22 Years and Counting

 

22 Years

Twenty-two years ago, I started on a path to build several businesses. The process began for one simple reason, I was not a great employee. I feel my intentions were good, but often misguided, and I felt that I knew how to do things better, my way. Sometimes I was right, often I was wrong, but it made me a challenging person to manage. So, I was forced to start something on my own.

 I have made countless mistakes along the way, mostly guided by ego and pride, I often refused to listen to anyone and followed the wrong path. I still don’t pretend to have it all figured out, but I do have some insight that I have gained by starting my businesses as well as helping hundreds of others start theirs:

1.      Fail And Learn: Face it, you are going to fail. Mistakes are inevitable and losses are part of building success. Just remember that if you fail, learn from it. Take a critical look at what you could have done differently, and then here is the key, do something different!

2.      Try New Things: Often, we are reluctant to try something new. There are many reasons; It didn’t work before, It didn’t work for others, We don’t understand it, It seems too hard. All reasonable responses to change. If you think change is hard, try standing still. Dare to try something new. In a world of ever changing technology, don’t be afraid to try something new that may help you in your daily activities.

3.      Always Be Learning. You can learn from so many places, information is literally in the palm of our hands, but you must do a deeper dive than the first google search. You can learn from so many people outside of your industry. You can learn from your peers as well; they are working alongside you in your industry and I guarantee they have something to share.

4.      Help Others Succeed: We should always look for opportunities to help others find success. This includes the people we work for, the people we work with, our customers, and even people in our industry that may feel like competitors. Helping people in your industry may improve your competition, but it also improves your industry.

5.     Work Hard: I know people will say work smarter not harder, and although I agree with that sentiment to some degree, hard work is still a key element to success. It’s the extra effort, the extra hours, it’s one more call, one more swing. You can do hard things!

6.      Be Kind: Being kind is a great way to improve your life and the lives of those around you. Practice kindness daily through simple acts such as holding doors open, greeting others warmly, and expressing gratitude. It’s these small acts of kindness that make this world a better place.

7.      Slow Down: We are always in a rush. It is one of the things I am known for, hurrying about, I am trying to be better at just enjoying the moment. Its challenging, but every time I do it is worth the effort. It is important to slow down, to pay attention, to be in the moment, we miss so much when we rush around.

8.      Give Thanks: Be appreciative and show it. A simple text, email, or even better a handwritten note is the best way to show your appreciation. If you feel it, say it. Stop waiting for the perfect moment to say thank you!

9.      It’s the little things: If you can’t do the little things well, how can you expect to do the big things well. Focus on improving the small tasks, repetition is key. Once you do them well you can then improve on the speed at which you do them. The details matter.

10.  Get Organized: It is hard to find success in disarray. I have read studies about how cluttered desks and messiness is often a sign of intelligence. I imagine those studies are done by messy unorganized people trying to justify their chaos. Having a clear workspace allows you to focus on one thing at a time and do that task well. I am a horrible multitasker and at times I know it actually slows me down rather than increases my efficiency.


11.  Be Healthy: Take time for you. Meditate. Pray. Eat well and exercise. Anyone who knows me knows I love to eat and it’s not always healthy food. Yet, I do choose healthier options to help balance my more exciting food adventures. Also, I have never stopped exercising, mostly to support my desire to eat, but also for the long term physical and mental health benefits that come from having an exercise regime. It’s never too late to get healthier.

12.  Read: I am a voracious reader, and I typically try to read 2 to 3 books at any given time. I read for pleasure, I read for education, and I read for personal development. If you are ever looking for a book just let me know. Just read!

13.  Connect: Connect with people, not to see how you can benefit from them, rather how you may be a benefit to them, or maybe each other. Connecting with people takes intention, you need to communicate, check in, share a book you’ve read, or something you learned. Dig deeper to create meaningful connections.

14.  Build Habits: I say this often, bad habits are created over time and without our consent. It takes a conscious effort and discipline to create good habits as well as erase the bad ones. Don’t use the excuse that it is hard to avoid building a habit that will improve your life.

15.  Be Intentional: It’s simple, do what you say you are going to do. Simple right? Yet, we live our lives with the best intentions and still fail to execute. Building the life you desire will require you to be intentional. Be intentional with you life, your personal connection, your professional efforts, in all things.

16.  Have a Plan: Yes, build a plan, a daily plan, weekly plan, yearly plan, even 5 to 10 year plan. I realize your plans will change, but having a plan helps you measure your improvements and help you build a clear path to a future success.

17.  Adjust the Plan: Don’t be afraid to change your plan if it’s not working. You must be careful to give yourself enough time for your plan to work. Don’t just change your plan because it becomes hard.

18.  Travel: It is so important to step away from your work and take a vacation. It is hard, scary, and often seemingly impossible to get away. But it is important for your personal relationships, mental health, and the clarity that comes from a break from the daily grind. And going to different towns, states and countries allows you to experience life from different perspectives which helps both personal and professional growth.

19.  Small Changes: Making small adjustments in your life can create momentum that allows for big advancements. Small changes are also more likely to stay with you. Trying to rearrange how you do all your tasks is possible but often leads to disaster. Minor adjustments, small things you can learn to incorporate into your daily routine can be very successful and lead to other small changes.

20.  Celebrate: It is important to take a moment to celebrate the achievements as you go along this journey. Celebrate the big and the small. Celebrate alone and with friends and family, especially the ones that truly support you. Celebrate!


21. 
Eat: A meeting without food should be an email! I say this often and I truly mean it. Not just
because I love food, but because food connects people. Sharing a meal is a great way to connect with people in a meaningful way. It’s a great way to get to know someone. It is a common tie that crosses all bridges as we all can relate through with food in one way or another. People relax and conversations become more comfortable when food is involved, which can improve the overall conversation and outcome of your meetings.

22.  Pray: I will close with this, after 22 years of trying to build something, I have learned that if you lack a foundation of faith, you will always feel unfulfilled, no matter how high you climb in your respective field. We are called to serve, based in faith, without pride, without judgment, to the betterment of all around us. This is the most important lesson of all. I failed to learn it early on, but now I try to walk this way every day.  

My challenge to you, pick 2 or 3 of things, or even 22 of these things and start using them to create a better you! I fully believe you can do this! So, today I pray that as you read this you have a productive and fulfilling life, that you find your calling, that you support others, that you encourage all around you, that you continue to grow professionally personally, and spiritually, and most importantly that you pray!

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