Someday Never Came—And That’s a Good Thing
I’ve been asked, “How can you do something for over 30 years without getting bored or burnt out?
The answer is simple: I’ve made it a journey filled with FUN, meaningful challenges and plenty of growth along the way.
One of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make — and something many so-called gurus preach– is building a business solely around the vision of what it might be “someday.”
Someday, I’ll make lots of money.
Someday, I’ll have time to take a trip, go to bed early, or whatever you don’t have time to do today.
Someday, I’ll be successful.
But someday is a moving target.
And “success”? It’s one of the most ambiguous words out there.
To me, success started the moment I launched my very first business, a print newspaper for singles in my state. Just sending out that first issue felt like a win. That business grew to the point where I sold it, but the real success came from what I experienced along the way — meeting new people, learning publishing skills, celebrating weddings, building friendships.
If you’re not happy while you’re building your business, “someday” can feel like forever.
So back to the original question — how have I stayed passionate after all these years?
I live in the present.
I don’t live for someday. I build joy into today — through the habits I form, the choices I make, and the challenges I take on. I don’t focus on “how much money can I make?” I stay focused on the simple mission statement that I created when starting my business and has guided me for years:
“Some companies create long detailed mission statements. But, I knew from the
beginning that a lot of words wasn’t what my business would be about. Even
though the company has expanded and grown into much more than I had
dreamed, I still prefer to keep it simple.
Our mission is to make people happy. Nothing more. Nothing less. Old-fashioned Perhaps. But that’s who I am and that’s what Creative Gifts to Go is all about.”
When I stay aligned with that purpose, nothing else really matters.
Even writing this blog post brings me joy. Whether one person reads it or a thousand, I’m doing what I love — sharing something I hope helps someone else. And that’s enough.
I’ve Built a Life Outside of Business
My businesses became a part of my life — not an entire identity. They gave me an opportunity to add another segment to my life without consuming it. I made sure of that from the beginning. I’ve planned for retirement, spent a lot of time with my family, raised two daughters who are now incredible adults, and made time for laughter and fun along the way.
I’ve also let go of things that no longer bring me joy. I don’t backpack, hike for miles, or sew anymore. I no longer sell real estate or serve as a politician. And that’s okay — those passions served their purpose and made room for new ones, like being part of the gift basket industry.
Even that has evolved as my life has changed. Because if it no longer fun, why do it?
I Embrace Life’s Curveballs One Day at a Time
Of course, life throws challenges at us all. No one gets a perfect ride. I’ve had loss, sadness, illness, and drawbacks. But I’ve learned to live with those moments, to accept them, and to keep moving forward.
They don’t define me.
What does define me is how I choose to live — curious, creative, and still excited to try new things. Maybe they’ll lead somewhere. Maybe not. But I love the process. And I keep having — FUN.
The Secret?
The more I enjoy what I’m doing — and the more of me I pour into it, even the boring parts — the more success I’ve seen. The more people I’ve helped.
To me, that is the most underappreciated secret of business.
And honestly? Of life itself.