When the house quieted down and I was finally alone, I opened the side door and finally smiled.

Magnificent. Beautiful. Peaceful.

The snow covered bushes, the sidewalks covered in white…. A complete winter wonderland!

Almost a year ago a prospective client reached out to me and booked a discovery call.

Our call went great and I felt like we really hit it off.

I was excited for the possibility of the kind of work we can do together and had a feeling that she felt the same way.

Wandering around Target this past weekend, I discovered a beautiful stoneware mug buried among Joanna Gaines’ exclusive home brand, Hearth and Hand.

The design was pretty, but is was the message imprinted on the mug that really spoke to me. It simply stated in black bold text, “Actually, I can.”

It's new, it's scary.

It's big, it's hairy.

It's precious and sacred.

It's a dream.

And it's yours.

You got into business for a reason. Maybe because you have always dreamed of using your talents to support your family. Maybe because you feel like you have a light that you just need to shine. You have a gift to share with the world.

But did you ever stop to think about the gifts your business has given you?

Today is Thursday. It’s as good of a day as any.

It’s a perfect day to celebrate.

If you’ve been following me for a while

Hey, since when is that a problem?

Since your business has grown and you don’t have time to work for free anymore. That’s a good problem to have!

Yet for us business owners, it can be difficult to navigate the complicated waters of the expectations that come from friends and family.

Why in the world would you want to do something you hate?

Probably because you think that you should. You were told that running a successful business takes sacrifice, and you just gotta do what you gotta do.

“Can you do Thursday night?”

“I’m so sorry, Thursday won’t work. My next availability is Friday morning.”

“Oh. I really wanted Thursday. You can’t do Thursday???”

I hate scheduling appointments. Email ping-pong is not my idea of fun.

When I started coaching creative business owners, I knew that I had better figure out a better way.

Hello, nice to meet you.

Who am I, you ask?

I’m Sarah’s resistance.

I’m her voice of fear. I’m the one that keeps her playing small.

She usually doesn’t even know that I’m there.

"One, two, skip a few, ninety nine, a hundred!"

Some days I wish that there would be a good way to do that in business, as well.

One post, two posts, skip a few, ninety nine, a hundred!
One client, two clients, skip a few, ninety nine, a hundred!
One sale, two sales, skip a few, ninety nine, a hundred!

Wouldn't that be nice!

They are the ones who show me the generosity of mankind.

They are the ones who teach me what commitment really means.

They are the ones who I am privileged to call my clients.

As entrepreneurs, it feels great to look back on our progress and realize that despite all the doubters we have come so far.

The voice of the critics were loud. But we learned to shut them out, staying far from unsolicited advice and well-meaning friends.

Are you waiting in the wings for your turn on stage?

Do you stay back claiming that you have nothing to say?

Through my experience working with clients, I discovered that the obstacle of self-doubt can be the single biggest challenge of a creative business owner.

It was July 4th and I went to the mall with my mother. We had only an hour to shop, and I knew that our time had to be spent in the shoe section. But I really wanted a new dress. A dress very similar to the one I was wearing. So as we ascended the elevator I offered a quick prayer and asked for it.

Your success is making you sick.
But, you’re pretty sure you are on the right track.
You just feel like you want to run away and hide in a little corner.

Calm down. It’s normal.
 

Did you ever hear of fear of success?
Yes. It’s worse than fear of failure. Because most people don’t recognize it.
But now, you are not most people.

My consulting clients come to me with lots questions. Here is a big one-

“Is it worth it for me to continue doing XYZ?”

Instinctively, I run to analyze the numbers. And it’s true, the numbers tell a big story.

But, there is another major part I need to take into the equation. That is YOU!
 

"Ma, I want to do this."
"I know. But it's in middle of the school year."
"Yes. And I really really really want to do this."
"Hmmm…Let me talk to your father about this…"

My 14 year old bother was determined to present his talent of Mentalism at the RCCS TALENT COMPETITION.
My parents had a hard time agreeing.