This year has been, by far, the most stressful, most exciting, and most eventful of my entire life. I’ve lost a job, started my own company, gotten married, moved, and started another company.
My partner-in-crime Sam Davidson wrote a post this morning titled “No One Does It Alone“. I couldn’t agree more. I wouldn’t be here (and neither would you) if it weren’t for the encouragement and support of other people. I know it’s unoriginal, but tis the season to be giving thanks – here are some things I’m thankful for:
- Thank you to the last 9-5 job I had (and hope to ever have). They’ll remain unnamed but without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Giving me the boot and forcing me to do what I didn’t have the confidence to do myself is something I’ll be forever grateful of. They proved to me that a very negative situation can be life-changing (for the better).
- Thank you to my wife, who has supported me from day one when I came up with the crazy idea of running my own business. She’s been the one person in my life who I can always count on, who’s stood behind me when things weren’t great, and when they have been amazing. Marrying her was by far the best thing I’ve done this year, and in my entire life. That day is one I wish I could relive over and over again.
- Thank you to my friends and family. They may not quite understand what I do, why I Tweet, or the reason I blog, but they care nonetheless and have supported me as I continue down my own “unconventional” career path.
- Thank you to my partner (and friend) Sam Davidson, who believed in me enough to sign on the dotted line and start Proof Branding together. Sam is someone I’ve respected for a long time – ever since he came and spoke to my marketing class in college, I’ve been heckling him about doing something together. Proof is (no pun intended) proof that patience, and a lot of coffee and beer dates, eventually leads to brilliant ideas.
- Thank you to Twitter. I know, it sounds weird to thank something like Twitter – but what has started as random conversations has led to many (many) “real life” friendships and business connections. I will forever be a proponent of social networking because it can be and is (when done right) and extremely powerful tool. To all the folks I’ve met for coffee or a beer over the past year (you know who you are) each and every one of you have inspired and motivated me to do better, try harder, and stay humble.
To quote my “Thanksgiving” post from last year:
If ever there is a day to reflect on the year that was, to stop and give thanks to everyone who helped me get where I am today, Thanksgiving Day is the day to do it. There have been so many of you who are reading this that have had a huge impact on where I stand, right now. So many people who have read and watched and listed through all of the changes, challenges, and obstacles over the past 12 months.
Spend the day giving people the gratitude they deserve. Let your friends and family know how much you appreciate them. Throw out the “I love you’s” in abundance. Be grateful, reflect, drink lot’s of wine, eat lot’s of turkey, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Bonus: I’ll be participating in the month-long #Reverb10 project – which involves a different writing prompt each day to “reflect on this year and manifest what’s next”. The ladies behind this are great and their are a ton of amazing folks involved. Go sign up before December 1st and take some time to reflect and plan for the year ahead.
What have you learned this year? What are you most thankful for?
(Photo c/o Rob Williams)