My Failed Business Gave My Spirit A Thrilling New Lease Of Life

Here are the seven ways it made me more productive

Selda Seyfi

May 26, 2025

“You just need to sign here, and it’s done” – my accountant said matter-of-factly.

And just like that my covid born online retail business was no longer my concern.

I thought I would feel empty, and struggle with this.

But I didn’t

Honestly, I felt relief.

March 2020 was an entirely different story altogether. I was enthused and, although running on zero sleep with an 18 month old, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

Almost as soon as this journey started, I knew deep down that it was bound to fail.

I had just signed a contract to work at a new company, after years of working independently.

So much was changing.

New baby, new business, new job.

I think I would have been more surprised if it had succeeded!

Although this wasn’t the outcome that I really wanted – my business after all, did help thousands of families to navigate these tricky newborn years – I had learned a lot more from the experience than I realised. Particularly when it came to my own productivity.

It’s only just now, five years later, that I can see it.

Running a one-person, labour-intensive business while raising two young kids and cramming stock into every corner of my home wasn’t just hard - it was like juggling knives on a tightrope.

The business didn’t make it, but weirdly enough, I came out of it with a sharper understanding of what real productivity looks like. Here's what that wild chapter taught me:

1. Energy > Time

I used to think time management was the holy grail - until I realised I could have five free hours and still get nothing done if I was exhausted. With two little kids and no sleep, I learned that protecting my energy was way more important than blocking out time.

Now: I try to match my tasks to my energy levels. Creative work in the morning, admin when I’m tired.

2. Your Space Shapes Your Sanity

I didn’t have proper storage for all the stock I needed, so I was constantly moving things around, stepping over boxes and full bin liners, and wasting hours just trying to stay organized. It was like fighting my environment every day.

Now: I see how important physical setup is. Clear space = clear brain. I don’t take workflow design lightly anymore.

3. Work with Reality, Not Fantasy

I had big dreams, but I didn’t account for things like “Where will I store this?” or “How will I package orders while holding a baby?” I kept pushing for an ideal that didn’t match my life.

Now: I plan from my real circumstances, not some fantasy version of my schedule or energy.

4. Quitting Isn’t Losing

Letting go of the business felt like giving up my baby. But over time, I realised it was one of the most productive decisions I could’ve made. I wasn’t giving up - I was reclaiming my time, energy, and sanity.

Now: I’ve learned to evaluate things honestly. If something’s draining me and not delivering, I pivot faster.

5. Tiny Wins Matter

There were days I only got 10 minutes to work. I used to get frustrated, but eventually I saw the magic in micro-progress. A label printed here, a product description updated there, it all added up.

Now: I embrace the power of little steps. They’re often more sustainable (and less intimidating) than giant leaps.

6. Switching Hats Takes a Toll

One minute I was in business mode, the next I was in mum mode, and back again. It was mentally exhausting to constantly switch roles with no transition time.

Now: I build in small rituals to help shift gears, like a walk, a playlist, even a deep breath. It sounds small, but it helps me be more present in each role.

7. Challenge Assumptions Often

I started with a lot of assumptions about how things should go - how much I could handle, what people would buy, how much space I needed. Reality had other ideas.

Now: I pause to check in more often. Is this actually working? What’s the data telling me? It’s not about overthinking, it’s about being honest with what’s really happening.

Final thoughts

It’s funny how much a “failure” can teach you. I may have closed that chapter, but it left me with tools I use every single day. And for that, I’m grateful.

Im definitely doing things differently this time. I’ve already taken the first step of making sure my new venture succeeds - and that started with saying ‘no’ to a job offered, rather than ‘yes’.

Let’s see where this goes!

I’d love to hear whether any of these lessons resonated with you?