One of the most important lessons we learned is that our lives and our businesses will teach us along the way. We don’t need to know everything on day one because the challenges we face on day will likely be ones we are already equipped to handle. As we overcome challenges we get better and better and as the challenges increase in difficulty so too does our ability to tackle them.

We asked members of the community that we admire to share important lessons their business or career has taught them and have shared some of those responses below.

Nathon Ruehl | Commercial/Fine Art Photographer & Producer

Failure. It’s often overlooked by many when stretching for success. But when you take into count the failures on how you can better operate in this world you can find a lot of meaningful lessons that will later benefit you both physically and mentally later on in life. Now and then failure comes around to teach me something. Over the years I have taught my self to accept failure, rather than to build fear from the intense anticipation that I will fail. Everyday I carry myself with the goals I want to achieve and the ideas that I want to bring into reality. As the momentum builds those thoughts are all I think about until I am faced with some sort of failure. Once it does come around I spend a few days assessing what can be approved upon and then I get back to building on the momentum. Read more>>

Cedric Hill | Business Owner & Musician

The lesson my career has taught me is staying consistent and patience, a lot of individuals get caught up into rushing things. But I’m definitely a true believer in self development. It was all about me locking in and focusing on the project and perfecting it, and to me energy is everything. I also always allow myself to be open to learning different tactics that can be beneficial for not only my business but me personally. Knowledge is another tool that can help you get closer to your goals and dreams, just make sure it’s the right knowledge. Read more>>

Antoinne Duane Jones | Celebrity Photographer, Author & Serial Entrepreneur

The most important lesson I’ve learned is a concept I outlined in my first book, The Down Entrepreneur, that in business your best friend should be NO! Business, especially full-time entrepreneurship, is not for the faint of heart. Being comfortable hearing no nine out of ten times will prepare you to endure until you get to that one YES. Read more>>

Kate Coleman | Musician & Lead Singer of Run Katie Run

I think the most important things I’ve leaned from being a musician is be honest, be persistent and patient, be grateful, and keep going. Be honest with yourself, with your creations, with the people around you and with your audience. Don’t try to be something or someone you’re not and always be honest with the people who are helping you make your music. Be persistent and patient because being an “overnight success” can sometimes take 20 years! Not everyone (cough, me) is great when they’re 16 years old. Sometimes it takes years to find your sound, your voice, and most importantly your confidence. Be grateful for everything, and, especially, everyone around you. Be grateful for the tough times because they make the good times great. Read more>>