By Jen Tait, Founder, Rise Learning Group.
If I had to sum up my year in business in one word, it would be growth. Not just in numbers or revenue, but in mindset and understanding what really matters. While the journey hasn’t been perfectly smooth, it’s been full of lessons. And as all L&D practitioners know, we love a lesson.
The first, and perhaps most transformative lesson: the power of yet.
Earlier this year, straight after changes to government budget, many business owners found themselves navigating a sudden gear change. I was no different. This time last year we had our strongest pipeline ever but that changed overnight. I found myself wondering why it was taking so long to build that back up again when other business owners seemed to recover much more quickly. But then I started adding that tiny word, ‘yet’, and it changed everything. “I haven’t launched that program… yet.” “I haven’t grown the team… yet.” “I’m not at that revenue milestone… yet.”
It’s amazing how three letters can shift your perspective. Yet doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re in progress. It reminds you that growth is a journey, not a finish line. And once I started embracing that, it freed me up to notice all the other progress I’d made along the way. Once I was in that mindset, growth accelerated.
Which brings me to the second lesson: imperfect action beats perfect planning.
I’ve valued quality since childhood and have always aimed for as near to perfection as I could get. In my school work, in my personal life and in my career. This year, I learned that waiting for perfection only slows momentum. When I finally started taking imperfect action (testing, iterating, and learning as I went), I was amazed at how much forward motion I created. Clients, collaborations, and opportunities all appeared once I stopped overthinking and started moving.
The third lesson is one I think every business owner grapples with: staying in your lane.
It’s so easy to compare yourself to someone else, to mimic what looks successful on the outside. But the moment I tried to be someone I’m not, everything became harder. This year, I committed to staying true to my strengths and to the style of business that fits me. And the results were undeniable: projects felt easier, connections felt more authentic, and my work started standing out in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
Another big takeaway: growth happens in seasons, not straight lines.
Some months this year were overflowing with momentum – new clients, new offerings, new partnerships. Other months were quieter or more reflective. At first, I worried I was falling behind. But now I see those quiet seasons as essential. They were the months where ideas rooted, strategies refined, and resilience strengthened. Growth isn’t always visible, but it’s always happening.
And finally, this year reminded me that progress counts even when it’s quiet.
I used to undervalue the smaller wins, the late-night planning sessions, the tricky conversations with clients, the small tweaks that improved processes behind the scenes. But when I looked back, I realised those steps were laying the foundation for bigger successes. That’s the kind of growth that sustains you long-term.
Looking back, what stands out most is that my business didn’t just grow, it evolved. I learned to celebrate the wins I do have, rather than worrying about the ones I haven’t reached yet. And I realised that when you focus on your own journey, on your own ‘yet’, you actually move faster than when you’re constantly comparing yourself to others.
So as I step into the next year, I carry all of these lessons with me. I know there will be more challenges and more unexpected opportunities but I also know I’m ready. I’ve learned that growth isn’t about speed, it’s about consistency, intention, and showing up for yourself.
If there’s one takeaway I hope other business owners can embrace, it’s this: be patient with yourself, trust your path, and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. You’re not behind. You’re building. You’re learning. You’re becoming the business owner you were meant to be.
I have big ambitions and I’m still not quite where I want to be… yet. But with everything I’ve learned this year, I know I’m on the right path, and that the best is still ahead.
About the Author
Jen Tait is the founder of Rise Learning Group, a specialist training provider helping organisations enhance communication skills, knowledge and behaviours through tailored learning programmes.
Visit www.riselearninggroup.com to see how your teams could benefit.