Two Years On… Lessons Learnt Since Selling My Franchise Business

28 May

(and how I now apply those to continuing to build my coaching business)

Deciding to take a mandatory two-month break from all work was crucial for my sanity and recovery!
This enforced rest helped combat self-criticism about "laziness" and reduced decision fatigue.
It provided invaluable space for restoration, reflection, and genuine relaxation.

Sixteen years in a franchise creates deeply ingrained habits, processes, and mindsets.
Untangling from these required conscious effort and time, like "rewiring" my brain. Coming to terms with the fact I wasn’t feeling a constant, nagging worry was harder than you’d think!
The absence of the constant dread I had become accustomed to was a significant relief.
The specific pressures and anxieties from that time were lifted, fostering calm and control which enabled me to research and embrace new approaches and possibilities.

I know first-hand that the intensity of long-term business ownership can lead to burnout with lasting effects.
I now have a heightened awareness of early warning signs and know how important it is to prioritise my well-being.
This experience fosters deeper empathy for my current coaching clients who are facing similar challenges and enables me to provide them with a toolbox of sustainable practices.

The hard-learnt lessons from running that business are now directly applicable to my coaching business.
But I also understand the pressures, triumphs, and resilience required in business; which allows for deeper client connection and experience-based guidance.

The constant demands of my old business often relegated important things like family, friends, and leisure time.
I am now able to consciously carve out time for loved ones and fun and leisure is now a priority. A balanced, fulfilled life is my focus.

I genuinely (still!) miss the collaboration and the team I built within the franchise business.
I now know the importance of being proactive in my efforts to recreate this through networking, masterminds, and community building within the coaching profession.
These things also enable and enhance my learning and continued professional development, which is essential in order for me to be the best possible coach I can be for my clients.
All these things reinforce the importance of connection and shared experiences. Being self-employed can be lonely!

The sale of the business was undoubtedley a catalyst for significant personal growth.
By investing in coaching & training, reading and committing to a meditation practice my personal development has been transformative and is an ongoing process.
All this learning enables me to serve the clients in my coaching practice in a powerful way.

A crucial (and hard!) lesson learned is to not equate my personal worth with productivity. This is an ongoing battle I fight with myself - but I know when I practice self-compassion I actually achieve more and my self worth deepens.
My previous relentless need to always be "doing" has been replaced by an appreciation for rest, reflection, meditation and presence.

Managing Expectations: Understanding the Long Game
- Remembering the peaks and troughs of running my old business can provide me with perspective now - especially when things feel difficult.
- I am able to remind myself that growth isn't always linear. This can then serve to foster patience and resilience in navigating the inevitable ups and downs of self employment.
A New Chapter: Continuous Growth and Future Potential

Selling the franchise was a significant closing of one chapter and the opening of a fulfilling new one.
The lessons learned over the past two years are invaluable, shaping both my coaching business and the approach to life.
These lessons also enable me to support my clients with empathy, lived experience and compassion for their journeys.
For me, it's a journey of continuous growth, focusing on balance and loads of excitement for the future!