Embracing Self-Appreciation: A Journey Beyond Perfectionism

"The prize is never really worth the chase...the REAL prize are the moments all along the way." - Sarah Louden

"I deserve it." Three simple words, yet they carry a weight of uncertainty for so many of us. We are the hard workers, the ones unafraid to trust, the perpetual encouragers. We pour our heart and soul into our endeavors, striving to make a difference. But there's something we struggle with—acknowledging our own achievements and granting ourselves the recognition we readily bestow upon others.

I know that many of you, just like me, can relate to this internal struggle. We are the midnight toilers, the ones who fall and get back up, time and time again. And yet, when it's time to acknowledge our own successes, we falter.

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

We're not alone in this journey. Leaders throughout history have grappled with self-doubt, too. Their words echo a universal truth that self-appreciation is a step towards personal growth and fulfillment. And today, I want to share my own journey, a journey that reflects the experiences of many who dedicate their lives to making a difference.

I stand here, proud and tired. Total Health | Oncology is now a company ranked as one of the fastest growing in the United States. This moment, this achievement—it wasn't handed to me on a silver platter. It was forged through years of fear and responsibility. The weight of managing expectations, the pressure to succeed, the relentless pursuit of making the "right" choices—it all has come with a heaviness.

"The biggest challenge is to stay focused. It's to have the discipline when there are so many competing things." - Alexa Hirschfeld

But amidst the exhaustion and doubts, I've come to a profound realization. It's not just about the end goal; it's about the journey itself. The moments of growth, the lessons learned, the friendships forged (and lived and lost)—these are the real prizes. As leaders, as changemakers, as relentless pursuers of our dreams, we often forget to cherish these moments.

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

So, my message to anyone reading this is simple: Live. Embrace the possibilities that lie before you, while remaining rooted in the realities of life. Celebrate your journey, your progress, and your victories. Remember that you, too, deserve acknowledgment for the relentless pursuit of your aspirations.

Let's stand together as a community of achievers who are unafraid to acknowledge our worthiness. Let's break free from the chains of perfectionism and grant ourselves the self-love we readily extend to others. Because in the end, it's the journey—the ups, the downs, and the in-betweens—that truly defines us.

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis

#EmbraceYourJourney #SelfAppreciation #OwnYourAchievements #Inc5000 #Leadership