Looking Back on a Year of Business: What We Learned (Often the Hard Way)

There’s a point in every business where you stop reacting and start reflecting.

Usually it happens quietly.
Often it happens late.
And almost always, it’s slightly uncomfortable.

In our latest What One Thing episode, we did something we don’t do often enough — we stopped, looked back at the year properly, and talked honestly about what actually moved the needle… and what didn’t.

No highlight reel.
No “10 tips for explosive growth”.
Just real lessons from running businesses day to day.

Here’s what stood out.

1. Being “Hands-Off” Still Requires Effort

One of the biggest myths in business is that stepping back means stepping away.

It doesn’t.

Letting people run with things is important — but so is clarity. We learned (sometimes the slow way) that expectations don’t magically align just because someone is capable or experienced.

Practical takeaway:

• Don’t confuse trust with silence

• Check in before things drift, not after

• Ask yourself: Have I been clear, or just hopeful?

2. Ego Is Expensive

This one stings — because it’s subtle.

If feedback makes you defensive, it’s usually pointing at something useful. Peer groups, mentors, and honest conversations only work if you’re willing to listen without immediately justifying yourself.

Growth doesn’t come from being right.
It comes from being open.

Practical takeaway:

• If a comment irritates you, pause before responding

• Ask: What if there’s 10% truth in this?

• Seek out people who challenge you, not just reassure you

3. Time Freedom Comes with Responsibility

Stepping away from the day-to-day sounds like the dream — and in many ways, it is.

But what surprised us most was this:
Having more time doesn’t automatically mean using it well.

Accountability doesn’t disappear when you free up your diary. It shifts.

Practical takeaway:

• Treat your own time like a client commitment

• Decide in advance what “good use of time” looks like

• Review your week, not just your workload

4. Consistency Beats Intensity (Even If You Hate the Word)

We both admitted it — consistency is not a word we love.

But it’s the lesson that kept coming up.

Big bursts of effort feel productive, but they rarely compound. Showing up regularly, doing the basics properly, and sticking with the boring stuff creates momentum you can actually rely on.

Practical takeaway:

• Pick fewer priorities

• Lower the bar for “done”

• Focus on repeatable actions, not heroic ones

5. Numbers Tell Stories (If You Actually Look at Them)

Reviewing the year isn’t just about revenue.

The numbers quietly tell you:

• where you hesitated

• where you overcommitted

• where clarity helped — or was missing

Avoiding them doesn’t make them less important. It just delays the learning.

Practical takeaway:

• Review numbers monthly, not emotionally

• Look for patterns, not just outcomes

• Ask: What decision would I make if this were a client?

Final Thought

Looking back properly isn’t about judgement.

It’s about context.

Every business owner is making decisions with limited time, energy, and information. Reflection helps you make the next set of decisions with a bit more awareness — and fewer surprises.

If there’s one thing we’re taking forward, it’s this:

Progress comes from honesty, not perfection.

Brought to you by Corbar Accounting and Affirm IT Services Ltd.
🎧 You can watch or listen to the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/7fGIv3x3VQ8