Here's the thing: becoming qualified

I once read a quote either by or about Tony Blair, the gist of which was “The irony of being prime minister is that you’re more qualified for the job at the end of your term than at the beginning.”

It struck me as true, but kind of true of all jobs. True of running a business, buying a house, parenting and more.

You’re better at changing nappies when your kids don’t need them anymore than when you put that very first nappy on.

You’re more qualified to negotiate on house prices on your second house than on your first.

You’re better able to decide how much stock to order in your tenth year than in your first. (Note: I said tenth year. Not second. Not fifth. It takes a while.)

We learn by doing. And even if you think all you’re doing is making mistakes and holding it together by the skin of your teeth, you’re learning.

You’re learning how to design, prototype and launch a product. You’re learning how to stand up for what you need and want. You’re learning how to market yourself, and what works best for you.

It’s not easy, all this learning. And it’s certainly not always fun.

I have days where I just want to know everything without having to go through the process. But, like everything, the only way out is through. And I’m learning to trust that the longer it takes for me to learn something, the better it’ll stick. And that if something’s worth learning, it’s worth really learning through experience.

So here’s the thing:

One day, you’re going to be really qualified to live your life and run your business. I will tell you now: that day will be at the end. And at that point, you won’t want to do it anymore, because it’ll be boring.

Why will it be boring? Because you won’t be learning anymore.

We love learning, secretly. We’re motivated by it. It keeps things interesting, all the newness. Think about that moment when you have a new idea, and you can see the potential and you’re just itching to get started. That’s the motivation to learn, to find out what happens when you create this new thing. We want to experience what it’s like to do this one thing, to find out what it feels like and looks like and sounds like. It’s so fun!

Another thing: no one is more qualified than you to run your business.

(I talk about the comparison trap a lot, but that’s because we need reminding a lot.)

Some people may have experience in certain areas that make it easier for them to run a business. For example, my experience at notonthehighstreet.com has given me insight into online selling that has allowed me to jump right into mentoring clients. Not everyone has that, and it has made it easier for me.

Someone else may have worked in retail their entire careers, so when they set up their own business, it seems like they know how this whole thing works. They’re more experienced in certain areas that are helpful for them.

But you? You have experience and expertise in areas that are right for you. You’re learning where there are gaps and how to fill them.

Perhaps you have more experience designing, or keeping track of your expenses, or writing about your products. You don’t need to know it all. You can’t know it all.

You’re learning.

And every day, you’re more qualified.

Jx