Embracing the Journey: A Decade of Resilience and Growth in Business
Shelly Harrison
?? Representing Speakers, Industry Experts & Authors | LinkedIn Strategist-Trainer | Radio Host/Producer | Speaker Consulting | Former Banking Executive turned Speaker Rep ??
I love reading books - currently, I'm reading, "HEALTHY AT 100" By John Robbins and reading through this "masterpiece" has been a reflective time for me on how I used to live my life and the progress I've made being patient with myself. Since reading this book, I can honestly say without a doubt that I'm thankful to live a healthier life today than I ever did in my earlier years and it's kicked me in the A** on how to proceed to live the next several decades to hopefully live a longer life --- Maybe even to the ripe age of 100! I do know for certain - living a healthier lifestyle will absolutely impact my health, my business, my mental health, and my self-care practices.
Being in business for more than ten years is no small feat. It’s been a journey that requires unwavering dedication, resilience, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. When I reflect on this decade, one thing stands out: success doesn’t come from rushing to meet societal expectations or from comparing yourself to others. It comes from staying true to your path, building upon your vision, and beating the odds, all while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and the mental discipline that running a business demands.
Impatience, I believe, often stems from insecurity. There’s a pervasive pressure to prove ourselves—whether it’s through our achievements, the lifestyles we lead, or the material markers of success we accumulate. This pressure can drive people to rush towards goals they think will earn the approval of others, rather than aligning with their own long-term vision.
Moreover, the fear of time slipping away fuels a sense of urgency, especially among young professionals who feel the need to have everything figured out by a certain age. The belief that you must reach a certain level of success by 30 or else you're falling behind is not just unrealistic—it's damaging. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to change the way we perceive and interact with time. Life isn’t a race against the clock; it’s a marathon that requires pacing, strategy, and endurance.
For me, being healthier and the realization that I am committed to being a business leader for life has been SO empowering. This self-awareness allows me to act swiftly in my day-to-day decisions and operations but with patience and intention in my overarching goals. It’s about playing the long game and not being swayed by the noise of quick wins or the allure of shortcuts. Staying the course has been my guiding principle, and it’s what I credit for the continued growth and success of my business and my desire to stay healthy!
The key is knowing who you are and what you want. I didn't feel that way in my 20s or 30s. When you’re secure in your identity and your purpose, the timeline becomes less intimidating. It’s not about how fast you can get there; it’s about making sure that the path you’re on is truly yours.
This decade in business has taught me the value of exploring the in-between—the middle ground where true growth happens. It’s where you find clarity, where you can test, learn, and pivot without the pressure of immediate perfection. And if you’re not yet sure of what you want to achieve? That’s perfectly fine. There’s power in the journey, in tasting different experiences, and in understanding that you have the time to explore and define your own success.
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So, for those who are on their own entrepreneurial journey, remember this: success isn’t about arriving at a destination as quickly as possible. It’s about embracing the process, making healthy choices, and having the patience to let your vision unfold. Trust the path, stay resilient, and know that the long-term game is where true, sustainable success lies.
Let me know your thoughts on living a healthier lifestyle, being an entrepreneur, or reflections you have about self-care practices - Please share your comments!