As FMG closes out another year in business, I am so grateful for the opportunity to fail and grow alongside every single person who cares to follow us. We’re moving into a new location with the best setup and layout we’ve ever had. In fact, I would argue it’s the best setup and layout of any space in the state of Indiana. We’re about to create a mini Nashville right here in Fortville. It’s going to be incredible.
When I think about what it means to be a business owner, it often looks a lot like being a dad. I have four kids, and each one requires energy and effort. No time spent on my kids is ever wasted. It's easily the best investment I can make with my time.
This mirrors my efforts in business. As with any great endeavor, failure comes with the territory. There’s trial, error, research on best practices, mentorship, and deep self-work that is often very challenging.
It takes honesty to be a good dad. It means being willing to have the hard conversations, to listen to the other side, and to sacrifice something else to make time for those important moments.
Sacrifice” is not a word I use lightly. The truth is, every choice could go in 50 different directions, each with its own set of outcomes. To choose one thing means leaving another behind. It means that what we choose is either more important or more urgent.
Wisdom is bought at the price of experience and tears. Both require choices.
What I want to say to you is this: Some of you are on the fence in your life, too scared to make a choice that leads to a better version of yourself, yet willing to sacrifice your dreams on the altar of the familiar.
I want to tell you, no amount of safety is worth the regret of never having tried. Whatever dream is in your heart, you must pursue it. You’re not too old. You’re not too young. You’re not too broke. You’re not too stable. You don’t have to have all the answers. But you do have to be willing to choose, and with that choice comes sacrifices. Are they painful? Sometimes more than I can bear, but these sacrifices have shaped me, and my children see that. I don’t have to tell them who I am—they see it. In spite of my failures and shortcomings, they know who I am. Not only do they know, but they respect it. They don’t always like it, and sometimes, neither do I. But...
When I look into my sons' and daughters' faces and tell them they can do it, they know what that truly means. They know they can trust it. They know it’s a process and that if it’s worth its weight, it’s worth it.
Now is the season to choose. What are you waiting for?
You’ve already failed before. You’ve already experienced the future you didn’t choose on purpose. You’ve already let safety dictate your behavior.
Fear is a liar.
What choice will you make? What sacrifice will you make? What patience will you have to make your dreams come true?
What gift are you hiding away from the world?
Maybe it’s time to choose…
Or maybe not. Tomorrow can always stay the same.
Peace. Zack Schuyler Managing Partner FMG
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