Why solopreneurship is harder than it seems

What if building a business that supports your life actually isn’t about hustle…but about resilience, systems, and intention?

In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly and Joe sit down with Mike Lynch, creator, RV-lifer, automation strategist, and founder of Flywheel Factory, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what solopreneurship really looks like behind the scenes.

Mike shares the truth most people won’t say out loud: it’s harder than you think, it takes longer than you expect, and the path rarely looks the way you planned. But it’s also where creativity, freedom, and momentum can finally meet.

You’ll hear how Mike and his family design RV travel around work (not the other way around), how he uses AI and automation to protect his creative energy instead of replacing it, and why building a “flywheel mindset” matters more than just staying busy.

This is a grounded, practical, and motivating episode for solopreneurs who want to build smarter systems, reclaim their time, and design a business that truly supports their life.

Episode FAQs

How can solopreneurs use AI and automation without losing their personal voice?

Solopreneurs can use tools like Custom GPTs, content workflows, and automation platforms (like Make or Zapier) to streamline their work while still sounding like themselves. The key is starting with your own ideas and experiences first, then using AI to refine, organize, and scale your content, not replace your thinking. 

What’s the best way for overwhelmed solopreneurs to get started with automation?

The best place to start is identifying one repetitive, frustrating task in your business and breaking it into smaller steps. From there, tools like Custom GPTs or simple automations can help eliminate bottlenecks. 

How can solopreneurs design a business that supports their lifestyle instead of causing burnout?

It starts with defining non-negotiables (family time, flexibility, travel, health) and then building systems around those priorities. 

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