“Are you angry with yourself?”

Eva sensed something was wrong (she always seems to know). These five words have been hanging over me.

I tend to keep everything in. This is the first step on my recovery.

The Weight of Entrepreneurship

One year ago, I took a leap of faith and started my own business. Like many entrepreneurs, I dreamed of success, impact, and the ability to create something meaningful.

What I didn't expect was the overwhelming pressure I would put on myself every single day.

Today, I want to share something personal with you – a side of me that many don't see.

The Pressure I Put on Myself

Every morning, I wake up with a familiar weight on my shoulders.

• Will my business survive?
• Am I making the right decisions?
• Will I be able to provide for my family?

These questions constantly swirl in my head, creating a crush of anxiety and self-doubt.

I'm my own harshest critic, setting increasingly unrealistic expectations and financial goals that seem to stretch further away the harder I reach for them.

The Myth of the Fearless Leader

Many of you have supported me throughout my journey, and I'm incredibly grateful for that. Some have even told me that I make it all look easy – that I never seem to fail or show fear.

But the truth is, I'm terrified most of the time.

• I worry about the future of my business
• I struggle with balancing work and family life
• I fear letting down the people who depend on me
• I question whether I'm being the dad and partner I want to be
• I wonder if I'm making the right choices for long-term success

Breaking Down the Facade

We all wear masks sometimes. We present our best selves to the world while hiding our doubts and fears.

But this facade comes at a cost.

By pretending to be invincible, we not only put unnecessary pressure on ourselves but also make it harder for others to relate to our journey.

The Cost of Perfectionism

This constant drive for perfection has led me to overlook something crucial: the importance of celebrating small wins.

In my relentless pursuit of bigger goals (because I tell myself everyone is accomplishing more), I've been missing the beauty of the present moment and the significance of how far I've actually come.

• The fact that my business has survived its first year
• The growth in my capabilities as an entrepreneur
• The expontential improvement in my teaching
• The positive feedback from satisfied clients
• The small improvements I make each day
• The lessons learned from my mistakes
• The trust my customers place in me

Learning to Celebrate

As I reflect on this past year, I'm making a conscious decision to change my perspective. Instead of constantly focusing on what's next, I'm learning to appreciate what's now.

Here's what I'm committed to celebrating:

Daily Victories

• Each new skill learned
• The positive feedback I receive
• The times I recover from setbacks
• Every successful client interaction
• The small improvements in my processes
• The moments when I exceed expectations

Personal Growth

• Learning to trust my instincts
• Developing better communication skills
• Finding ways to balance work and personal life
• Becoming more resilient in the face of challenges
• Building meaningful relationships with clients and NLT members

A Message to Fellow Strivers

If you're reading this and recognizing yourself in my words, know that you're not alone. Many of us struggle with the same fears, doubts, and tendency to be overly critical of ourselves.

Here's what I want you to remember:

• Your worth isn't determined by your achievements alone
• Don’t confuse celebrating wins with complacency
• Your journey is unique and valuable
• It's okay to be afraid and uncertain
• Small progress is still progress

Moving Forward Together

As I continue this entrepreneurial journey, I'm making a commitment to myself and sharing it with you. I promise to:

• I will be more gentle with myself
• I will share both successes and struggles
• I will acknowledge and celebrate small wins
• I will practice gratitude for what I have achieved
• I will maintain perspective during challenging times

An Invitation to Connect

If my story resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reply and share your own experiences with me. I read every email you send. Maybe it’ll help you to get it in writing too.

Together we can:

• Support each other through challenges
• Share our victories, both big and small
• Learn from each other's experiences
• Celebrate progress together
• Build authentic relationships

Closing Thoughts

Starting and running a business is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life.

While the pressure and fear haven't disappeared, I'm going to work harder to embrace them as part of the journey rather than fighting against them.

To those who have supported me throughout this first year: thank you. Your belief in me has meant more than you know.

And to those who are on similar journeys: remember to be kind to yourself, celebrate your progress, and know that it's okay to not have everything figured out.

Looking Ahead

As I step into another year of business ownership, I'm excited to see what lies ahead.

Not because I expect perfection, but because I'm learning to embrace the journey with all its ups and downs.

Here's to celebrating the small wins, learning from the setbacks, and growing stronger together.

Thanks for reading!

Andy