Happy Five Years!

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” - Robert F. Kennedy

When I retired from the military four years ago, most thought it was inevitable that I would take my rank, my experience and my security clearances and walk right into a civilian job that mirrored my last few tours.

But I didn't. 

I ran in the opposite direction, fast.

I did attempt to work for a few organizations including the DoD, just long enough (less than 12 months) to see that it was completely overrated, stifled by bureaucracy and apathy.

Instead, I decided to be my own solution.  

Why not put my money where my mouth was?  After all, the LLC I had started the year before I retired was a little dusty, but still current.

Unbeknownst to me, or anyone for that matter, I took the ultimate leap of faith on the dawn of a global pandemic. 

I opened a service-based brick and mortar studio, only to put in on pause less than six months later when the Virginia Governor deemed my photography services "non essential."

Not necessarily the optimal business plan, but if I knew that I would become a supporting actor in multiple episodes of the "Twilight Zone," then I'd probably still be stuck in a cubicle complaining about my metro commute and workplace bullying.

So how did I survive?

Patience.

Faith.

And Confidence.

I took the pause as an opportunity to work "on" the business since I couldn't work "in" the business. I finally got around to writing my business plan and even dabbled in creating video using my photography.

According to statistics published in 2019 by the Small Business Administration (SBA), about twenty percent of business startups fail in the first year. About half succumb to business failure within five years. By year 10, only about 33% survive.

July 2022 marks my five year business anniversary.  As I reflect on how I got here a few thoughts or lessons come to mind.

-Failure is part of growing confidence.

-Confidence takes time, experience and repetition.

-It takes a network of supporters, partners, collaborators, sponsors and cheerleaders to get to your destination.

-You control your attitude.

Thank you to all those who contributed to my five year journey!