Let me tell you a story. In 2014, while competing in an open state show, I took a pretty severe fall. My horse at the time, a fairly green (i.e. untrained) mare whom I’d never competed on before, was spooked when one of the caterers for the event dumped a bucket of ice near the main arena (where my class was exhibiting). It was the first competition that I’d ever shown at a canter (for those of you non-horsey people, the canter is a horse’s third gate- faster than a trot, but not quite as extended as a full gallop). When this mare bucked initially, I somehow managed to stay on. I knew, though, that despite my attempts to gain control of the situation, I wouldn’t be able to save myself if she bucked again. My left foot had come loose from the stirrup by this point and the saddle had slipped sideways, further offsetting my balance.
It wasn’t a surprise, therefore, that when she spun and bucked again, I came off. I landed hard on my left shoulder and having fallen from almost six feet up (this mare was 16.2 hands)- I could feel the impact everywhere. I don’t have any idea how long I laid on the floor of the arena after that- time moves slowly after a fall- but I do remember my trainer’s first words to me after I was able to get back up: “Get your a** back on that horse. Now.” At this point, I had no idea if I was hurt and couldn’t feel any pain if I was. I was still in shock. I honestly couldn’t believe she was demanding I do this without even having me assessed by an EMT, but, being someone who avoids conflict at all costs and also wanting to assure everyone that I was okay, I mounted. My hands were shaking as I took the reins and my heart was pounding, but I still did it. I’ll admit I was absolutely terrified- probably more scared than I’d ever been in my entire life. The ride that followed was likely one of the worst rides of my life; neither the trot or the canter was at all collected, I couldn’t pick up the correct lead and the circles we made weren’t symmetrical in the slightest- however, I’d gotten back on. Though the ride was less than perfect, I still performed and I overcame a fear that could’ve paralyzed me and prevented me from ever riding again.
Overcoming Fear
So, how does this story apply to improving your health, fitness, or even career? I guess my main message here is this: no matter how much you want to quit, or no matter who or what discourages you- keep pushing forward. Rome wasn’t built in a day- and it’s impractical to expect that kind of growth from yourself right out of the gate. You have to be willing to work for it- and it will be hard at first, regardless of what your goal might be (weight-loss, muscle building, health and physical fitness etc.) However, it’s also essential that you recognize that you are the deciding factor to your own fate. Don’t listen to the noise around you- and overcome. Fear and uncertainty is normal, even healthy in some instances, but only in moderation. If you let fear control you, you’re essentially giving up any right you have at living up to your truest potential- both in life and in overall personal development.
Telling you to overcome fear is all well and good, however, I know it can be difficult. I still have days that I struggle with my personal fears. Truth be told, I’m afraid of getting close to people (in terms of both romantic relationships and friendships.) I’ve been hurt several different times by several different people and for me, it’s hard to overcome those feelings of abandonment, confusion, heartbreak and sometimes even self-loathing that I have come to associate with getting close to, loving, and caring for others. Regardless, though, over the years I’ve recognized that thinking about things in this way is counterproductive to overcoming my fear. Not all people are cruel and not every friendship or relationship will end the way that some of my past ones have. I have to remember that the love I show to others is indicative of who I am as a person- and regardless if they return it or not, I know that I’m being true to myself and being true to my heart (as lame as that sounds)- and anyone that dislikes me for that is not worth having around.
Someone whom I care about and whom has been greatly influential to me in terms of all of this once told me: “It’s only five seconds of pain.” If we think about overcoming fear in this way and pushing past our physical and mental limitations, suddenly, everything seems a little bit more possible. Our short-term pain is worth the long-term benefits of living an improved life- and there is nothing that we can’t overcome or achieve if we give it our all and push through.
Sourcing the Product
Moving on to the more business-related elements of this post, when achieving in business, it is vital that we depend upon others. Though businesses are often credited with being successful solely based upon their creator (think Steve Jobs with Apple, Bill Gates with Microsoft, Henry Ford with Ford Automotive, etc.), without the added help from several key figures, none of these companies would be even remotely as profitable or well-known as they are today. One person is unlikely to create a successful business entirely on his or her own; one person has the potential to create a business model and subsequently complimentary product or service idea- but without added help from suppliers, brokers, manufacturers and/or wholesalers- no business would stand a chance at ever rising to meet expectations.
In order to build a successful business, it’s important to first identify what method of distribution would be most beneficial for your company. There are many factors to consider; for example market trends, quality of the product being manufactured and subsequently sold, and cost of partnership. If a business is able to determine what products are profitable amongst their target market and obtain them in bulk for a lesser cost than what they will eventually be sold for, it is likely that they will be successful. However, a company must also be able to determine the rate at which their product will be supplied- if a supplier is unable to deliver a product in a timely manner (regardless of what cost may be), you’ll be missing out on trending sales and will lose clientele to brands that may offer competitive pricing and products that better relate to their needs at the time.
Another item for businesses to consider in their development stage is what shipping method will be utilized to deliver a product. Drop shipping and affiliate shipping both offer potential benefit to companies looking to develop into e-commerce enterprises, however, neither are without risk. Though drop-shipping admittedly has more risks than affiliate (higher cost, higher amount of refunds/returns, chargebacks, etc.)- it does have the potential to make more money per sale. It’s important for any company to compare and quantify every option before even getting out of the gate. When we think about business, we think of businesses as they are- already established, already profitable. However, what we should think about is the amount of time, effort and careful planning required to create a business or an enterprise that is even remotely profitable- let alone turning revenue positively day in and day out. This process is not unlike the process required to create and cultivate a healthy lifestyle. Everything takes time- and there are no shortcuts (no matter how much we wish there were.) However, if we push through and take the time necessary to do things the right way- there is no doubt that we will be successful.
Strive Towards 