As I enter my second year of owning imPRess and my 49th year on this planet, I have one take away to share: No regrets. Any time you begin something new, there is always excitement and trepidation about taking the leap. I remember drafting my business plan and designing my logo for imPRess, thinking that this was a great new adventure, but also had the questions on my mind, “Will this work? Will I regret this?” Thankfully, I listened to my instincts that told me, “You can do this.”
A client of mine (and also a friend) told me that he had decided a long time ago that he wanted every day to feel like he was on vacation. I remember smiling a wide smile when he said that and thought, “That’s how I want to feel!” Doing work that you love doesn’t feel like work. It is fun and a consistent string of new experiences where you learn and grow. That’s how this last year has felt, and as I enter the last year of my 40s, I feel invigorated and ready to take on my 50s with big-time energy.
Owning my own business has offered me the chance to create my daily schedule in a way that really suits me best, including exercise each morning that recently led me to my 200th run on my Peloton tread. I am far more present for my family and friends. Traveling has become easier, as I can schedule my work and leisure time fairly easily. Also, my husband got the entrepreneurial bug too, and together we started three other new businesses that we are now running together. What a great adventure!
So, for all of you out there thinking that you want a change, but it seems scary or impossible, take time to talk to your mentors, realize you are stronger than you think, and write a business plan with the help of someone who has been there, who is there, who knows what is needed to begin your venture. Even if you reach the end of the first year, and it didn’t work out as well as you thought, it is not a failure. It is brave that you tried it. If you succeed, you’ll feel like I do right now: proud and thankful.
I sincerely thank all of you out that who have supported me either through encouragement or trusting me to work for you. I appreciate all of you, and here’s to another year of great experiences!
Cheers!
Susan O’Brien, Owner of imPRess