Betting on Yourself: My Journey of Growth and Resilience

When was the last time you took a chance on yourself?

For me, it was last summer when I decided to step out of my comfort zone and register for the Strategic Growth Accelerator program in Dallas, Texas. This wasn’t just another course or workshop—it was a 10-week deep dive into growing my business, culminating in a pitch contest judged by industry experts. It was an opportunity to showcase my hard work, strategic vision, and belief in what my business could become.

Preparing for the pitch was no small feat. I spent countless hours refining my presentation, crafting a detailed strategic growth plan for my business, and rehearsing how to deliver my vision with confidence. By the end of the program, I had a roadmap for 2025 that filled me with excitement and pride.

But here’s the thing—I didn’t win.

The Lesson in the Loss

Walking off that stage, I knew there were areas I could have improved, particularly in my financial metrics. I realized I hadn’t fully grasped the numbers behind my services or how to present them effectively. While the sting of not winning was real, it was also a wake-up call. It pushed me to take a step back and reassess my business operations.

From that experience, I learned that growth isn’t just about passion—it’s about preparation. I began gathering my financial data, creating more service offerings, and streamlining my pricing within my invoicing system. These actionable takeaways became the foundation for the next phase of my entrepreneurial journey.

The Power of Community and Opportunity

What stood out most during this experience was the value of being plugged into the right networks. I wouldn’t have even known about the Strategic Growth Accelerator program if it weren’t for my membership at Comerica Business HQ in Dallas. That single connection opened the door to an opportunity that forever changed how I see my business.

It also inspired me to seek out more opportunities—cohorts, funding programs, and grants—to help me grow. Instead of hiding behind my business, I decided to step into the spotlight, embracing the discomfort of being seen and evaluated.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

When I first started my business on Upwork, I was content staying behind the scenes. Upwork was convenient, providing a steady stream of clients, and I didn’t feel the need to branch out. But the accelerator program showed me that I was playing small. If I wanted bigger contracts and clients who truly valued my expertise, I needed to show up for myself—and my business—in a bigger way.

So I took action. I started posting more about my work on social media, redesigned my website, hired a virtual assistant, created a pitch deck, and began researching funding opportunities. These steps weren’t just about visibility; they were about betting on myself and the potential of what I could achieve.

A Rewarding First Win

Since stepping into the space of running my business as an entity instead of a contractor, I’ve started to see the fruits of my labor. Recently, I won my very first grant with Secretsos! That moment was a huge milestone, validating the hard work, persistence, and courage it took to shift my mindset and operations.

It’s been a journey—a mix of challenges, lessons, and triumphs—but I’m excited for what’s next. Every step I’ve taken has brought me closer to building the business I’ve always envisioned, and I’m just getting started.

Why Betting on Yourself Matters

Taking a chance on yourself isn’t always easy. It requires vulnerability, hard work, and resilience in the face of setbacks. But every time you step out of your comfort zone, you grow stronger. Even if you don’t win every time, the experience alone can be transformative, offering lessons that shape your future success.

If you’ve been holding back—whether it’s launching a new project, pursuing a dream, or stepping into the unknown—I encourage you to take the leap. The road may not be easy, but the rewards are worth it. And remember, every great achievement starts with the decision to bet on yourself.

So, when will you take your next chance?