My 12 Key Learnings from 2023

As we enter 2024, I sit here with a warm cup of coffee at Finegan & Son in Newry, reflecting on the 2023 rollercoaster. It was a year filled with a mix of excitement and self-doubt, teaching me some tough but valuable lessons.

I learned that business success isn't just about having a good plan. It’s about being able to adapt and change when things get tough.

Last year had its fair share of challenges. My business website went down because I couldn’t afford the updates, and my personal website was hacked, which was really frustrating.

If it weren't for the support I received from communities such as the British and Irish Trading Alliance (BITA) and The Growth B2B Network , I would have quit and walked away from it all.

As I share my '12 Key Learnings from 2023' with you, I aim to recount my journey and offer you a lens through which to view your own challenges and aspirations.

Working for yourself is challenging, but we can achieve the impossible together by sharing and learning.

1) Resilience and Reinvention

In 2023, I encountered a significant challenge in my business coaching career. Despite my 20 years of experience, the crowded market of coaches made it tough to stand out, really testing my resilience.

It was a year filled with learning and transformation. I had to adapt my approach and rethink my coaching path, which pushed me to my limits.

While I had enough marketing consulting work, I thrive on human interaction and really struggle with social isolation.

Then came an unexpected opportunity at the Southern Regional College, where I was given the opportunity to teach international business and digital marketing. This role rekindled my sense of purpose and allowed me to share my experience meaningfully, preventing me from getting lost in the solitude of being a self employed online business coach.

Reflecting on the past year, I've learned to embrace life's unpredictability and the value of being open to new opportunities, even outside of coaching.

I share my story not just as a personal account but in the hope that it might inspire others facing similar challenges.

Here's to embracing the lessons, overcoming obstacles, and discovering the unexpected paths that guide us to where we're meant to be.

2) Nurture Existing Relationships

I was reminded in 2023 of the importance of building strong, positive relationships with my existing clients and partners. It also reminded me that people value how we treat them more than are qualifications or expertise and the that:

? Relationships are more important than experience.

? Relationships hold more weight than skills.

? Relationships outshine qualifications.

? Relationships eclipse awards.

Jim Rohn refers to this as "Enlightened Self-Interest." It's the idea that helping others and building trust is good for everyone involved.

This way of thinking really improves how we interact with people and helps us reach our goals.

3) Attending In-Person Business Events Is A Worthwhile Investment

I’ve faced many challenges in 2023, but I still attended in-person business networking events across Ireland and the UK.

I take particular pride in my involvement with the British and Irish Trading Alliance (BITA) Dublin board. Collaboratively, we organise events that create real value for our members and connections in both countries.

Each conversation and meeting offers chances for learning, creating partnerships, and encouraging mutual growth. This insight has become key to how I approach networking and building relationships in the business world.

Listening to diverse speakers also enhanced my understanding of the challenges we face in today world, reinforcing the idea that working together is key to building a sustainable future for everyone.

4) Strengthening Local Connections

I'm sincerely grateful to Graeme Finegan for his unwavering support and sponsorship of The Growth B2B Network events. Our network isn't just about networking; it's a collective effort to enhance and support the success of local small businesses.

Looking back on the past year, I deeply appreciate the support from our community. I'm committed to contributing to their growth and supporting our member businesses. Their backing has been a key part of my journey as I move into 2024.

5) Learning To Say No To More People

Last year, I made a conscious effort to slow down and be more mindful of my decisions. This shift in mindset helped me prioritise my well-being and taught me the importance of saying 'no' to things that don't align with my goals.

This follows a period of burnout in 2022, which served as a crucial reminder of the true value of time. It's more than a commodity; it's a precious asset that deserves careful consideration.

This experience led me to a more selective approach, focusing on truly beneficial engagements. It's not about being overly strict but about understanding the power of saying 'no.' Each interaction now is chosen for its potential to impact my personal and professional life positively.

