6 years ago today, I had a pivotal turning point that was one of the main moments that changed my direction in life to be a full time marketer. I remember it vividly… because it made me so angry at the time.
This is when I announced the new logo that I had made for my insurance and financial services agency.
I was proud of it. I had hired a graphic design artist to help me create something simple and clean, professional and classy.
At this point, I was freshly licensed for financial services, which was something I really wanted to do in my life. I had spent time in that world as my dad was a financial advisor for years and I always enjoyed talking about it with him. I had spent years around my district manager and our financial services coach who is a legend, and the time I spent around all of them got me so jazzed to show up every day. I felt like I was part of a community of beasts.
Well, when I announced the new logo to my friends via FB, I got a lot of love and support. But there was one comment that stuck out above the rest.
“Not compliant “
One of the company guys for the franchise I had my agency within took the opportunity to tell me that this would be a problem. And in a douchey way at that.
Something in me changed at that moment. I was sick of “being a business owner” and having all of the liability involved with that, but not being a free man and having the blessings that a business owner should have as well.
The day I received that comment started me on a path to where I would eventually open my own independent insurance agency, and that journey and the struggles that came with it became the catalyst for me to find my passion within marketing and my true calling in business.
Looking back, I am grateful for the resistance. I am grateful for the struggles. Every struggle, at its core, has a seed of greatness if you’re willing to sort through it all.
I love what I do now. I am so grateful for so much of my life.
It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the negative forces helping me see what I truly valued.
The lesson that I find: Give your all to seeing through challenges in life. The phoenix usually rises through the ashes. Don’t be afraid to become the ashes for a little while so you can experience your inner phoenix.
