Today, Tower Press turns TWO. 

I tried to sit down and reflect today while facemasking and Netflixing (I finally started watching Schitt's Creek). Sunday is usually my day to relax and be grateful for a life that I've been fortunate enough to build. Several years ago I lived out of my car, I never dreamed that I'd be a business owner and have an incredible team of strong women or a roster of over 1,000 clients all over the world. It's so hard to put into words how grateful we are to be supported and also be able to support you all in your incredible endeavors.

This whole experience has been so wild and has gone by SO FAST, it's hard to really see it all in slow motion. Where we are today is much different than where we were in the very beginning. There is no how-to manual with running a business. You can follow certain steps, but ultimately the Universe is going to throw things at you that aren't in any book. We've made mistakes, we've had huge wins, and we've learned so much along the way. 

Here are my key takeaways from being in business thus far:  

1. Being uncomfortable or stressed is sometimes... good?
Look, I know. Being stressed takes a toll on us. For me, I shut down for awhile, my body feels all knotted and heavy, and then after awhile, I explode (Big Taurus Energy). It really all boils down to this: you can't grow by being comfortable. Could we all do the bare minimum and scrape by? Sure. Change is going to be uncomfortable. Growth is going to be uncomfortable. It won't always be pleasant, but lean in. You're being prepared for the next phase.

2. You are the most productive when you delegate. 
Tower Press is my baby (toddler now) and I had a real hard time letting go of some of the responsibilities in the beginning. I know that you are a superhero but you cannot be your best superhero self by being bogged down with too much on your plate. As my business coach (hey Diane!) puts it, "stop majoring in minor things." Being 100% in 5 things is way better than being 1% in 100 things.

3. Sometimes a 6-hour work day is all you need. 
Almost all of us are operating with burn-out as our base temperature. I've found that we drag the work day because we can. Our laptops and phones are extended appendages so we move through the day like we're always on call. You're in control of your own work day. Give yourself a half day here or there, you'll be surprised how much you can actually get done.

4. Never make any big decisions while in the midst of a crisis. 
Feeling like you are suddenly broke? Don't take out that random loan with an online lender. Didn't meet your weekly sales goal? Still not the best time to let go of your entire team. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed by an issue that we go into manic problem-solving mode. Every bad decision I've made in business was made being in the middle of a stressful situation and making a snap judgement. We want our problems to go away immediately, but the best course of action is going to almost always be a well-thought out one. 

5. Don't listen to people you wouldn't take business advice from.
I can't remember where I saw this, probably on Twitter, but it really stuck with me. When starting a business, or spearheading a new goal, you may experience someone in your life with something negative to say about it. Be it their own insecurities or shortcomings, jealousy, or whatever it may be, not everyone you know will always be in your corner. Sometimes it will come from total strangers. If you wouldn't take business advice from your naysayers, that should tell you all you need to know. Don't listen to 'em. 

6. Hydrate and eat.
This one may seem silly and also like, duh. But it's still something I have to remind myself and everyone on the team of. DRINK WATER!!!!!! ALL THE TIME!!! EAT A SNACK!!! COFFEE IS NOT WATER EVEN WHEN IT HAS ICE IN IT (which is what I'm drinking as I write this). Taking care of your body and nourishing your body will give you a clearer mind to get shit done.

7. Show yourself!
It's not always easy to share your story. I prefer being behind the scenes far more than I enjoy being on camera or in photos. Recently, our team filmed an upcoming video series and all these nerves and anxieties surrounded me about it. But, I ended up having a ton of fun and my fears and worries about being judged by the masses quickly faded when I saw the bigger (literal) picture. I was given the opportunity to connect with so many amazing women on set and help share their stories, and my own. Putting yourself out there is showing up for your people too. We can all relate to each other. Sometimes when I'm doing marketing recon I look at my competitors and their social media and websites, and I see not one human person. I think that's so sad! Tell your story, someone out there needs to hear it. You never know who you may inspire. 

Thank you to everyone who's been with us so far, we're excited for another great year making magic together.