As we continue honoring the grads in ceremonies and parties, let’s continue to inculcate those lessons that will help us in our businesses. Take a moment as ask yourself, “What is the most important thing I’ve learned thus far?” Now see if it is included in this short blog!

The number one lesson found on LifeHack, listing the top ten life lessons we all need to learn: “Money will not solve all your problems.” This is especially true for entrepreneurs and bootstrap start ups. We live in a time of seemingly inevitable shortages and cash flow is one of the first to surface when things feel like they are going sideways…yet money may not be your problem. Yes, your eyes did not deceive you. There will never be enough money for all the things you’d love to put into your business, and there will always be problems money can’t solve.”

Instead, focus on scrounging, networking, creative problem solving. Legends are built on success stories that begin with less than what you have in your wallet right now. A study conducted by The National Academy of Sciences found that those who invested in things ranked lower on the happiness scale than those who invested in time. Given $40 to spend on gizmos or labor-saving/time-saving experiences, those choosing the latter were always happier people. The lesson? Focus on spending less on stuff. Focus on spending your efforts more creatively.

In business that translates into relationships, helping another business to grow, enriching your employees’ lives, making your patrons happy. These are sources of true wealth and they lead to a stronger business.

My next gem is from the Ness Labs and I love it! You don’t only live once!Yes, you read it right. Think of it this way: How long does it take to master a new skill? The average is seven years. If you live to be 88 and start keeping track once you enter adolescence, you have an ample 11 years to be great at seven different life goals. My life has been built around this one. Enjoy the seasons and make them count. From working as a surgical nurse to becoming a bead artist to establishing a thriving non-profit and to being a serial entrepreneur, I found this so true. These life opportunities bring satisfaction and purpose to every age. Make the most of them!

How does this translate to your business? Give it just a little more oomph. Find a wee bit more funding. Do a little bit more networking. Give an effort just a little more creativity. Give yourself two hours a day to go above and beyond expectations in one goal that it will take to make your business a success. Make this particular phase of life count.

My #3 top lesson in life is another good one, from Forte Labs: “Attention is the most precious substance in the universe; when applied, it will make any situation better.” We value something when it becomes scarce, aka toilet paper or gasoline. Giving that lack any kind of attention always brings about a remedy. It may not come in the way you expected, but any effort brings a change. Think about it. When you found yourself short on toilet paper, did you use newspaper instead? Of course not. You found a solution.

This proves true in every aspect of business. You need more customers? Give it your attention and you will discover a solution. It may not be the best or only solution possible, but it will net you more customers. You are short on PR? Hire a copywriter willing to work on time rather than salary. The words you get will serve as a direct Band Aid to your problem. Cognifit offers a series of exercises to promote brain plasticity, helping you focus razor-sharp attention to details. Every effort of focusing attention makes a difference in your ultimate success.

What are your top three lessons for success? Share them with a struggling entrepreneur at the next Chamber luncheon. Be a community builder.