Here’s how 2022 kicked my ass…

Here’s How 2022 Kicked My Ass…

And just like that - a New Year is underway.

What was supposed to be a long and languishing break went by in a blink of an eye.

I did my best to be true to my word and what I shared with you all before our collective downtime - I attempted to rest, digest, and reflect. Rest, I can’t lie, is the hardest one for me. I like projects, being in motion, and getting things done. But while I cranked through work for a few days (thanks to an unexpected snowstorm sending my production plans astray), I mostly put that energy towards a slightly rage-fueled edit of my kid's toys, their closet, and?knitted like crazy. I managed to whip out 3 beanies in just one week which definitely brought me and the recipients of those beanies some major joy.

I did better at digesting. I cooked and ate SO much over the holiday, because it is my favorite way to unwind and experience the world. We traveled to Portland and ate our way through one of my favorite cities and got to catch up with a few of my favorite people and clients along the way as well. It truly was hard to go home. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend a trip to PDX.

Which brings me to the reflecting.

And let me tell you, there was a lot of it.

2022 was a year for the books - and not all in the best of ways.

In many ways, I feel like I got my ass handed to me repeatedly last year, particularly on the business side of my life. The personal side took some hard hits as well. But as I come out the other side of it, these are the 5 biggest lessons that came through from all that I lived through and learned from alongside my team:

Number 1: Trust your gut.?

It’s one of the best tools you’ll ever have in life and in business. If something or someone doesn’t feel right or aligned with you and what you believe in, ask questions and listen accordingly. There have been too many times I wish I could go back on because my gut was right all along.

Number 2: Life is too short to work with shitty people.?

Listen when people show you who they are and what they stand for. If they have terrible boundaries, are overly demanding, and are ungrateful, they don’t deserve your time. There are always other amazing people out there (whether they be employees or clients) but in order to say yes to them you need to say no to people who suck your time and energy. Life is short - spend it with people who you like doing work you love.

Number 3: You don’t have to do it all.?

There is a myth out there for female founders, especially those of us that are mothers that we have to do it all. This is straight-up bullshit. Every high-ranking woman I know is able to perform at her highest level because she has a talented team of humans helping her along the way. Stay in your zone of genius, delegate what doesn’t bring you joy, and partner with other people that lift you up along the way.

Number 4: Invest in your team.?

You will find the support you need when you show that you’re committed to helping others grow. Hire people who you believe will be with you for the long run and invest in them accordingly. Nothing is more gratifying than the growth of your team leading to the growth of your company.

Number 5: Don’t give up.?

There were countless times in 2022 when I wanted to quit, but some combination of faith, fearlessness, and fucking hating the idea of failing kept me going. Ultimately both choices - to quit and to keep going - are incredibly hard. The difference between those of us who succeed and those that fail? We just didn’t give up.

Curious to know - what did 2022 teach you???

Was it the best year yet or one you’re more than ready to put in the rearview?

As always, I’d love to hear from you.

Happy New Year, y’all.?

- Madeline