7 Things Entrepreneurship Has Taught Me

On July 10, 2017, Your GPS Doc, LLC was incorporated as a business entity. This year marks seven years and I could not be more excited! As I approach my 8th year in business, I have been reflecting on the many lessons entrepreneurship has provided. I am a better person than I was seven years ago and it is largely because of my entrepreneurial journey. In honor of my 7th business birthday, I'd love to share 7 lessons with you.

1. Your purpose is not solely defined by your vocation.

I have wanted to be a pediatrician since I was 8 years old. I truly loved caring for and connecting with my patients, talking with parents, teaching students and residents, and serving as a medical director. I was made to be a pediatrician, but that’s not all I was made to be. My transition to health advocacy, professional speaking and healthcare consulting has been incredibly rewarding. I was made for this work as well.

2. Our life experiences often provide clues for how we are to impact the world.

Our lives give us clues. Helping to care for my late father completely transformed how I saw the healthcare system and the importance of being able to navigate the healthcare system and advocate for yourself in medical settings. I am eternally grateful that this experience led to the creation of Your GPS Doc .

3. Done is better than perfect. (Thank you, Sheryl Sandberg .)

As a physician, perfectionism was engrained in my training. If I'm being completely honest, it was already part of my personality, even before medicine. It's part of being a high-achiever. Perfectionism is the thief of innovation and the fuel for inaction. Taking imperfect action and making micro decisions that move the needle forward are imperative in business and in life.

4. Unlearning is as important as learning.

In order to be a successful entrepreneur I have had to unlearn many of the thoughts, beliefs and action patterns that made me a successful physician. Ditching perfectionism, risk adversity and the need for a clear roadmap ahead has been invaluable. I have also had to unlearn many of the things I thought I knew about our healthcare system and accept some difficult truths about the disparate care we provide to members of marginalized communities.

5. Don’t underestimate the need for community.

When you start out as a solopreneur, it’s easy to be so laser-focused on building your business that you isolate yourself from others. There are no coworkers; no “water cooler conversations.” You can become consumed with your own thoughts at the expense of insight from others. I am incredibly thankful for Dr. Terri MD , my accountability partner, Maiysha Clairborne MD , my biz bestie, and countless friends and family members for their wisdom, guidance and love.

6. Productivity requires rest.

I am recently discovering the power that is derived from rest. (Thank you, Tricia Hersey .) I used to think my productivity was rooted in long to-do lists and a series of accomplishments. I now recognize that I am my best when I take time to read, laugh, explore nature, enjoy quality time with loved ones, listen to great music, eat good food, and sleep.

7. God is the CEO of my life and my business.

None of this would be possible without my Lord and Savior. I remain in awe of the opportunities I’ve had to share my perspective, engage with others, change hearts and minds, and influence meaningful change. I sit at tables with CEOs of large corporations. My name is literally spoken in rooms I don’t occupy. I am truly grateful.

Thank you for supporting me and my company, Your GPS Doc for the last 7 years! If you are looking for a dynamic speaker or healthcare consultant I invite you to learn more at www.yourgpsdoc.com.

Here’s to a bright future grounded in a commitment to ensure everyone has access to high-quality, equitable medical care!