I was having a super animated conversation with Michael a few days ago. I have been feeling like I’m completely on top of the world since February when I struck out on my own by launching my own firm. It has been exhilarating every single day. Now I’m not going to tell you it’s perfect and without bumps. But even during the learning new things/technology deluge/insurance lesson/sticker shock of taxes/headscratching legalease episodes, I feel so lucky to be challenged, to have the option to get smarter, and to absorb new skills to help me grow and grow my business. And I was telling Michael that I feel so happy every day when I wake up because I get to greet these new obstacles head on. I’m energized and optimistic. He threw in that the job sort of chose me. Which is true. It was just in my path and a great opportunnity that I would have been crazy to pass up. And that’s a good thing since I could have been doing one of these fun jobs…
On a serious note, I’m the kind of person who prepares to a scary degree. Never one to cram for a test, I was always the one doing the work steadily so that I didn’t feel pressure the night before. And I guess that’s just my MO for life. I like to prepare. Not just because it alleviates my anxiety, but because I actually enjoy the thought process and buy into the excitement of the prep. I enjoyed training for the New York City Marathon just as much if not more than race day. Really. I like to earn it. And when I leave the house, I’m ready for anything! I anticipate a storm, needing to store a chicken in my purse (it could happen!), an unexpected blister, and the urgency of a toothpick, handi-wipe or lifesaving water. It’s a jungle out there and I feel great knowing I’m armed with City survival supplies.
Let’s take the example of a vacation since they typically lasts just a week. And by the time you get where you’re going, settle in, relax and get into a groove, the week is half over and you’re already stressing about heading back home. Then you get home and the real world comes crashing down on you with responsibilities, mail, laundry, grocery shopping, schedules and work. After two days back home it feels like you never left. So I like to start planning for that week vacation waaay in advance. I like to think about what we’re going to do. Where we will stay. All the good meals we will share. Some goodies I might buy. Museums we could visit. The sights and views and wonders that await. Clothes I will overpack. The works!
That’s why I’m taking my time at the top of the slide. Let me explain.
When I was telling Michael about being so excited about life in general, he told me I was at the top of the slide. And he was so right. Remember when you were a kid and you climbed the ladder, hands burning from the non-safe metal poles as your feet carefully navigated the rungs on the footsteps? And then you got to the top of the slide, waiting for your turn to go? And for a moment, maybe you looked around. A little scared if it was your first time? Your Mom waving from the sidelines. And you were conscious of the kid climbing up behind you. Gaining on you. And then you sat your tiny tushy down and woosh! Off you went. What a thrill!
After many rides down the burning hot metal slide, you climbed the ladder with record speed, laughing and excited for your turn. And then the view from the top seemed grand. You could take on the world from up there.
You waved to your Mom with both hands and sometimes she was even looking without you screaming her name to watch you on your ninth try. Scared? No, not you! It was a top of the slide moment. A glimpse of life when you were in control, you were carefree and the world was amazing. You felt fearless. Little did we all know back then that these moments would be as rare as they were wonderful. And that life would get infinitely more complicated.
So to ensure my view from the top of the slide and that the wow factor lasts as long as possible, I refuse to compare myself to anyone else. Not a start-up, not a woman owned business, not a single shingle, nor a big thriving company, and certainly not someone who tried hard, gave up and threw in the towel.
This journey is mine. And I plan to savor every step, even if I stumble or fall. Because every rung on this ladder belongs to me. And I own this climb.
“The struggles I’m facing, The chances I’m taking, Sometimes might knock me down. But no. I’m not breaking. I may not know it, but these are the moments that I’m gonna remember most, yeah. Just gotta keep going. And I gotta be strong. Just keep pushing on ’cause there’s always gonna be another mountain. I’m always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle. Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose. Ain’t about how fast I get there. Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side. It’s the climb.” Miley Cyrus
It’s the place where I paid my dues as a creative group assistant doing only gruntwork as a fresh out of college grad. And it sucked! It’s the step where I learned computer graphics and marketing and how to create a successful pitch working overtime and loving it. It’s twenty rungs straight up of grinding on new business and tirelessly building new relationships and nurturing existing ones. It’s figuring out the secret sauce of how to marry sales and marketing for my own memorably unique approach that resonates with clients. It’s about having fun and believing I can. All of those steps and many missteps made up my vertical path. But I believe the harder the climb, the better the view.
jenslittleblackbook.com 