Somewhere along the lines in my life and business, this weekly letter has become a journal of sorts.

Catharsis on the internet, just you and me.

There are things that are easier to gloss over, in the name of I’m-just-so-busy or **the guise of I’ll-share-once-I-figure-it-out.

Well, today is not that day.

Today is the moment where I give you a direct look into the last four and a half weeks, filled with unexpected turns.

During the second week of March, I made the (hard) decision to step in as the Sales Manager.

This required me to let go of the former sweet, good manager (so hard), in order to rebuild the department and team.

I was sick making this decision, but I jumped in feet first and looked at the team during our first meeting together and said the following: “I don’t know what I’m doing…but we’re about to clean house and play at a new level.”

I spent hours(sssss) each day studying how to scale our systems and sales, and—some mornings—drank Alka Seltzer because of how nervous I was to guide such a talented team with what felt like a butter knife, a whoopee cushion, and a harmonica.

I spoke with a voice that quivered, but I didn’t back down from stating my expectations and goals.

Over the last 30 days, I’ve become an entirely different person.

I know it sounds like a stretch (and a bit self-congratulatory), but it came at a cost.

Sleep. Ego. Money. Comfort. Status quo.

There were days when I wanted to face plant on my desk, but I refused, because this?

THIS work, THIS privilege? I chose it.

I refused to complain because this (difficult) opportunity empowered (and required) me to earn the right to grow with a solid foundation of culture, excellence, and expansion.

In the last month, we grew in new ways (adding three new members to the sales team) and served hundreds of clients well.

It hasn’t been easy (and we still have a SO much to learn), but I am proud.

If there’s one thing I’ve been reminded of in this process it’s this: The hardest moments provide the most gratifying ways to grow, if we don’t give up.

Here’s to the hard moments, may they shape us into being the people who earn every good thing coming our way.

To Growth Always, in all ways,

j*

P.S. If you’re looking for an [epic] free leadership training, join me in a very private conversation I had with a consultant. I hired Jim to develop myself and the leadership team…and you get a front row seat HERE. (Yes, I’m sharing a private video with revealing details so we can expand, together.)