46 Things I’ve Learned in Business and Life

As I celebrate my birthday this December, I reflect on the experiences, challenges, and victories that have shaped my journey. Turning 46 feels like a milestone, not just in years but in wisdom gained this past year alone.

One of the great things about having a birthday in December, around the holidays and towards the end of the year, is I get to do all of my reflection and resetting at once. And, since I am celebrating my 46th birthday this December, I want to share with you 46 Things Life and Business Have Taught Me.

I hope I can share and pass on these lessons and wisdom to my daughters. As a parent, one of my most important roles is to share wisdom and life lessons to my children. In the ever-evolving world of business and the complexities of life, there are numerous insights and principles that I want to share with them. These lessons go beyond the desk in my office and touch on the essential aspects of personal growth, relationships, and navigating the challenges of the world.

Here are 46 things I’ve learned about business and life that I hope will serve as a guide for you and my daughters as they journey through life.

1. You are not defined by a number: Whether it’s the number on the scale, your jeans, GPA, or your followers on social media. You are so much more than that.
2. I can’t tell you enough how tired you’ll be: Learn to rest and recharge. You are not LAZY if you want to sit on the coach and watch TV or need to order Door Dash! Rest is essential for productivity and well-being.
3. Integrity: Always act with honesty and integrity, even when others don’t.
4. Empathy: Understand and connect with people on a deeper level. Empathy is a powerful tool in both business and life.
5. Continuous Learning: Never stop learning. Knowledge is your greatest asset.
6. Setting Goals: Set clear, achievable goals and work towards them.
7. Time Management: Master time management to maximize productivity and balance.
8. Stop looking at what other people are doing : Stop comparing yourself to others. Remember Instagram is a highlight reel.
9. Confidence: Believe in yourself. Confidence is a key driver of success.
10. Don’t seek outside validation from anyone: You are so worthy. Always remember you are so worthy, don’t let anyone make you feel less than.
11. Failure Is a Stepping Stone: Failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone to success.
12. Creativity: Cultivate your creativity. It’s a valuable asset in problem-solving.
13. Trust your intuition: That gut feeling, that’s real.
14. Leadership: Be a leader who inspires and empowers others. Be a leader who builds others up.
15. Adaptability: Be flexible and open to new ideas and approaches.
16. Respect Differences: Respect diverse perspectives and cultures.
17. Mental Health Matters: Prioritize mental health and seek help when needed.
18. Healthy Lifestyle: Take care of your physical well-being.
19. Kindness: Always choose kindness in your interactions with others.
20. You can’t please everyone, so stop trying: You’ll end up losing yourself along the way
21. Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude; it brings joy and contentment.
22. Effective Communication: Learn to express yourself clearly and listen actively.
23. Patience: Great things often take time to materialize. Be patient.
24. Risk-Taking: Calculated risks can lead to great rewards. My favorite quote is, ” Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines! Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover!”
25. Independence: Foster your independence while valuing collaboration.
26. Resilience: Learn to bounce back from setbacks. They’re part of life’s journey.
27. Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your actions and decisions.
28. Conflict Resolution: Learn to resolve conflicts constructively.
29. Purpose: Discover your purpose; it will drive your passion. But if you don’t know right now, that’s ok. You might not know until later in life.
30. Admit Mistakes: Don’t be afraid to admit when you’re wrong.
31. Financial Independence: Strive to be financially independent and savvy. You don’t need to rely on a man or anyone financially.
32. Learn from Failure: Failure is a lesson. Live and learn.
33. Lifelong Friendships: Nurture and cherish true friendships.
34. You will hurt your back sneezing. Don’t take your health and body for granite. Know how strong you are. One of the most important things I have learned is to learn to love yourself now. Appreciate yourself and your body.
35. Travel: Explore the world. Travel, Dream, Discover!
36. Hobbies: Pursue hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.
37. Resilient Mindset: Develop a resilient mindset to overcome adversity.
38. Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to seek help when facing challenges.
39. Boundaries: Set healthy boundaries in relationships.
40. Networking: Build and nurture a strong network of relationships. It can open doors you never imagined.
41. Adventures in Learning: Never stop exploring new interests and passions.
42. Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and your friend and families achievements.
43. Forgiveness: Learn to forgive. But don’t let anyone get comfortable constantly walking all over you.
44. Legacy: Consider the legacy you want to leave behind.
45. Love unconditionally and cherish your friends and family.
46. Enjoy the Journey. Life is about the journey, not just the destination. Enjoy every step along the way.

After looking back and writing these lessons down, I realized I hope to instill these lessons in my daughters now so that they will always know their worth.

To my amazing daughters, I hope you take these lessons to heart and use them as guiding principles as you navigate the complexities of the world. Remember that your journey in both business and life is uniquely yours, and I’m here to support and love you every step of the way.

My wish to everyone is to always remember to take care of yourself and know that life is fleeting. I am still growing, learning, and evolving and I welcome it with open arms.

Cheers to another healthy and vibrant year my friends.

What have you learned this past year? Which life or business lessons above resonates with you the most?

Nikki Lanigan

Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast