20 years. DH Leonard Consulting has been focused on taking the stress out of grants for nonprofit organizations for more than two decades. It is hard to believe. I guess time does fly when you’re having fun!

As I reflected on the start of another year in business, I thought back on *all* the things I have learned over 20 years of running a grant-writing business. I probably could have kept going, but I stopped myself at twenty. I also know that the lessons are still coming each and every day, and I am grateful for that. 

I thought it would be fun to share my lessons with you, whether you are running a business of your own or want to apply them to your grant department/team (I think the lessons still apply!). Will all my lessons apply equally to everyone in business or leading their own team (whether in grant writing or other fields)? Certainly not. Each business owner/leader is unique and has their own context. However, I think the list and my stories behind some of the tough lessons learned may serve as inspiration, maybe even validation, for others in my field, and others, hence my desire and willingness to share my story.

Is my list in the lessons’ priority order? Great question – you might expect that from me. No. No, they are not. They are in the order they came to mind for me, so I’m going to stick with my train of consciousness thought for the lessons.

Oh – and over the course of the year, I’ll be adding a more detailed explanation of each lesson and posting those as well as linking them to the original list here.

1. Have fun
2. Set boundaries
3. Keep boundaries 
4. Eat lunch away from your computer
5. Take time off
6. Schedule time for retrospection – even when “only” a team of one
7. Ask for help
8. Don’t use the phrase “we have always done it this way.”
9. It is all about relationships
10. Learn from your successes and ask yourself how to replicate them
11. Listen to learn/understand, not to respond
12. Set small goals all the way to the big ones
13. Celebrate small wins
14. Get fresh air every day
15. Know your value 
16. Always keep learning
17. Offer to help others
18. Learn from your failures, but don’t focus on them for too long before you turn back to focusing on replicating your successes 
19. Worry about yourself, not “other people” (other businesses)
20. Tomorrow is another day / take a breath / it is going to be ok

What lessons would you add to your own 20 Lessons list if you made one that I don’t have on mine? I’d love to hear in the comments below!