This week was about preparing for 2026. Took a trip to Denver for a couple of days with the leadership team at FF, focusing on making 2026 our best year yet.
Amidst that focus on Fountain Forward, I was reminded of my continued focus on bettering myself FIRST before our business.
There were a few comments made during the meetings that stuck with me. They inspired me to ruminate on how I’m currently representing myself in business discussions and where those representations originate.
That lead me to personal discussions, and how I’m speaking to others but more specifically speaking to them referencing myself.
Much of my business success has been built on a foundation of fear, mixed with an extreme level of self belief mixed with an extreme lack of self belief.
Dramatic Synopsis: Wake up and work really hard because yesterday wasn’t good enough, and if I don’t try harder I won’t be anything.
Recently, a big chunk of my belief system changed. I got a better grasp of my daily mental health and some things I doubted could/would be accomplished, well, they came to fruition.
My focus has been on ensuring I’m controlling my emotions during the decision making process and speaking to people with a (more) compassionate tone while still being direct.
As I’ve made progress, I was reminded this week that I’m now also highlighting my progress out loud often around my close network.
“Stroking your ego…” was the quote of choice.
Fuck, I hate that.
It does make sense, though.
Years of doubt lead me to this point, and now there is some projection of that fear (mixed with genuine pride).
When digesting this, I found myself sitting with a certain level of shame. Feeling a bit low.
That led me back to focusing on what matters most to me… Fixing it.
Finding my moments of genuine humility and appreciation, and building off those.
It’s really cool that I’ve been able to achieve some of the goals I doubted so greatly.
It will be even cooler if I take those wins and walk with humility as I build a stronger belief that I can achieve even greater goals.
A work in progress. Thanks to those who pointed out some of my ego-stroking.
You are appreciated.
– SJ