Embracing the art of saying 'no' highlighted the importance of setting boundaries. It's essential to find a balance between professional commitments and personal well-being. Not every opportunity that comes my way is pursued, but those chosen align more with my goals and values.

I'm grateful for this experience as it has enabled me to make more thoughtful decisions and lead a more fulfilling life.

6) Distancing Myself From Drama

In 2023, I faced some challenging situations. Instead of getting involved, I chose to step away from the negativity.

I always remember something Seanie Myler , a Performance Coach, said during a coaching session: "Martin, what's more important to you, your character or reputation?" This question was a game-changer for me.

Realising the significance of this was freeing. We can't control others' opinions of us (our reputation), but we can manage our actions (our character). That's my focus for 2024.

7) Mindset Matters

Last year really put my mental health, resilience, and adaptability to the test, what with all the setbacks and a tough business climate.

It was dead easy to slip into negative thoughts, so I turned to meditation whenever I felt that way. Daily affirmations were part of my routine too.

These affirmations were like a guiding light on the rough days, steering me back to believing in myself and my purpose.

This approach has greatly impacted my mental well-being and helped me maintain an optimistic mindset. It's also been great for making sound decisions and staying steady through the ups and downs of business.

It's helped me move from being weighed down by negative thoughts to feeling more positive and resilient.

8) Health Matters

I’ve had the horrible stomach issues these last eight or nine months with a sudden onset of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), which really takes a toll on my energy and overall well-being.

In my quest to find relief and improve my health, I researched and experimented with various diets. I have done KETO at different points in my life and seen tremendous benefits combining it with intermittent fasting.

Despite the debates around red meat, this carnivore diet significantly improved my gut symptoms. It turned out to be a real game-changer for me.

Adopting the Keto Carnivore approach, focusing on high-fat, low-carb foods and quality meats, revitalised my energy and mental clarity.

9) The Need To Spend More Time In Nature

I’ve always been fond of the great outdoors. Fishing is my go-to on weekends, but I dedicate an hour to walking in nature daily.

This daily ritual has become more than just a stroll; it's my time to unwind from the day’s chaos. It's an opportunity for reflection and gaining perspective, crucial for recharging and staying focused.

10) Embracing New Skills Through Teaching

While I’ve been involved in corporate training and public speaking for years, teaching has uniquely enhanced my communication skills.

Teaching demands clarity, patience, and a knack for simplifying complex concepts. These abilities, honed in the classroom, have greatly improved how I handle business interactions.

It underscores how embracing new roles and skills can be pivotal for growth, offering insights and competencies that enrich more than just our immediate professional responsibilities.

11) Collaboration Trumps Competition

I've discovered the immense power of partnering with individuals whose skills and experiences complement mine. Moving from a competition mindset has significantly strengthened my business.

By actively seeking partnerships, I've accessed vast knowledge and expertise, leading to more solid, creative, and effective solutions than I could have achieved alone.

This shift towards collaboration has been transformative beyond business success; it's also been a journey of personal growth. It's taught me the importance of openness, mutual respect, and the dynamic results that arise when people come together to merge their strengths and ideas.

12) Staying Grounded

The final insight from my '12 Key Learnings of 2023' is about staying grounded – a principle that's been crucial to my growth this year.

Throughout 2023, humility and being grounded have been my anchors amid various changes in my business and life. It's shaped how I interact with others, from building relationships in business to teaching students.

It reminds me that true success involves continuous learning, being open to feedback, and appreciating the contributions of others.

Charting a Bold Course for Success in 2024

As we kick off 2024, I can't help but look back on how last year put me through my paces, teaching me priceless lessons in adaptability, resilience, and the crucial need to stick to my core values.?

One thing I've learnt above all else is that our most significant growth often springs from the most unexpected places. So as we dive into this new year, I urge you to welcome change, chase your dreams, and remember that every small step is still progress.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here's to making 2024 a year of daring moves, thrilling adventures, and major strides in business.

Let's make this a year to look back on with pride – not just dreaming big but taking concrete steps to make those dreams a reality.

Here's to a year of making it all happen!