January 2022
Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me This Sh!t Before by Marcella Allison and Laura Gale is a compilation of letters to one's younger selves from female entrepreneurs. Although long (we're talking 300 + pages), its a fast read. This book is a great reminder that we've all been through hard sh!t, and although some moments as a female entrepreneur are lonely, you are not alone.
WARNING: This book has a trigger warning for suicide, grief and abuse.
You can order the book HERE.
Below are my 5 takeaways from Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me This Sh!t Before
TAKEAWAY 1: YOU ARE NOT ALONE
For many years I suffered with depression and anxiety. There were moments where I felt like I was the only person in the world dealing with the these struggles. All of the women in this book have been through something difficult. Whether it be making their name known in a room full of men, domestic abuse, loss or bad decisions. These moments have helped define the women that they are today, and my moments have helped define me. Remember, you are not alone and you will make it through.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide, help from Suicide Prevention is just a call away - 800-273-8255.
TAKEAWAY 2: YOU COME FIRST
A major theme in the letters is taking care of one's self. You come first.There are so many ways this book defines what it is to put yourself first:
Self Love: accepting yourself for who you are and loving yourself for it
Putting Yourself First: no one else is going to put you first so it's about time you did! Put your needs and wants before everyone else. When you take care of yourself you will be a better person for everyone else.
Advocating for Yourself: ask for the raise, go to the doctor appointment, say no more. No one knows what you need or deserve until you tell them.
Trusting Yourself: trusting yourself comes when you listen to yourself and stay true to yourself.
TAKEAWAY3: WHEN SOMETHING DOESN'T WORK FOR YOU SAY NO
“If you’re happy then your choices are right.” - Lorrie Morgan
A common theme with everything I've read regarding owning your own business is saying "no" more often. Why is this so hard to do? And why do we as women feel like if we say no it makes us a b!tch? Why do we feel so obligated to constantly say yes and please those around us? My goal for this year is to say "no" more often and be proud of the boundaries I am setting.
TAKEAWAY 4: BE INTENTIONAL WITH HOW YOU SPEND YOUR TIME
You have 24 hours in a day. How do you want to use them? This book and I am giving you permission to use your time exactly how you want to use it. Don't take clients you don't want to work for, carve out quality time for your family, get that massage. Do what makes you whole and don't do anything else.
TAKEAWAY 5: WORKAHOLICS ARE NOT HEROS
This is my favorite takeaway from the book. For so long people have been celebrated when they work around the clock. Wearing yourself out and being stretched to thin has been worn as a badge of honor. It's about time we change that badge and give it to the women who set boundaries, have a great work-life balance and make time for themselves! They are the true heroes.
Have you read Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me This Sh!t Before? What was your favorite letter?
Next month we will be reading More Than a Body. Join us!
Keep STAKing,
Michelle Johnson
Owner & Founder, STAK Marketing
Michelle Johnson is the owner, founder and Chief Marketing Guru at STAK Marketing. Our passion at STAK Marketing is to create beautiful STAKs of marketing strategies that help small and mid-sized businesses grow and reach their goals. STAK Marketing's expertise ranges from SEO to branding, e-mail marketing to website design, PR to advertising and much more - making STAK Marketing a one-stop-shop for all your small business marketing needs.