2015 was the worst business year of my life.
First, I was audited by the IRS. It was almost an entire year of having my accountant on speed dial, my employees being interviewed, and every financial document in my business under a magnifying class. I took action and made sure that my accountant and auditor had everything they needed at the exact time they needed it.
You’ll never believe what the final resolution was…We owed $10.50.
Later that year, The DCF (Department of Children and Families) showed up at our doors, unannounced, and stated they received an “anonymous complaint” that we were operating illegally as a day care. This “anonymous complaint” came a few days after another After School Program down the road got shut down. Our After School Program had 75 kids in at the time and our program was exempt from day care licensure as we were operating as an Open Access Facility.
There was so much worry that we were going to lose a ton of students, a ton of revenue, and the inability to offer our services to families that truly needed it. So what did I do? I took action. I was on the phone with the DCF daily. I made sure that all of their requests were immediately handled. And as much as I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs – I killed them with kindness. Why? Because they were just doing their job. Ultimately, the DCF completely backed off and allowed us to continue to serve our community.
Finally…we were sued due to a negligent condition on the property. This ultimately fell back on the landlords – but I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you this was one of the scariest times of my life. All of this happened in a 12 month time period.
“It was the trifecta…and it almost broke me.”
“It was the trifecta…and it almost broke me.”
– Cris Rodriguez
At the time, I didn’t understand why all of these “bad things” were happening to me. As I look back now, I realize that all of these things happened FOR me. They made me a better business owner. They made me mentally stronger. They taught me that we can get through anything. As long as I was willing to take action. As long as I didn’t quit.
- 20% of business fail within 1 year.
- 50% fail in 5 years
- 70% of businesses will fail within 10 years. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
I refuse to be one of those statistics. Business requires more of you. It’s not just a numbers game. It’s a spiritual game. It’s a mental game. And your BEST results are going to come from an obsession with getting yourself to take action.
There has never been another you, and there will never be another you. You are coded with unique genius that only you can bring to the world. There are people in this world that need you. There are people in this world that will not reach their potential until you reach yours.
Read that again.
“There are people in this world that will not reach their potential until you reach yours.“
– Prof. Cris Rodriguez
So whatever limiting belief story you are telling yourself on why something can’t be done – it’s time to kill that inner villain and replace it with certainty. The skills you are acquiring as a business owner are not going to be valuable without certainty. Absolute certainty that you can achieve exactly what you want in your business. And exactly what you want in life. As long as you take massive action.
It’s Monday. You have a fresh new week. It’s time that your results match your potential. So that others can reach theirs.
Written By Prof. Cris Rodriguez
