In June we celebrated our 36th year as studio owners and we gave pause and reflected on the journey we have taken. It dawned on us that each year was like the chapter in a great book. This book has it all and reads like a biography, part novel, yes sometimes it felt like fiction, part comedy, part action thriller and part self-help all rolled into one!
Each year presents its unique set of excitement. So many great and memorable moments where we have celebrated with our students, their parents, faculty, staff and family. Seeing students develop into incredible people and knowing that graduating seniors are taking a piece of us with them. And there were certainly lots of laughter along the way as well.
But we also know it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Like any good book there was drama, intrigue, upset and even heartbreak. The key is, it all helped shape and create the business we have today. And because of that, we wouldn’t change a thing. That’s right even the not-so-great moments because we grew and learned from those times as well as from the great moments.
“If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be content to take their own and depart”
Socrates
Even though Socrates wrote that over 2,400 years ago he was certainly on to something that we could all learn from, even today. Here’s the key folks, business like life isn’t always perfect and every business has their problems. But if we’re being brutally honest with ourselves, we’ll realize that our own problems are pretty insignificant compared to the rest of the world, really, think about it. I am sure every tricky situation that you thought could be the end of your business was just another thing in your book that was an unwritten chapter. that you learned from. Try this, look back at what you have come through, those tough times, what was the outcome? Now look at other chapters that you have written and you will most certainly have some other moments where it seemed like it was really bad and you were uncertain about getting through it, but you came out the other side and were ready to start writing the next chapter.
Your past chapters do not define you and it does not have to be part of the next chapter!
Think about that for a minute. You are the author and you can create the story that you want. That’s right! Each chapter is unique where you have learned, discovered and explored. As you embark on your next chapter, keep in mind that the characters that are part of your book will come and go. Some will be for you, and some will not. But through it all you will write the chapter that is about to happen and you will grow and flourish because of it.
Focus on the good and you will see the good.
This can be challenging at times. We get that, but during the writing of our 36-chapter book we have seen just about all of it. To be honest, this book is a Best-Seller!
So, if you are just starting off and have only a few chapters or maybe you have us beat by a lot and you may have 50 plus chapters! I encourage you to take a moment and reflect back at what has taken place. What did you like, what didn’t you like? What do you want to include in this next chapter that is about to begin?
Always keep in mind that you are the writer of your story. Everyone else are just characters that are part of that story. So, if someone or something has to go, then you have the power as the author to write them out!
Remember to dream BIG, think BIG and do BIG! Hey why not? It is, after all, your Best-Selling Story!
Join our Community of Dance Educators By
Get instant access to 1000+ videos including full length master classes, "How To" teacher training tips, Choreography with break downs and 100's of lesson plans and teacher enhancement articles
We offer dance studio owners the ultimate toolkit with business building articles, videos and downloadable forms. Topics include help with marketing, increasing revenue and improving communication.
Our Studio Owners VIP consulting services offer one-on-one coaching for a more hands on approach to your business development. Inspiration is only a click away!
