What I'm sharing today applies to every tough situation we find ourselves in. It works like a charm especially with my target audience – new managers, emerging leaders.

In those difficult moments, we're often consumed by thoughts like:

"This is so hard!"

"Why me?"

"This is unfair!"

"Why can't I have a break?"

"What was I thinking? I don't need this."

Regardless of whether that situation was our choice or not, there's something we can do that completely changes how we see it. Most importantly, it shifts our energy from frustration to focus—toward finding a way through.

Let me give you a real-life example:

starting an online business at 48 can feel both exciting and scary. I know because I've been walking this path myself. Today, I'd like to share with you what this journey looks like—the realities I face daily and the incredible mindset shift that keeps me going.

The Challenges: It's HARD

I'm a solopreneur

Let's start with the obvious—I'm a team of one. That means I'm responsible for everything, from big-picture decisions to the smallest technical details.

This was quite a shock because, as corporate director, I had all the resources at my disposal.

High-level decisions? Let's talk them through with my colleagues and my team.

Tough legal case? Bring in the best lawyers.

Tech glitch? The IT guy is already on it.  

Now? It's me. Every call, every solution, every mistake. I had to create a whole new system and support network to replace what I once took for granted.

I had to learn the right business model, writing, video, lead gen, AI…

Value ladder or single offer?

Course, community, or coaching?

Short video or long-form content?

Writing or video?

What platform to focus on?

Software for running a business?

Even writing this gives me goosebumps—a lot of decisions to make. Important ones. But that's just the beginning.

Entering the online space means mastering skills I never thought I'd touch—writing engaging content and copy, filming and editing videos, creating lead generation funnels and offers, diving into AI-driven tools…

I've spent countless hours watching tutorials, taking courses, listening to podcasts…and frankly, oftentimes just feeling totally lost in the technical jargon.

I started with zero followers, zero clients

After more than two decades in the Real Estate industry, you know it inside out. People know you. You have a reputation and an undeniable track record.

In the education industry, starting completely fresh meant no immediate credibility or audience. The silence can be deafening at first. Every follower and client feels like a monumental achievement because it proves I'm finally being heard after months of consistent effort.

I had to build a brand-new network

One cold realization was that 90% of the network I'd been building my whole professional career didn't mean a thing anymore.

Because changing from real estate to coaching was like moving to a new country without knowing anyone. It meant starting conversations from scratch, reaching out to strangers, and rebuilding trust and relationships. It's slow work that demands patience and resilience.

I was back at step one

This was particularly challenging because I had to accept that my previous professional success in real estate didn't automatically translate to the education industry. At all. Most people I'm serving now couldn't care less about my RE achievements.

In other words, that means they don't care about 20+ years of my work.

100 gurus shouting different advice

Online business is noisy. Everyone's selling their method. I've taken courses, read books, and binge-watched videos. And not one guru follows the same path. Not to mention, not one went through the same things I did.

So what do you do?

I had to dig deep. What do I want? Why am I doing this? Once I got clear on that, I started building my own strategy—taking bits and pieces that made sense and ignoring the rest.

Platforms change their rules constantly

Photos? No, stories. Wait— carousels! Or shorts, TikTok style?

But don't neglect long form; you know, high quality, fancy editing, lots of B-roll, and infographic. You have to keep the audience, right?

Guess what? Try 3-minute shorts! Don't forget tags! And hashtags!

What? The reach is down? Video view is counted differently now?

We're in "Lazy mode" now? Hashtags don't matter? Tags are irrelevant?

Allow me an obvious question: How can you not get a headache?!

I could go on with this and make it a book. Because it is hard. What will get you through? A very strong WHY is good to have. Discipline, resilience, and patience are good to have. And one small but significant mindset shift: I GET TO DO THIS.

The Opportunities: I GET TO DO THIS

I get to build something of my own

Every morning, I remind myself that I'm creating something completely mine. The pride and satisfaction I feel after a productive day and satisfied client far outweigh the fatigue. It's gratifying to know that every success and lesson learned comes directly from my own decisions and actions.

One significant note: I didn't start this business to be a solopreneur forever. This business is scalable, and when the time comes, I'll build myself a team.  

I get to learn new skills

Yes, the learning curve is steep—but that means growth. I've gained skills I never imagined I could master. Each new skill, like video editing or using AI, broadens my capabilities and boosts my confidence. Learning has become a joy rather than a chore.

And people eventually recognize your work.

"I love your vids!"

"I like your style!"

"I appreciate your content!"

"Thanks for the great tip!"

I'm living proof that new skills put your expertise in front of a new audience. And part of that audience becomes your clientele.

I get to earn new followers and clients

Every follower or client gained isn't just a number—they're validation of the hard work and proof that I'm on the right track. The relationships I build now feel more meaningful because they're rooted deeply in my current purpose and values.

People who like my content and want to work with me do it because of me.

I get to connect with new people

Starting over introduced me to amazing people I'd never have met. It even reconnected me with old contacts—but now, we're talking on a different level.

What I appreciate the most is that I now have a small but growing group of peers walking a similar path. We talk the same language, share struggles, and hold each other accountable. It's refreshing—and deeply motivating.

I get to start over—with 25 years of experience

It took me some time to realize it, but I'm not starting from scratch. I'm leveraging 25 years of professional wisdom, experience in leadership, sales, negotiation, and relationship management.

I can be your coach, your adviser, or your mentor. Because what I talk about,  I've done it myself.

Basically, the experience from my previous career, with newly gained skills and knowledge, now allows me to help people become effective and confident leaders who make an impact not »just« in their business environment but also in their personal lives.  

I get to cut through the noise

Through trial & error, guidance, and experience, I've become adept at filtering out distractions and focusing on what genuinely works. This clarity is empowering and allows me to move forward decisively rather than feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice.

I get to quickly find out what works and what doesn't.    

I get to be adaptable and pragmatic

Constant changes taught me how to pivot quickly and creatively. Adaptability has become one of my greatest strengths. Rather than fearing change, I've learned to anticipate and embrace it, using every shift to innovate and strengthen my business approach.

Because here's the harsh truth: platforms come and go, trends come and go, and algorithms change, but the business basics remain: you have to offer what people want. Everything else is just tools and tactics.

Final thoughts

No matter what you're facing right now, shifting your perspective from "I have to" to "I get to" is transformational. It might sound simplistic, but embracing challenges as opportunities carries you through difficult times. This mindset change has made one of the biggest differences in my journey.

And for all new managers: you GET to be one!

ACTION STEP:

Consider the most challenging thing you're going through.

Write it on a piece of paper, starting with »I have to…«

Then, right above it, write the same thing, starting with »I get to…«

Put it on a visible spot and glance at it daily for at least a week.