Gratitude & Go For It

I am so proud that today marks the start of 6th year of being a full-time entrepreneur. I’m celebrating because one of the stats that I’ve allowed to both hang over my head and motivate me to keep going is a well-known to new business owners: in the U.S. only about 50% of businesses survive the first 5 years. 

What if I don't make it...?"

Last year, I started writing a celebratory post 3-4 times, but ultimately deleted it thinking “what if I don’t make it through this fifth year?” Who knew exactly how REAL that concern would be in January of 2020?

Being a business owner has been one of the hardest and most wonderful things I have ever done. Isn’t it funny how those two truths often show up in tandem? The result of the last 5 years is not just indicative of what my business has accomplished, but also to the innumerable ways in which I have grown. 

In the past, I’ve been reticent to share achievements, celebrate accomplishments or honor milestones publicly because I don’t want to it to be perceived as bragging or out of fear of how I compare to other businesses.  But today, at my core, I wanted to share for 2 specific reasons totally unrelated to me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you x a million to my people.

First, I don’t even know how to start or summarize the amount of gratitude I have for so many people who’ve supported me.  I am so lucky to have web of support woven and brought to life by my family, friends, mentors, clients, community, colleagues and collaborators who have championed me in some of the most astounding ways. 

I think the most special thing about this last five years is seeing the way people have shown up for me. My mind has been endlessly and repetitively blown by the ways I’ve received encouragement, support and resources both when I least expected it and needed it most. I strive to demonstrate that support to others in honor of what’s been given to me and to keep the gratitude and support flowing. Thank you, thank you, thank you x a million to my people.

Secondly, I really wanted to share this as encouragement for you to do that thing you’ve been thinking about.  I dreamed about owning my own business since I was 10 years old, making my own business cards for babysitting services. I flirted with and "failed" at a few side hustles to figure out what entrepreneurship would mean for me. It took me a couple of decades to finally fully go for it, and the only thing I wish is that I would have done it sooner. 

Whatever false reasons your internal voices have been telling you “now’s not the time,” I am here to tell you, they are lying.

Secondly, I really wanted to share this as encouragement for you to do that thing you’ve been thinking about.  I dreamed about owning my own business since I was 10 years old, making my own business cards for babysitting services. I flirted with and failed at quite a few side hustles to figure out what entrepreneurship would mean for me. It took me a couple of decades to finally fully go for it, and the only thing I wish is that I would have done it sooner.

​For you it might not be starting a business – it could be pursuing a new passion, making a big career pivot, starting a new relationship, digging into some needed deep personal growth, chasing a goal that seems big/scary/”unrealistic”. Whatever false reasons your internal voices have been telling you “now’s not the time,” I am here to tell you, they are lying and the time is absolutely now.  Doing it is going to bring so much to your life in ways you can probably guess at, but will never fully comprehend unless you REALLY go for it.  You can do it – I believe in you! 

So, happy 6th birthday, Shiftive!  And happy first day to whoever is ready to go for their big thing today. I can’t wait to celebrate with you along the way!