Chapter 1: Embracing Change

Time flies, doesn’t it? Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through the year? It feels like only yesterday that I embarked on my journey of self-employment. It's been almost a year since I began to define my career aspirations and life goals.

Have you ever found yourself so overwhelmed with tasks that you can’t recall what you’ve accomplished? That’s how I’ve felt since leaving my bartending job. However, I’m now striving for a more meaningful life—not just for myself, but also for my contributions to the world. I have ambitious plans that I eagerly anticipate sharing in the future, and I’m currently channeling my energy into mastering the tools necessary for success.

Venturing into freelancing this year has been an exhilarating ride. I can't count how many times I've felt on the brink of burnout. From intense focus and sleepless nights to anxiety and feelings of inadequacy, I’ve run the full gamut of emotional challenges. Yet, through it all, I can genuinely say I've never felt more fulfilled.

In recent months, I’ve acquired new certifications, established various business entities and payment systems, and secured several clients. However, what I cherish most is the chance to learn from those I've interacted with. It's humbling to realize the vast knowledge present in others’ experiences, and setting aside my ego has allowed me to avoid repeating past mistakes.

It's astonishing to reflect on what you've achieved when you take the time to assess your progress. Often, we overlook our accomplishments and feel stuck. Each day presents small victories worth celebrating. One of my most significant lessons has been learning to temper my enthusiasm. I often take on more than I can handle, which impacts my mental and physical well-being. The key to alleviating this burden is recognizing and accepting my limitations. As much as I might wish for superhuman capabilities, I’m just human. Consequently, I’ve come to realize the necessity of restructuring my business model and services.

By compartmentalizing my business ideas, I’ve discovered the serenity I’ve been longing for. This approach allows me to concentrate on each aspect of my work and dedicate the necessary energy to it. I once read that multitasking is a myth, and that some individuals merely excel at switching tasks swiftly. This insight resonates deeply with my experience. It’s a skill I’m still honing, but the mantra of "easy does it"—focusing on one task at a time and prioritizing—has been my guiding principle.

In the coming days, I’m excited to share some of the compartmentalized structures I’ve created, along with valuable lessons I've learned along the way. For today, I invite you to explore my newly revamped website at kylelakey.com.

I've streamlined the content to be purely informational, serving as a central hub linking all my ventures. The primary aim of my site is to introduce myself as a service provider and articulate my vision for my business while outlining how I intend to contribute to a world I aspire to help shape. It will also act as a base for significant updates and news regarding my projects, and, of course, showcase my passion for texture in design. A reorganization naturally calls for a rebranding, and that’s in the works as well.

This video, "Revitalize Your Studio and Mind! with a Spring Refresh," explores how to refresh your workspace and mindset, helping you achieve a more productive and inspiring environment.

In this second video, "How To Refresh & Revitalize Wood Kitchen Cabinets Project," discover practical tips for enhancing your living space through simple yet effective design changes.