Tricia Sticca recalls a pivotal moment three years ago when she embarked on her journey as a business owner. The emotions were a complex tapestry: fear, excitement, confusion, and optimism. While Tricia Sticca experienced moments of self-doubt, questioning whether to abandon her entrepreneurial dreams and return to the safety of traditional employment, she now reflects on her journey with pride as she celebrates not just one, but two successful businesses.
A crucial early decision for Tricia Sticca was to reach out to her coaching community for support and guidance. This connection proved invaluable, as she recognized the importance of having a network that fosters growth and learning. One of the individuals who responded to her call for help was John Neral, a respected executive and career transition coach. Their meeting, coinciding with her third anniversary in business, exemplified the power of community and collaboration in the entrepreneurial journey.
As Tricia Sticca reflects on the past three years, she shares ten key insights that have shaped her experience as a business owner. The first realization is profound: she has learned more about herself in these three years than in her entire life. This self-discovery is often a hallmark of entrepreneurship, as individuals are pushed to confront their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. For Tricia Sticca, this journey has been transformative, revealing layers of resilience and capability she hadn’t fully acknowledged before.
Another significant lesson Tricia Sticca emphasizes is the fallacy of perfectionism. She highlights that striving for perfection often leads to procrastination, stifling creativity and progress. By letting go of this unrealistic standard, she has been able to embrace the messy, iterative nature of building a business. This insight resonates with many entrepreneurs, who find that the pursuit of perfection can be a hindrance rather than a help.
Tricia Sticca also recognizes that every failure carries a lesson. Drawing inspiration from the phrase attributed to Ricky Bobby, she reflects on the idea that if you’re not failing, you’re not truly trying. This perspective reframes failure as a necessary stepping stone toward success. In a world where the fear of failure often looms large, Tricia Sticca’s approach encourages others to embrace their setbacks as opportunities for growth.
The analogy Tricia Sticca draws between building a business and raising children is particularly poignant. She describes entrepreneurship as the hardest yet most rewarding endeavor one can undertake. This analogy encapsulates the emotional investment involved in nurturing a business, paralleling the challenges and joys of parenthood. Just as raising children involves responsibility and love, so too does cultivating a successful business require dedication and care.
Financial adjustments have been a significant aspect of Tricia Sticca’s entrepreneurial journey. She acknowledges the sacrifices made during a substantial income shift and emphasizes that these experiences ultimately strengthened her financial acumen. The transition to entrepreneurship often necessitates changes in financial management, and Tricia Sticca’s journey exemplifies how these challenges can lead to growth and improved practices. By focusing on money management, she and her family emerged stronger and more prepared for future financial decisions.
Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals is another key lesson Tricia Sticca highlights. She credits her family, friends, and clients for being her cheerleaders during challenging times. This support network not only boosts morale but also fosters resilience, reminding entrepreneurs that they are not alone in their struggles. Tricia Sticca’s emphasis on community underscores the idea that shared experiences and encouragement can be vital to sustaining motivation.
Through her entrepreneurial endeavors, Tricia Sticca also recognized gaps in her knowledge, particularly in areas like marketing. Although initially daunting, this realization opened the door to learning opportunities. Embracing the discomfort of the unknown has allowed her to acquire new skills and knowledge, enriching her business acumen. This willingness to learn, even in areas outside her comfort zone, is a testament to her growth mindset.
Conversely, Tricia Sticca discovered the depth of her existing expertise through her years of professional experience. With three decades in various roles, she found that she possessed a wealth of skills in business development, relationship management, and mindset mastery. This recognition not only boosted her confidence but also positioned her to inspire and guide others, often without realizing the impact of her contributions.
As a business owner, Tricia Sticca values the freedom to create her own rules. She encourages fellow entrepreneurs to reject external expectations and to forge their own paths. The idea that “you do you” resonates strongly in her narrative, reflecting a fundamental truth about entrepreneurship: adaptability and authenticity are essential. When faced with challenges, the ability to pivot and recalibrate is a crucial skill that can lead to success.
Looking ahead, Tricia Sticca’s vision of retirement has evolved. She expresses a desire to continue her work, fueled by a deep sense of purpose and passion. This revelation reinforces the notion that when individuals find what they love, they can transcend traditional concepts of work and retirement. For Tricia Sticca, her entrepreneurial journey is not just a career but a calling, embodying the potential for a joyful and fulfilling life.
Tricia Sticca’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Her journey illustrates the importance of self-discovery, community support, resilience in the face of failure, and the freedom to define one’s own path. As she continues to navigate her dual business ventures, Tricia Sticca stands as a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one’s passion. Her insights inspire others to embrace their journeys, cultivate their strengths, and find fulfillment in the entrepreneurial spirit.
