Worst of Times Lead to Best of Times – Proven that to Myself!
I have had an amazing run in my life lately. I am 35 years old now and reflecting back now on succeeding in my own business, it has got me reflecting on how strange life can be sometimes.
When I was 29 / 30 – I was washed up career wise. Post GFC, my old “Corporate Marketing Manager” skills were worth 1/2 the value as they were in the old days (assuming one could get a job). This pressure was brilliant in the end as it helped me become the man who I am today where I have been lucky to help Hundreds of Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs build some happening lives.
2013 has been a year of “Clean-Up” and reinvestment for me. I lost all my weight (still some left though – the sides are always the hardest), reinvested almost every cent I had back into the business so I can help more people, got more into charity and this one was long time coming – cleaning up my Personal / Relationship Life. I am far from perfect on this on this front but I have made all my hard decisions that I have been putting off for years. Even though I don’t have the results yet, I feel good in knowing I have finally taken some responsibility for my actions!
Quite a few of my clients & friends are going through tough ones now. Some much tougher than me (mine isn’t really that hard, it’s all in my head). What I have reflected on in all of this is:
– The Best of Times, The Worst of Times…
Right now I feel like that in my life I am truly living and contributing and especially in the last year I have had the highest highs and the lowest lows. I must be starting to sound like an old man now in that what I am realizing is that it’s very hard to have massive highs, without the massive lows. I spent most of my life numb and in the middle and I have realized that is what most people do to their own detriment – live life on the “Average”, and to me that is painful!
I have made lots of big and little decisions this year, some worked out great, some were not so great – but one thing I have noticed is that I have personally helped the most people ever, earned the most money ever (although I have put it all back into my business), had some amazing wins and life changing experiences AND had some massive lows!
Over the past few months my personal life has been very rocky, so I made some big decisions and took the bull by the horns. It was tough, but now I feel stable – and this part of my life is working out. Even though I haven’t got what I want, to me I have learned (and seen this with many of my clients) that as long as you take charge and no longer play Victim – you instantly feel better and inspired.
So here is to the Best of Times and the Worst of Times! I used to be fearful of the bad times, but now I know – the Worst of times can be enjoyable in the respect that it teaches you what is important and what really matters.
Have a great day or night everyone with thanks from Edward Zia – Marketing Mentor and Small Business Lover!
9 Responses
Great and very inspirational piece of thoughts!
Thank you Malou! You are awesome and it’s appreciated. You rock!
Hi Ed,
You have certainly come a long away. Thanks for sharing. It is always a nice reminder that things aren’t always smooth sailing, but persistence, passion and resilience are the key.
Looking forward to the next post!
That is so true isn’t it Manni and thank you for the great response. Yes, I have pushed myself hard this year and it’s very rewarding. I used to always “Blame” someone, but now I blame the person in the mirror and it’s great. Only way things improve. Thank you for the great feedback!
Edward you are so right.
This year we have almost been ruined financially by a vindictive ex business partner, taken advantage of by a unscrupulous employer, my husband has been through chemo, radiation and a 17 hour operation – and is still in hospital after 7 weeks in intensive care and doesn’t look to be coming home any time soon, but is finally improving. During all this my daughter has been studying for HSC and my son for Tafe quals.
But… I have set up my own business by necessity and been astounded, despite the dreadful things happening to and around us, that I have met and been supported by so many wonderful people. We are not out of the woods yet but I daily thank God that we live in a country where we can survive the medical trials, be well educated and achieve success despite everything. We shouldn’t forget it.
Thank you Fern and great line on gratitude and brilliant. I couldn’t agree with you more and in fact your response touches me too in that regard. I think too often (including me) we can take things for granted, and you have been through way more than I have.
And look at you! Well done and love your inspiriational story – I pray for your husband – hope he is okay!
Thank you again and appreciate your kind contribution!
Invaluable reflection, Ed. Hear hear!
You are too kind and thank you Martha! Love your work 🙂
Hello! I feel very good, I have to support you, thank you