Chapter 18

Lessons Learned on the Road to a Million

Now, here we are with a thriving plugin business, making a real impact in the lives of Squarespace users around the world. This success is a testament to the power of perseverance, partnership, and a commitment to solving real problems.

Looking back over the years, the journey has been nothing short of an alchemical process—a transformation of lead into gold. What began as a quest for freedom, driven by the desire to escape the confines of a corporate job, has evolved into a deeper, more profound understanding of what true freedom means.

From Exodus to Promised Land

The journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship was more than just a shift in career. It was an exodus from a life that no longer aligned with my values. At the start, I thought freedom meant financial independence and the ability to control my own time. But the reality was far more complex. The path was filled with unexpected challenges, each one stripping away layers of fear, doubt, and false identity, revealing the core of who I am.

Focusing on the Work in Front of You

I learned that the things you want to work out might not always do so as you expect, but the work you put in will always pay off. It’s easy to get caught up in imagining a future different from where you are now, but the key is to focus on the work in front of you today. Small, consistent efforts ultimately bring you closer to the future you’ve imagined. In those early days, I often got lost in the idea of what could be, rather than focusing on the tangible steps right in front of me. But true transformation happens when you keep your eyes on the present task, making each action as efficient as possible.

Solving Problems—Yours and Others’

In the early days, my motivations weren’t always about solving problems. I was focused on appearances, on looking good, on presenting a certain image. It wasn’t until my own problems became too big to ignore that I really started paying attention. I realized that to make any real impact, I needed to solve not just my own challenges but also the challenges faced by others. This shift in focus was a key part of my growth. By solving real problems—both mine and others’—I started creating value that resonated and, ultimately, sold.

Documenting Solutions

One of the most transformative practices I adopted was documenting every solution I developed, no matter how small. This practice started in my journal and eventually became a cornerstone of my business strategy. By documenting my solutions, I created a valuable resource not only for myself but for others who faced similar challenges. Over time, this documentation turned into a library of knowledge that I could share, turning solutions into products and creating income streams.

The Alchemy of Growth

Throughout this journey, I’ve come to understand that growth isn’t linear. It’s cyclical, like the process of alchemy itself—moving through phases of breakdown and renewal. The challenges I faced weren’t obstacles but opportunities to refine my character, my skills, and my vision. Each setback was a crucible, burning away impurities and leaving behind the purest form of my aspirations.

Redefining Success and Freedom

As I moved closer to what I once believed was the promised land—financial stability and business success—I realized that true freedom was never about the numbers. It was about the ability to live authentically, to create without compromise, and to be present for the moments that truly matter. Success, I’ve learned, is not measured by external validation but by the alignment of my work with my values and the joy it brings to my life and the lives of those I love.

The Power of Partnership and Community

In the course of building my business, I realized just how difficult it is for one person to meet all the needs of a successful venture. A business requires a wide range of skills—development, marketing, customer service, and more. It’s almost impossible for a single individual to excel in every area. This is where the importance of partnership comes into play. Partnering with people who complement your skills can be a game-changer. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Find partners who can do what you can’t. This allows you to focus on what you do best while leveraging the strengths of others to fill in the gaps. In my case, this realization unlocked the potential for scaling my business beyond what I could have achieved alone.

Becoming a Resource

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of becoming a resource for others. When you position yourself as a reliable source of solutions—whether through products, services, or knowledge—you create a foundation of trust and credibility. This wasn’t just about documenting my own solutions; it was about sharing them in a way that others could benefit from. By consistently solving problems and sharing those solutions, I became someone people turned to when they needed help, which naturally led to business opportunities. Becoming a resource means providing value without expecting immediate returns, knowing that over time, this value will come back to you in ways you never anticipated.

The Legacy of Creation

In the end, the journey has been about creation—creating a life, a business, and a legacy that reflects who I am and what I stand for. It’s about the stories we tell ourselves and the ones we choose to live. The legacy I leave behind won’t be measured in dollars but in the impact I’ve had on others, in the inspiration I’ve provided, and in the freedom I’ve carved out for myself and my family.

Closing Thoughts

To anyone walking a similar path, know that the journey is worth it. The struggles, the doubts, the fears—they’re all part of the process. It’s in the fire of these challenges that you’ll find your true self, and it’s through perseverance that you’ll create something beautiful, something lasting.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. The path may be winding, but it leads to a place of truth, freedom, and fulfillment. And that, I’ve learned, is the real gold.