The last six weeks have been the busiest ever for STUDY 34 and combining them with a new role for the first time, as a knitwear lecturer at Northumbria University, has certainly proved a challenge… and has required a lot of prioritising.
STUDY 34 will always be a work in progress and as the end of another year approaches, it’s a good time to reflect on the last 12 months and plan for the next.
While every year brings its own unique challenges, what I invariably conclude every December is just how important it is to enjoy the process of learning that comes with running a small business.
Goals are a moving target.
They will never stand still, so finding happiness in the pursuit of them is more important than ever in order to keep going.
STUDY 34 stand at Country Living Harrogate
If I’ve learnt anything from the past few years it’s that you never know what – or indeed who – is around the corner. And your goals, your knowledge, your perspective and your business are constantly evolving as a result. And while this uncertainty frustrated me when I first started STUDY 34, I have learnt to find comfort and excitement in this continual state of change.
It doesn’t make the lows less painful or the risks less difficult, but brings a lightness, stemming from a foundation of self belief carefully compiled over the years.
Some of the things I’ve learnt, and am still learning, since starting STUDY 34 are:
- Dealing with both success and failure in a healthy and purposeful manner.
- Understanding where my skills lie and where I need to learn, while accepting I can’t and won’t be good at everything.
- Understanding that I will have to try new things regularly, and often far outside my comfort zone, in order to move forward and grow.
- And realising at some point, I accidentally got used to doing these things.
That is why it’s so important to enjoy the journey that comes with running a business. Because really, it’s a journey with yourself.
In 2019 I will take a step back from this blog, all in the name of prioritising! But I look forward to keeping you up to date with STUDY 34 as the new year unfolds.
Wishing you all a very happy end to 2018,
E
Press
Luxe Magazine, December 2018 Issue
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