We’ve all been there. Someone offers you advice — maybe a mentor, a fellow business owner, or even a well-meaning friend — and you smile, nod, and promptly file it under “Not for me.”
Sometimes it’s because we think we know better. Sometimes it’s because the advice feels impossible to act on in the moment. And sometimes it’s just… not what we want to hear.
But here’s the thing: the best advice has a way of circling back. You bump into a roadblock, you hit a wall, and suddenly you remember those words you once brushed off.
And in that moment, you realize they weren’t just right — they might have saved you a lot of time if you’d listened sooner.
We asked members of the Shortcuts Squad to share the advice they didn’t take right away — but later realized was spot on. Their stories might just save you a few detours.
Lesson 1: Asking for help is a strategy, not a weakness
When you’re starting out, it’s easy to believe you have to wear all the hats. After all, it’s your vision, your business — shouldn’t you be the one doing it all?
Jacqui Taylor, creator of Breathing Space, learned the hard way that trying to be a one-person army only slows you down.
“There’s lots I think I would have done differently... but I really wish I’d asked for help earlier. I tried to do everything on my own. It took me a while to understand that asking for help isn’t a weakness — it’s a strategy.”
Now, instead of spreading herself thin, Jacqui leans on collaboration and outside expertise to move faster, work smarter, and stay focused on what she does best. Her business grew faster when she stopped trying to prove she could do it alone and started focusing her energy where it made the biggest impact.
Lesson 2: Done beats perfect
Perfectionism feels safe — if you never launch, you can’t fail. But it’s also a trap that keeps your best ideas trapped in the “someday” pile.
Jamie Bright, creator of Launch Your First Mastermind, admits she used to wait until everything was polished before sharing it with the world.
“I used to believe I needed everything to be perfect before I shared it. It took me years to realize that people actually connect more with the messy middle — and that imperfection doesn’t disqualify you from helping others.”
Now, she launches earlier, tests in real time, and improves based on actual feedback instead of endless tinkering. It’s not about being careless — it’s about realizing that people want your help now, not a year from now when you think it’s flawless.
Lesson 3: Trust your gut over comparison
In a world overflowing with “proven” strategies, it’s tempting to follow someone else’s blueprint. But what works for them may not be what works for you.
Ken Fleisher, creator of Calm Amid Chaos: Create Extra Time in 3 Simple Steps, learned that the hard way.
“When I first started, I thought I had to do it like everyone else. I wish I had trusted my gut earlier and stopped comparing so much. Once I did, things started flowing in a way that felt aligned — and worked.”
It’s not about ignoring good advice — it’s about filtering it through your own instincts. When Ken started designing his offers and schedule around what worked for him — not what worked for someone else’s audience or lifestyle — his business felt lighter, more effective, and more profitable.
Lesson 4: Consistency compounds results
We all want quick wins, but some results only show up with time.
KJ York from Joyful Life admits she used to give up too soon.
“Looking back, I wish I had been more consistent. I didn’t see results right away, so I’d switch strategies too quickly. Turns out, the boring stuff done over time really does work. I just had to give it enough time.”
It’s tempting to jump to the next shiny thing when you don’t get instant gratification, but the truth is that momentum is built brick by brick. KJ now treats consistency like an investment account — the more you put in and let it grow, the bigger the payoff.
Lesson 5: Structure sets you free
Creative people often resist systems, afraid they’ll be boxed in.
Larissa Uredi, creator of The Start Somewhere Playbook, was one of them — until she realized systems actually create space.
“I thought systems and structure would kill my creativity, so I resisted them hard. But later I realized: structure gave me freedom. It helped me show up more consistently and feel less overwhelmed.”
Now, she treats systems like scaffolding — they hold everything up so she can focus on the creative work she loves. The right structure isn’t a cage; it’s a safety net.
The Common Thread
Different businesses. Different challenges. But every one of these entrepreneurs shared a moment where they looked back and thought, “I wish I’d listened sooner.”
You don’t have to take every piece of advice you hear. But staying open — even to the ideas you’re not ready for yet — plants seeds for future breakthroughs.
So the next time a bit of guidance rubs you the wrong way, try this: don’t dismiss it. Write it down. Let it sit. You never know — it might be the advice that changes everything… when you’re ready to hear it.