From The Bunny Slopes to the Blues

Business and Life Lessons I learned this week

Three days. That’s all it took for two of my friends, who were beginners, to go from wobbly first steps on skis to confidently cruising down blue runs. It wasn’t magic, but it was transformative and taught lessons that go far beyond skiing. Their journey resonates deeply with the process of starting and building a business—and navigating life’s challenges.

Day 1: Standing at the Bottom of the Mountain

The first day on the slopes was a shock.? We got off the bus to -7 degree temps. We were bundled in gear and getting used to walking in ski boots.? I was excited about the day, but my friends were overwhelmed by the sheer size of the mountain, and clutching their ski poles as if their lives depended on them. The beginners' lesson focused on basics: how to stop, turn, and fall safely. By the end of the day, they had mastered the art of the "pizza" wedge—a rudimentary way to slow down—but even the smallest slope felt intimidating.

Life and business often feel exactly like this. You’re at the bottom of the mountain, staring up at what seems like an impossible climb. Every step feels awkward and slow, and it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong. Like skiing, life and business start with small, deliberate steps: researching, getting advice, and then taking the first big step.

Day 2: Falling, Failing, and Gaining Confidence

Day two brought a mix of progress and frustration. The small wins—successfully navigating a beginner trail—were punctuated by plenty of falls. But with each tumble, they got up, brushed off the snow, and tried again. By mid-afternoon, they began experimenting with slightly steeper slopes, realizing that fear was the biggest barrier they had to overcome.

In business, day two is when you start trying things that feel risky. Maybe it’s pitching your first client, launching a product, or facing rejection. You’ll fall—probably a lot. But every stumble is a chance to learn and recalibrate. The same goes for life: setbacks are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities. Falling isn’t failure; it’s proof that you’re pushing your limits and growing as a person.

Day 3: The Breakthrough

By the third day, something clicked. The two friends were no longer focused on falling; they were focused on flow. They tackled blue runs with excitement rather than hesitation. Sure, they weren’t perfect. But they had shifted from fear to momentum, trusting their growing skills and realizing that they could handle the challenges in front of them.

This is the moment every entrepreneur dreams of—when your business starts to gain traction. It doesn’t mean the challenges go away, but your confidence grows because you’ve built a foundation. The same holds in life. Once you’ve faced enough challenges, you realize you’re capable of handling more than you thought possible.

Key Takeaways for Building a Business and Living Fully

1. Start Small: Just as no one tackles a black diamond run on their first day, you don’t need to build an empire overnight. Focus on mastering the basics, whether in business or in life.
2. Embrace Falling: Mistakes are inevitable. Instead of fearing them, treat them as opportunities to learn and grow. Falling isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a necessary part of the journey.
3. Face Your Fear: Fear is often the biggest obstacle, whether you’re staring down a ski slope, pitching to investors, or making a major life change. Push through it, and you’ll discover what you’re capable of.
4. Celebrate Progress: Each small victory—like mastering a turn, landing your first sale, or overcoming a personal challenge—is a step toward bigger achievements. Celebrate them.
5. Trust the Process: Growth doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a series of small breakthroughs that, over time, lead to confidence and success—in business and life.

The Slopes, the Startup, and the Journey of Life

What made the difference for these two friends was their willingness to show up, fall, and keep going. That same resilience is what drives successful entrepreneurs and individuals who live meaningful lives. Whether you’re starting a business, learning to ski, or facing personal challenges, the journey begins with uncertainty and fear. But with persistence, you can go from barely standing to tackling challenges you once thought impossible.

The mountain is waiting. Are you ready to take the first step?