnout and self-doubt), and now I want to share the five biggest mistakes I made early in my journey—so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re just starting or pivoting into something new, these are the things I wish someone had told me from day one.
Mistake #1: Waiting for ‘Perfect’
Let’s just call it out—perfection is a lie.
There is no perfect time, perfect plan, or perfect offer.
When I first started, I delayed launching, creating, even showing up, all because I felt like things weren’t “ready.” Truth is, the clarity I was waiting for? It only came after I started.
The lesson:
Start messy. Learn as you go. You build momentum through action, not perfection.
Try this:
Take one small step today—launch the landing page, post the Reel, pitch the idea.
Done is better than perfect. Always.
Mistake #2: Trying to Do Everything Alone
I used to think I had to be the designer, the strategist, the copywriter, the everything.
I wore all the hats… and burned out in the process.
Eventually, I realised that success isn’t a solo sport.
You grow faster—and feel better—when you’re supported.
The lesson:
Find your circle. Hire help before you’re “ready.” Join communities that speak your language.
Try this:
Invest in a mentor, join a mastermind, or simply DM someone you admire and start a conversation.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Numbers
Money mindset work is cute—until you’re not making money.
I avoided spreadsheets, undercharged, and crossed my fingers that it would all “work out.” Spoiler: it didn’t.
The lesson:
If your business isn’t profitable, it’s not sustainable.
Try this:
Track your income and expenses. Set clear revenue goals. Price for value and longevity, not panic and people-pleasing.
Mistake #4: Chasing Trends, Not Alignment
Instagram gurus love to say, “Just do this one thing!”
But here’s the truth: Trends fade. Alignment lasts.
Every time I followed what everyone else was doing, I lost my spark—and my audience could feel it.
The lesson:
Your best strategy is the one that works for you—your energy, your vision, your values.
Try this:
Audit your offers and content. Ask: Does this actually feel like me? If not, don’t be afraid to change direction.
Mistake #5: Comparing Your Start to Someone’s Middle
This one almost took me out.
Watching others “succeed faster” made me question my worth, my pace, my purpose.
But comparison is a distraction. Their timeline isn’t yours.
The lesson:
You’re not behind. You’re right on time.
Try this:
Celebrate your wins. Track your progress. Measure success by your own standards, not someone else’s Instagram highlight reel.
The Takeaway? You’re Allowed to Make Mistakes—But These Are Ones You Can Avoid.
You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.
You just need clarity, alignment, and the courage to move—even if it’s slow, even if it’s messy.
Let this be your permission slip:
You’re doing better than you think. You’re building something real.
And yes, you’ve got this.
Looking for more support as you start or scale your business?
Grab my free guide, 5 AI-Powered Prompts to Build Your Brand With Ease, and start showing up with confidence, clarity, and alignment.
