I was a fairly ambitious young adult. At least I thought I was. I worked in a bike shop starting out as a  bike builder and working my way up to manager. Then the bike shop sold and the new owner and I  didn’t see eye to eye. It was time to move on. Once again, I sought out a bike shop. Again, I applied myself. I’d been a manager before, I knew I could do it again. And I did. But then what? Sure, I got to hire  people and even fire people. The responsibilities on my shoulders were huge. And yet, here I was 35  years old, running a bike shop and I wasn’t content. I knew I could do more. I wanted to do more but  when I proposed ideas to the owner on how to make things better, he might take some of my  suggestions but plenty of times he didn’t. As the owner, he had the final say. I felt like the success of the  bike shop and my own fate were at his mercy. Maybe you’ve felt stuck in a similar type of situation.  In a moment of particular discouragement, I constructed a resume and started to look for other jobs in  the bike industry. Once again, I was looking for a management position. That was all I was equipped to  do right? When I couldn’t land one of those, I expanded my search. Maybe I could work as a manager in  another industry, I thought. I’d still be beholden to the company’s owner but maybe I could sell my ideas  better in a new situation. 

The endless array of applying and interviewing for jobs was broken up by a visit from a longtime friend  of mine. A mentor really. I explained to him my personal struggle and he said something that shocked  me. He said “why don’t you just buy the bike shop.” Me? How could I buy a bike shop? I didn’t have that  kind of money. I didn’t have the right kind of experience. My friend had clearly lost his mind. He sensed  my disbelief and said “if I can show you how to do it, then would you be interested?” This man had  achieved all kinds of success in his life. I admired him greatly. If anyone could show me the way, he could.  True to his word he gave me the road map I needed but most of all, he believed in me and challenged me. He challenged me to take full responsibility for my life. 

And so I did.

The bike shop was not “for sale” but once I’d decided to take on full responsibility, not being “for sale”  was simply a speed bump. I went straight to the owner and started the negotiation process. I’d known  him for years and that meant I knew him well. Years managing for him gave me the inside scoop. I knew  how to approach him. At first, he wanted to work out a 50/50 ownership split. I said no. Full  responsibility. That’s what I wanted. Then, he came back with 60/40...”no”...70/30...”no”...full responsibility. That negotiation took a year and a half but eventually we came to terms and he would carry the contract for the bike shop if I could come up with the down payment. I didn’t have that kind of money but I took full responsibility to get it. I asked around and was turned down multiple times. The day of the sale was approaching and I didn’t have the funds. Thirty days from close - with little time to spare - I came up with the money. My perseverance won out. If I hadn’t persevered through the rejection, I wouldn’t have arrived at the glory. I realized that taking full responsibility and persevering - no matter what - is the path to fulfilling your dreams. 

I’ve now owned the bike shop for several years. I can create exactly the kind of culture and systems I could only suggest as a manager all those years ago. As a result, the business is thriving. We employ 22 people. Twenty-two people gain their livelihood because I took full responsibility and do so to this day. I’ve created business systems that keep things running smoothly even when I’m away. In fact, I’m now looking to package those business systems and sell them to other companies. Along with that I have decided to give back through coaching other entrepreneurs in fulfilling their dreams personally or professionally after all my years of learning these skills. All of these are new business ventures that arose from going after something I wanted, chasing my dreams! My momentum is carrying me to new heights I never thought possible. Perhaps my greatest joy is empowering those who work for me and with me, encouraging them in their own personal growth journey. Sometimes that means they leave the bike shop or no longer need my services as a coach to pursue their own dreams. It’s hard to see them go and yet I’m so proud that they are on their way. Just as my friend challenged me, I’m challenging you. What is it you most want and what are you doing to make that a reality? Are you willing to take full and total responsibility for your life Are you willing to persevere when things get tough? When someone tells you you aren’t good enough and your ideas don’t matter. Are you ready to take complete control of your future and the amazing outcome that is sure to happen? If so, say “I’m all IN!”