The pandemic-induced lockdowns of 2020 reshaped lives in ways few could have imagined. For me, it marked a profound turning point. My life felt stagnant, void of direction and weighed down by unfulfilled ambitions. Yet, out of that period of isolation, I discovered the tools to press the reset button, set a new course, and ultimately start building something meaningful. Here’s how those lessons can serve you in your entrepreneurial journey.
Lesson 1: Write Down Your Goals
For years, I had dreams of success—but without action, they were just that: dreams. The act of writing them down transformed those ambitions into tangible goals. When you put pen to paper, you create actionable accountability. This practice makes your objectives real and measurable, holding you responsible for achieving them.
Additionally, writing down your goals taps into a powerful mental phenomenon. Like how your brain automatically reads any word you see, presenting your mind with a challenge forces it to seek solutions. Entrepreneurs can use this principle to identify opportunities and stay focused on problem-solving, even subconsciously.
Action Step: Take 15 minutes today to jot down your top three business goals. Define them clearly and pair each with a timeline for accountability.
Lesson 2: Share Your Vision
Accountability increases exponentially when you share your goals with others. When I first articulated my vision to my partner, it wasn’t just about dreaming aloud—it was about commitment. Sharing creates a sense of responsibility, not only to yourself but to those who believe in your potential.
Entrepreneurs, consider expanding this practice by involving your team, investors, or mentors. By communicating your goals, you build a network of support and increase the pressure to deliver. Public commitment makes failure less of an option.
Action Step: Share your business’s mission with a trusted confidant or mentor. Let them know how they can hold you accountable.
Lesson 3: Master Time Management
Time is a finite resource, and as an entrepreneur, how you manage it determines your trajectory. I developed a system where yearly goals filtered into monthly, weekly, and daily objectives. Breaking larger ambitions into actionable tasks ensures consistent progress.
Think of this as your operational blueprint. Identify your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the month and tie them to Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for each day. This clarity in execution bridges the gap between long-term vision and daily grind.
Action Step: Create a weekly plan that outlines what needs to be accomplished each day to meet your monthly objectives.
Lesson 4: Eliminate Time Debt
Much like financial debt, time debt accumulates when unproductive tasks or unresolved commitments eat away at your focus. For me, a neglected renovation project was a constant drain on my mental bandwidth. Once completed, I found myself free to allocate my energy fully toward entrepreneurial pursuits.
Identify what’s stealing your time—unfinished projects, outdated processes, or inefficient habits. Prioritize clearing these debts to regain control of your schedule.
Action Step: List the top three activities or tasks that drain your productivity. Devise a plan to tackle and eliminate them within a set timeframe.
Lesson 5: Cut What Holds You Back
Change demands sacrifice. Many of the habits and activities I once enjoyed—smoking, unnecessary shopping, and hours of TV—had no place in the life I envisioned for myself. Ruthlessly evaluating and eliminating these distractions was pivotal in my transformation.
As an entrepreneur, distractions can take many forms: outdated business models, unprofitable products, or even toxic relationships. To evolve, you need to create space for growth by cutting ties with what no longer serves you.
Action Step: Identify one habit or activity that isn’t aligned with your business goals. Replace it with a positive habit that fosters growth.
Lesson 6: Get a Grip on Your Finances
Before my transformation, I was living paycheck to paycheck, spending on unnecessary items without thought. Once I admitted my financial habits were a problem, I began implementing a rigorous money management system that aligned with my goals.
For entrepreneurs, financial discipline is non-negotiable. Profitable businesses aren’t just about revenue but smart resource allocation. Analyse your spending, identify waste, and redirect funds toward growth-driving activities.
Action Step: Review your business’s financial statements and identify areas to cut costs. Reallocate those savings toward high-impact initiatives.
Your Restart Starts Today
Whether you’re launching a startup, pivoting your business, or redefining your entrepreneurial journey, these lessons serve as a guide to recalibrate and thrive. My life’s restart began in lockdown, but the principles I discovered apply to any moment when you’re ready to change.
Success isn’t about monumental shifts; it’s about small, consistent adjustments over time. Write down your goals. Share your vision. Manage your time and resources with intention. And most importantly, be ruthless in cutting out what’s holding you back.
The life—and business—you’ve always wanted is within reach. Start today.
Kieran Audsley
Founderli CEO, Founder
