I did the unthinkable….

Carolyn Vincent

A little over two years ago I did the unthinkable – I started my own consulting business.   Why would I or should I do that when my friends and family, even I, thought I was already successful?  What I discovered was that financial success was just my first step to a deeper, more satisfying goal.  Let me tell you my story.

The story begins when I was just a kid, the 10th of 12 brothers and sisters.   My mom was a homemaker and my dad made less than $10,000 a year so I grew up with only the basics.  There was no extra food, extra clothes, extra shoes, extra toys, or extra anything.   Looking at what others around me had, I vowed that one day I would have all those extras that make life comfortable.  I would study hard, graduate from college, and make a decent living. Well, I did just that.  Not only did I get a Bachelor’s degree but I earned my MBA and a Doctorate in Education.   I worked for a reputable consulting services organization and made a generous salary that allowed me to acquire all the beautiful things that I wanted, including a car, a big house and a fantastic wardrobe.   I helped my parents out in their retirement.  I was thankful for all of the blessings but I wanted to take myself to a different place, one of self-sustaining independence.  I wanted to have my own business.

Have you ever had a gnawing craving deep inside that wouldn’t go away?  For three years, I struggled with whether or not I to take such a significant risk–a risk that could disrupt my financial security and stability. Honestly, I was petrified of the risks associated with starting my own company– risks that would push me out of my comfort zone.   Risks that would force me to learn skills that I never thought would be necessary.   I did not want to go back to my family’s financial struggles.  I can’t put in words how much that scared me. I had sleepless nights thinking about it, then nightmares of failing at it.

In spite of my fears; I finally decided that I must take the risk, accept the challenge and move forward.  But, I didn’t just jump off the cliff!  I carefully planned, sought out and built support, saved some money to finance my first years, and became focused and centered through prayer.  Only then did I quit my job to go into my own business.

Was I successful?  The short answer is YES. I did it!  The long answer is that it’s been rewarding, but it’s not been easy.  It has now been over two years and at times I am really discouraged, even thinking about giving up, retreating to being an employee.  But that deep craving inside me will not let me do that.  I realize that building a business will always be a work in progress—that relationships and commitments must be built and kept, and future work must be planned and acquired while I’m doing the present work.

I’m making progress, I’ve been on my first big contract for a while now, and I’m learning to wear multiple hats. I will continue to see where this journey takes me.   So stay tuned….I’m going to keep moving forward in spite of my fears because the benefits, the sense of accomplishment that come with owning my own business are worth it.  Even though it was initially unthinkable—I did it and now I’m excited about the possibilities!

Next time, we’ll talk about you and your goals and how to get there through planning, preparation and performance.

38 thoughts on “I did the unthinkable….”

  9. Carolyn, you were aspiring in high school and it’s awesome that you haven’t changed. I can remember your beautiful smile in the hallways or in the lunch room. There has always been a glow and a warmth that you portrayed and I’m proud to say I know you. Keep doing big things. #soproud

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  15. Awesome story . But everyone always knew you would go far in life . Congratulations keep being strong. You got this .

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  16. I am so so proud of you!! This is wonderful, I look forward to reading more. Maybe I will get off my behind and find MY path. 😊😊

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