What I am interested in hearing is if anyone else has gone through similar experiences
Yep, I've certainly gone through similar experiences several times many years ago when I was younger than you but with the same obligations and responsibilities of supporting a family. But well, I guess you could already guess that knowing that I am not a wild colt that is easy to tame. };)
and what things worked for you, and what you would change if you went back and did it again.
What worked best for me was being capable of getting more and better hours of sleep and rest during the hours that only I decided without having to submit myself to the schedule that others imposed on me. What always allowed me to give my best for 16 or 48 hours straight without sleeping if my own job required it without feeling tired or exhausted in the slightest.
And nope, I wouldn't change anything that happened from that moment on, when I was finally able to become independent, to be free to do what I really wanted to do and to be the master of my own time.
going to bed early. I have been averaging five hours a night for over six years now - time to add an hour or two of more rest.
And well, I'm very glad that resting better and enjoying of more and better hours of sleep is part of your plans. As I mentioned above and I've told you so many times before. A truly sufficient sleep, without stress or pressures of any kind and truly energizing and restorative, will always be the best investment you can make for your health, well-being and economy. Definitely you should try that.
In some way, I am looking forward to this change.
As hard as it will be.
Don't worry, bro. Knowing you as well as I do, I have no doubt that you will be able to successfully recover and rebuild your own business as an independent consultant taking it to the maximum potential with all the experience and wisdom you have gained over all these years.
And of course mate, let's also hope that 2025 will be the year in which you finally become bolder. :)