Have you ever driven through downtown Atlanta on the highway? If you have, you'll understand the complexity of the interchange where multiple roads diverge. One wrong move and you could end up heading east instead of north, or west instead of east. The chaos of rush hour traffic, the constant lane changes, and the need to make split-second decisions can be overwhelming. This, in many ways, is a metaphor for the journey of entrepreneurship.

The Journey Begins

About a decade ago, I started a company, BCOSF, Inc, as a consulting firm with a business partner. Over time, the company evolved into something much different than what we had initially envisioned. However, we soon realized that we were not compatible as business partners. Our philosophies, directions, and even emotional paths were very different.

When we decided to part ways, I found myself in a state of panic. I was now the networker, the marketer, the salesperson, and the closer. It felt like I was back at that Atlanta interchange, unsure of which direction to take. 

I had to commit and build a straight road if my company was to survive.

The Road Gets Bumpy

A few years later, Jack, my boyfriend who became my fiancé, and I decided to merge our companies. This essentially meant him closing his video production company and joining mine. Suddenly, the company was responsible for two w2 incomes, our contractors, and the expenses of our new studio. Oftentimes, as your revenues increase, so do your expenses. 

Each month, we had to strategize and plan for the incoming revenue. This process was an emotional roller coaster, similar to navigating through the Atlanta interchange. As a business owner, the buck stops with you. You are responsible for all the expenses, and I knew I had to create my own straight road and find a solution.

Building the Straight Road

To navigate this journey, I had to do several things. 

First, I had to build more confidence. I had to recognize my own self-worth and attract the right clients. 

Second, I had to overcome my own insecurities. What they don't tell you in business school is that you bring all your past insecurities into your present. However, you also bring all the positives, and it's crucial to focus on those.

Third, I had to seek solutions instead of focusing on the problems. Focusing on problems leads to more problems. 

Lastly, and most importantly, I had to build faith in the process. This step was only possible once I had built more confidence, overcome the insecurities and focused on the solutions!  Faith is crucial because it allows me to remain calm when faced with a problem. As long as I stay focused on the present, discern the direction I need to go, even if I’m  not sure what the solution might be, I can navigate the interchange with confidence.

The Challenge

Today, I want to challenge each of you to work on building your straight road: focus on building more confidence, overcome your insecurities, focus on solutions instead of problems, and build faith in the process. Remember, when you enter the Atlanta Interchange, remain calm. As long as you see the straight road ahead, the multiple offshoots won't phase you. Keep building your straight road, and you'll navigate the interchange of business and life with ease.