Why Entrepreneurship is Like Learning to Ski

I’ve experienced imposter syndrome and so has pretty much every Mompreneur going after what she wants.
Written by Susan Vernicek

This past weekend was one for the books. Rob and I took the kids skiing, and for the first time in five years, there were no tears, no fake falls, and no dramatic screams—just pure fun. The kids pushed their speed, tested out some tricks, and didn’t even want to take breaks. It felt like a huge win. But let me tell you, it wasn’t always like this.

When we first started teaching them, it was messy. I bribed Cade with candy just to get him on the mountain. There were falls (some real, some very exaggerated), frustration, and moments where I wondered if they’d ever love skiing like we do. But we didn’t give up. We kept showing up, made it fun, and let them find their own way. And now? They’re hooked.

And as I reflected on it, I realized—this is exactly how I’ve built multiple income streams over the last 18 years as a Mompreneur.

Lesson #1: Start Where You Are (Even If It’s Messy)

The first step in anything—whether it’s skiing or business—is just starting. It won’t be pretty. You’ll feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. Maybe you’ll even want to quit. But progress doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from taking action and adjusting as you go.

Lesson #2: Keep Showing Up (Even When It Feels Hard)

There were so many times I thought my kids would never love skiing. But consistency, patience, and a little creativity (hello, candy bribes) kept them coming back. The same is true for business—success comes from showing up, even when things feel tough or uncertain.

Lesson #3: Diversify and Adapt

Just like we tried different techniques to help our kids build confidence on the slopes, I’ve learned to pivot and diversify my income streams over the years. From coaching to real estate, investments, and entrepreneurial ventures, I’ve built multiple ways to create financial freedom and flexibility. There’s no “one right way”—just the path that works for you.

Lesson #4: Celebrate the Wins (No Matter How Small)

That moment when my kids flew down the mountain, fearless and free? That was worth every struggle. And in business, every sale, every client win, every breakthrough counts. Take the time to celebrate your progress, because those little wins lead to big results.

So here’s my challenge for you: What’s something you’ve been wanting to start but keep putting off? Maybe it’s a side hustle, a new business idea, or a project that’s been on your heart. Start messy, keep showing up, and trust the process. You never know—five years from now, you might just look back and see that it was the best decision you ever made.

Let’s make this the year we work hard, play hard, and build something amazing. Come get started inside Mindset + Achieve™

About the author

I’ve experienced imposter syndrome and so has pretty much every Mompreneur going after what she wants.

Susan Vernicek

Susan Vernicek is a Mindset + Business Strategist, Multiple Income Streams Coach, author, speaker, and founder of IdentityMagazine.net. Through her signature "A-Game Approach™", she helps mompreneurs strengthen their mindset, create aligned income streams, and turn big ideas into tangible action—without sacrificing their MomLife for their BizLife. With nearly two decades of experience building businesses, brands, books, programs, and a six-figure speaking career, Susan is known for combining powerful coaching with the strategy women need to actually move.

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