5 Lessons From My First Year (and a bit) in Business

Starting a business is often painted as the dream: freedom, fulfilment, flexibility. And yes, there are moments that feel like that. But the truth? It’s also one of the steepest learning curves you’ll ever experience.

When I look back over my first year and three months as The Solo Coach, I can honestly say it’s been the toughest and most rewarding chapter of my life so far. There have been sleepless nights, crippling doubts, moments of burnout… alongside wins that have left me buzzing with pride and gratitude.

So, in the spirit of sharing openly (with my former self in mind as much as anyone else), here are the five biggest lessons I’ve learned so far.

And for all the podcast fans out there, check out episode 29 of The Solo Coach Podcast, for a deeper explanation of all of the below.

1. Your Results Echo Your Identity

No matter what tools, strategies or step-by-step processes you adopt, the biggest factor in your business success is you.

I’ve learned that people pick up on your self-belief more than your pitch, your website, or your marketing materials. When I’ve walked into a networking event feeling confident and proud of what I do, others have felt it too. And the opposite is also true: when I’ve doubted myself, clients have been harder to attract.

The real work is often internal. It’s often said that the “best investment, is an investment in yourself”. Growing in self-belief, tackling doubts head-on, and showing up with quiet confidence is one of the most powerful things you can do for your business. And speaking of investments…

2. It’s Easier to Spend Money Than Earn It

In the early days, I felt like everyone I met had something to sell me — websites, branding, courses, CRMs, you name it. Many offers were genuinely valuable, but saying yes to everything would have drained my limited funds quickly.

What I’ve learned is this: just because something looks like an “investment” doesn’t mean it’s right for right now. It’s okay to pause, reflect, and sleep on decisions before committing. In fact, it might save you thousands in the long run.

Spend intentionally. The best investments are the ones that serve your stage of business today, not the shiny promises of tomorrow.

3. Don’t Be Too Quick to Burn the Boats

There’s a romantic idea about quitting your job and going “all in” on your business. For some people, it works. For me, it brought intense financial pressure that eventually led to burnout.

When I had a part-time role alongside building The Solo Coach, I slept better, invested wisely, and grew steadily. When I tried to rely solely on coaching income, the rollercoaster became brutal.

If you’re starting out, consider a hybrid or portfolio approach. Having multiple streams of income doesn’t make you less committed — it makes you more resilient. Of course, this approach isn’t for everyone, and I’m not trained or qualified to give financial advice! But in my experience, having different eggs in different baskets, has served me better than having a single egg in a single basket… If you get my drift!

4. There’s Nothing Like When It All Comes Together

For all the challenges, nothing compares to the moment when a client says “yes” — especially when they’re your ideal client. That first handshake, that first invoice paid, that first glowing testimonial… it’s magic.

Those moments make all the hard work worthwhile. They remind you why you started. They’re proof that your dream isn’t just possible — it’s happening.

So when they come, savour them. They might be rare at first, but they matter more than you realise. It’s so easy to move on and focus on “what’s next” when it seems like there’s a to-do list towering over you. And once more, it can feel self-centred or shallow, to celebrate one’s wins (and patting yourself on the back is just weird, right!?).

However, I’m here to tell you that acknowledging yourself for your achievements, and savouring the moment when it happens, is essential for survival. Because as a solopreneur, sometimes you have to be your own team, manager and cheerleader!

5. This Too Shall Pass

The highs, the lows, the uncertainty — none of it lasts forever. Business is seasonal, just like life.

The tough times feel endless when you’re in them, but they pass. The wins feel incredible, but they pass too. What remains is the consistency, persistence, and the seeds you’ve planted along the way.

Keeping this perspective has helped me weather storms, celebrate wins without complacency, and keep moving forward.

Final Reflections

My first 15 months in business have been raw, real, and relentless. But they’ve also been deeply rewarding.

If you’re starting out — or already deep in your own business journey — I hope some of these lessons save you a little heartache, or at least remind you that you’re not alone in the struggle.

To anyone reading this who’s building something of their own: here’s to your journey, your growth, and your success. And remember — whatever you’re facing right now, this too shall pass.

You’ve got this, I believe in you.

- David
The Solo Coach