I’ve had a lot of conversations with other entrepreneurs over the years, and some of their insights have completely shifted the way I think. The best advice usually isn’t complicated — it’s the kind of thing that makes you stop and say, “Why didn’t I see it that way before?”

These three lessons have changed the game for me, and if you’re building something big, they might do the same for you.

3 Lessons I Learned From Other Entrepreneurs 

Integrate work & life.
The best entrepreneurs don’t just succeed in business; they succeed in life. I don’t want to feel like I’m switching between work and play — I want to elevate both. Instead of chasing “balance,” I focus on making sure my personal and professional lives fuel each other. When you love what you do and design it with intention, work becomes something that energizes, not drains.

Have a long-term vision.
It’s easy to get caught up in immediate results, but real success takes time. You might overestimate what you can accomplish in a year, but don’t underestimate what you can achieve in three. The journey will be harder, longer and more unpredictable than you expect — but that’s why vision matters. When challenges arise (and they will), a strong vision keeps you moving forward, turning obstacles into stepping stones instead of roadblocks. Stay committed to the bigger picture, and the results will follow.

Elevate others around you.
No one builds success alone. The best leaders create environments where others thrive, knowing that when the people around them grow, so does everything else. Whether it’s your team, your family or your network, leadership is about lifting people up.

These three lessons have stuck with me, but there’s even more I wish I had known earlier in my career. I talked about all of it — including what I wish I could tell my 18-year-old self — on a recent podcast episode of Visionary Voices. If you want to hear the full conversation, you can check it out here. (Jump to minute 41 for the lessons above.)

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