5 Lessons from my Biggest Business Failures

As I reflect on my business journey, I wanted to share 5 lessons I’ve learned from my biggest failures. Why? Because my most valuable growth (and success) has come from the moments & things that didn’t go as planned.

Here they are, straight from the heart:

1. Failure Isn’t a Thing—It’s Just Data

I’ve had to completely unlearn what failure means. The school system conditioned us to believe mistakes are bad—something to avoid. But in business, mistakes are where the magic happens.

Now, I don’t call them ‘failures.’ I call them ‘experiments.’ If we’re not experimenting, how will we ever know what works?

Key takeaway: Replace failure with experimentation in your mindset.

Question to ask yourself: What have been the biggest “experiments” in my life and business, and what lessons or growth have come from them?

2. Test Before You Invest

Back in 2018, I co-founded a tech startup—a mobile app for alternative health services. I spent over £70,000 of my own money on app development, branding, legal contracts, and marketing agencies. But I didn’t spend a single minute defining my ideal customer, talking to potential clients, or testing market demand.

We believed we couldn’t launch until everything was “perfect.” The truth? We could’ve tested the idea, gathered feedback, and validated demand—all for under £1,000.

Key takeaway: Focus on demand (is there a market?) before perfecting your supply (the product).

Question to ask yourself: What products or services do I want to test in the market, and how can I do this quickly and cost-effectively?

3. Don’t Postpone Your Plan A for Plan B

In 2021, I was juggling an Occupational Medicine Diploma and my dream of becoming a Professional Coach. I’d completed all the coursework for the Medical Diploma, with just an exam and a portfolio interview left. But my heart wasn’t in it anymore.

I felt guilty abandoning something I’d started, yet unmotivated to finish it. I was stuck in six months of paralysis until I hired a coach. She asked me, “If you dig deep, which one is your Plan A?” Without hesitation, I said, “Coaching.”

Then she said something that changed everything: “If you have a clear Plan A, why are you investing time, energy, and money in Plan B?” It was crystal clear—I needed to pursue my Plan A now, not after finishing something that no longer served me.

Key takeaway: If you know your Plan A, don’t delay it for the sake of Plan B.

Question to ask yourself:

If I’m 100% honest with myself—and I allow myself to dream without limitations—what is my truest Plan A?

(Or, in the wise words of the Spice Girls: What I want, what I really, really want?)

4. Delegate Sooner Than You Think

I currently run three one-person businesses: my property portfolio, medical services company, and coaching practice. Initially, trying to do it all myself left me overwhelmed and burned out.

So I made the decision to delegate. But here’s what surprised me: the best “business hire” wasn’t an assistant or contractor—it was a housekeeper. The time I spent cleaning, tidying, and running errands was time I could’ve invested in income-generating activities. Hiring someone to help at home and recently adding someone to batch-cook my meals has free up around 10-15 hours a week. The result? Less stress, more productivity, and ultimately, more income.

Key takeaway: Delegation isn’t a luxury; it’s a growth strategy.

Question to ask yourself: What’s one task I’d absolutely love to delegate? What small step can I take today to start that process?

5. Start Charging Before You Feel ‘Ready’

I completed over 120 coaching hours before I ever got paid. As part of my two coaching diplomas, I needed 39 practice hours. But my perfectionist tendencies kicked in. I kept thinking, “I’m not good enough to charge yet—I need more practice.”

So, 39 hours turned into 50… then 70… then 120. While it helped me become a confident coach, I didn’t learn how to value my time. Transitioning to paid sessions felt harder than coaching itself. It took a mindset shift—and a lot of inner work—to finally start charging what I was worth.

Key takeaway: You don’t need to be perfect to get paid. Start sooner.

Question to ask yourself: What price or fees would I feel excited and confident to charge? What’s one step I can take to start moving toward that?

I hope these lessons resonate with you. Which one hits home the most? Feel free to reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you.

Here’s to embracing experiments and learning faster,

Wishing you an amazing week ahead,

With love,

Marcela

You’ve got this, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.

P.S. Ready to Turn Lessons into Action?

If any of these lessons hit home and you’re thinking, “I need support to apply this to my business,” I’ve got something for you.

I’m opening enrolment for my 90-Day Business Group Coaching Program—designed specifically for solopreneurs who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck in analysis paralysis, or juggling too many things without seeing the progress they want.

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• Overwhelm & Lack of Focus: Simplify your to-do list and focus on what actually moves the needle.
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• Isolation: Join a supportive community where you’re not doing it alone anymore.
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If you’re ready to grow your business with more clarity, confidence, and consistency—without the burnout—join the waitlist here.

Spots are limited, and these bonuses are only available for waitlist members. I’d love to support you in creating the business (and life) you truly want.

Dr Marcela Aguirre Coaching

Helping overwhelmed early-stage solopreneurs gain the know-how & confidence to build a sustainable one-person business | ICF Certified Coach | Doctor | Ex-Military Officer | 1:1 | Group Coaching & Workshops | Speaker

💭 Quote of the week:

"The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried."

Stephen McCranie

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