I know exactly what I would do differently. Looking back is not about regret. It is about the clear picture you earn after ten years in the trenches. If I could go back to day one, these are the shifts I would have made to get where I am a whole lot faster.

🦩 I Would Have Gotten Over My Feelings and Advocated for Myself

(Because waiting for permission is a waste of time)

I spent far too long worrying about who was not supporting me instead of pouring that effort into my craft. I let quiet doubts and imagined opinions take up space that should have been reserved for growth. I would have taken myself seriously a long time ago. I would not have just “hoped” others would see my value before I did. I would have set my eyes on the future instead of coasting through what felt comfortable at the time. I would have gotten over my insecurities and just gone for it.

🦩 I Would Have Planned Much Further Ahead

If I could start over, I would have mapped out a one year, five year and ten year plan for my business. Not because everything goes exactly according to the script, but because having a direction changes how you show up every single day. I would have made decisions with intention instead of reaction. I would have worked toward something instead of just “working.” Planning does not box you in. It gives you something to aim for.

🦩 I Would Have Invested in My Own Brain Sooner

I would have taken the classes earlier. I would have read the books that promoted real business skills. I would have asked the “dumb” questions without apologizing for them. I waited too long to believe that learning was worth paying for. I waited too long to trust that my skills had real value. And I definitely waited too long to feel comfortable asking for money in exchange for them. If I could do it again, I would invest in myself on day one.

🦩 I Would Have Stayed Consistent (Even when it was boring)

Consistency is the unglamorous part of building something meaningful. If I could start again, I would have stayed consistent in my goals even when the results felt slow. I would have shown up even when it felt like no one was watching or when family life was overwhelming. Consistency compounds. I know that now.

I also would have built my own brand before building everyone else’s. I poured into clients with everything I had before creating that same sustainability for myself. That is a major thing I would change.

🦩 I Would Have Gotten Wiser with the Money

(Peace of mind is part of the profit)

I would have talked to a financial advisor much earlier. I would have learned how to value my company fairly, plan for the taxes and create a realistic path toward retirement. Not because money is everything, but because peace of mind matters. Understanding your finances does not limit your creativity. It supports it.

🦩 It All Comes Down to the Timeline

All of these choices would have put me years ahead of where I am. They would have set my family up with more stability sooner. But here is the reality: I do not have it all figured out today either. If you asked me this same question next year, I would probably add to the list. Business is a learning process that never ends.

That is exactly why this company is called A Swing & A Sway. It leaves room for grace. It allows for course correction. It acknowledges the face plants and the growth that follows them. It reminds me that progress is never linear. If I could do this all over again, I would. I would just do it with more confidence.

Maybe that is the real lesson. It is not about wishing for a restart. It is about choosing to move forward with the clear direction you have earned. If you are earlier in this journey than I am, here is your permission to take yourself seriously right now. You do not need to wait.

Start where you are. Let’s Build Something Bold together.

Talk soon,
L