10 Things I've Learned as a Dietitian Entrepreneur

10 Things I’ve learned as a six-figure earning dietitian entrepreneur in my 20s (with a side of high functioning anxiety…)

Hey friend! If you’re diving into this blog post, chances are you are thinking about entrepreneurship as a dietitian, trainer, or coach. I hope you find these reflections on my journey so far (it’s been about 16 months as of currently writing this post since I started by practice in April of 2020!) helpful!

1. You probably like to be prepared. Which has served you well, but when you always catastrophize imaginary situations, you’ll become paralyzed in fear and never get any good work done.

2. Chances are (since I became an entrepreneur at 25) you’re pretty creative & independent… but also type A. You have trouble delegating tasks and believe you can do all the things perfectly at all times… and you totally can because this is how you’ve gotten to where you are so fast. But being successful as a self-starter isn’t about working harder or more than everyone else. It’s about working smart and being in it for the long run. Ask for help. Delegate. Expand. Grow. Scale. Be picky about your help, but learn to let go.

3. You became an entrepreneur and have a non traditional job to help people in a non traditional way and so that you love your work and can be flexible to do things you want to do in life. Don’t be a workaholic and forget to go do those things you wanted to do. Your boss isn’t around to remind you that your vacation days expire at the end of the year… you are your own boss. Make sure you’re being a good boss. Go do the things.

4. “You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do” has some truth to it… but it’s also complete BS. Work is WORK even when you love it. Don’t forget to unplug from work so you don’t start to hate the work you used to love. Have boundaries for people who ask you to work for free even when you’re trying not to think about work. It’s true as an entrepreneur you’ll experience bouts of #nodaysoff, but that’s not sustainable long term. Take advantage of opportunities that arise when they excite you- let them go if they don’t. Otherwise what’s the point of it all?

5. Surround yourself with people who are at where you want to go. Ask questions. Be a student. Never stop learning. You picked a job that doesn’t have co workers or team building events unless you hire and plan them yourself… so don’t forget to make connections with people. Make that part of the job.

6. That being said, you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. That’s why you’re successful and that’s why you are your own boss… so be smart, but remember your choice is your prerogative. You call the shots.

7. Don’t think too hard about calling those shots. You’ll get trapped in imposter syndrome and never get anything done. People will always ask you why you’re doing something “so crazy” or “so outside the box”…this will make you question yourself a lot, especially in the beginning or in tough spots where you feel unsuccessful. Then they’ll ask you how you became so successful when you experience success. Some people will be rooting for you. Others will ALWAYS root against you. Don’t take it personally- that’s just how it is. Follow your arrow. Always keep your priorities and values straight- doing the right thing and doing what you believe in will never do you wrong in the end.

8. Hey! Health entrepreneur! If your work is getting too busy and you’re not practicing what you preach all day long… it’s time to check yourself or hire a coach if you need! The teacher is never above being the student. And you don’t have as many sick days as the person in a typical 9-5. So stay well and take care of you!

9. There’s space for other people working hard in the same field as you. Don’t get competitive. There is room . We are better off supporting each other than trying to beat each other down.

10. Give yourself some grace when you make mistakes. People make mistakes at work all the time… your mistakes may just seem to cause more problems for you since you have to deal with every possible consequence as your own boss. But it’s OK. You’re human- apologize, learn from it, breathe, and move on.

If you’re thinking about starting your own practice, online business, or start up- know I’ve been in your shoes! It’s scary. The unknown can be daunting- you don’t even know what you don’t know (and that won’t change either don’t worry- because there will always be things you don’t know). But if you really want to do it and can’t stop thinking about it- just go start. You have everything to gain!

To schedule a business coaching call as a dietitian, coach, trainer and future or current entrepreneur, send me an email! I’d love to work with you (more info in “work with me” tab). Hsamuel@holleyfuelednutrition.com