15 years.... WOW!

15 Things I’ve Learned About Myself After 15 Years as an Entrepreneur

Fifteen years ago, I took the leap. I didn’t have a perfect plan. I didn’t know exactly how it would go. But I knew two things:

I wanted to help people, and I was willing to work for it.

Fifteen years later, here’s what I’ve learned —

about business, yes — but more importantly, about myself.

1. I’m stronger than I think.

Not just physically (though yes, that too). Emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually. I’ve carried things I thought would break me, and kept going anyway.

2. I know how to pivot—again and again.

Life and business are never linear. When something doesn’t work, I’ve learned to change direction without shame.

3. Things are easy… until they’re not.

Sometimes you’re cruising. Sometimes everything feels hard. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong — it just means you’re growing.

4. Don’t believe the statistics.

The stats will tell you that most businesses fail. That people over 50 slow down. That women can’t build muscle in menopause. I’ve never subscribed to that narrative — and neither should you.

5. When all else fails: pivot harder.

I’ve rebranded, restarted, relocated, and rebuilt more times than I can count. Each time, I got closer to what really mattered.

6. I know when to say “enough is enough.”

There is power in walking away. From clients, programs, partnerships, even ideas that no longer serve you. That’s not quitting. That’s wisdom.

7. The size of your bank account does not define your success.

Fulfillment, freedom, and impact are far better metrics. I’ve learned to chase alignment — not just income.

8. Changing someone’s life is a feeling words can’t describe.

Every time a client tells me she feels strong again, or confident for the first time in years — I remember why I started.

9. Watching someone else achieve the improbable beats doing it yourself.

Helping someone believe in themselves is a reward that never gets old. Their wins feel like mine.

10. You can run a successful business and still put yourself and your family first.

Burnout is not a badge of honor. I’ve built boundaries that protect both my mission and my peace.

11. My opinion is the only one that truly matters.

At the end of the day, I have to live with my choices. So I’ve learned to trust my gut and lead from it.

12. Boundaries are everything—and they’re not selfish.

Saying no is one of the most generous things I can do for myself and for others. It creates space for the things that truly matter.

13. Growth is rarely comfortable—but always worth it.

Nothing I’ve achieved came from playing it safe, always stretching myself, researching and learning new things.

14. Rest is productive. Hustle isn’t the only gear.

I’ve stopped glorifying the grind. The best ideas come when I slow down long enough to hear them.

15. I built this. And I’d do it all over again.

Even the messy parts. Especially the messy parts. They taught me who I am.

Fifteen years in, and not slowing down.. There are more pivots in my future for sure.

If you’re walking your own path — in business, wellness, or life —

I hope this gives you permission to trust yourself, pivot boldly, and keep going.

Because you’re stronger than you think, too.

Deb Peters: Deb Peters Coaching: Established June 2010