Let’s be real for a moment – have you ever felt like giving up?
Maybe it was that proposal that didn’t get signed off, or perhaps you lost out on a project you were certain would happen. Or maybe you’ve just hit a wall, wondering if your business can ever break through.
We’ve all been there. But here’s the truth: failure isn’t the end. In fact, it’s the beginning of something new – an opportunity to shift gears, refocus, and rise stronger. Every time I’ve hit the ground in life or business, there have been three key things that have lifted me back up, and today I’m sharing them with you.
If you embrace these, I can’t promise that the road ahead will be smooth. But I can guarantee it will be worth it because you’ll be back in the driver’s seat of your business and your life—no more waiting for things to happen. You’ll know that with every brave step, you’re inching closer to your version of success.
So, what are the three keys?
1. Be Brave.
Success doesn’t come from staying comfortable. It’s about taking that uncomfortable, bold step into the unknown. It’s about having the tough conversations that others avoid and making decisions that disrupt the status quo. Jim Donald, former CEO of Extended Stay America, proved this when he took over a company on the brink of bankruptcy. Instead of cracking down and micro-managing each task to make sure everything was done by the book, he instead gave his staff a “get out of jail free” card. And from this ideas were born that saved the company. It’s amazing how easy it can be to be brave when we are focused on the potential “what if’s” from a positive standpoint rather than a negative one. Now ask yourself – if you had your own “get out of jail free” card, what bold move would you make today? What leap of faith are you waiting to take?
2. Be Different.
In today’s overcrowded market, blending in is the quickest way to become invisible. You didn’t start your business to be a copy of someone else’s, did you? Steve Jobs famously said, “Apple should be the Apple of this business,” and it’s true for you too. Focus on perfecting your game, not chasing after what others are doing. Become your toughest competitor by setting your own standards and outperforming yourself each day. What’s the one unique thing you can lean into that will set you apart from the noise?
3. Be Connected.
Forget the myth that success is a solo journey. In business, as in life, real success is built on relationships. Surround yourself with people who challenge, inspire, and push you to grow. Let’s move beyond superficial “business card swaps” and embrace authentic collaboration. When you surround yourself with the right network (your pit crew, your teachers, your promoters), you’re no longer working in isolation. You’re building a community where ideas flow freely, innovation thrives, and collective success is celebrated. Who’s in your corner right now, cheering you on and helping you reach the next level?
So, here’s my question for you: Which of these will you lean into today?
Will you be brave, break the mould, and take those bold steps forward? Will you embrace what makes you different and own it? Will you connect deeply with the right people to elevate your game?
The future belongs to those who dare to be brave, be different, and be deeply connected. The question is—will you be one of them?
Janine x