Vita's Tip In 10: Surprise Quality I Am Grateful For Today

Hello, hello friend, and welcome to this special Thanksgiving edition of Vita's Tip in 10. Whether you're tuning in on Thanksgiving Day itself, taking a post-feast stroll, or catching up later, I'm sending warm Thanksgiving wishes your way. I hope you had a joyful holiday with loved ones. Today, we're delving into the topic of gratitude, with a twist.

I recently found myself in conversations that led me to reflect on the essence of gratitude in the entrepreneurial journey. It all began during a car ride back from a project in New Hampshire, which is about six hours from us. It’s for a client who used to live locally, in Philadelphia, and when she moved to New Hampshire she wanted us to help with window treatments and soft goods in her new home.

This project has had several phases, and this was our 5th or 6th trip up to this beautiful town in New Hampshire. And in the car it was me with my window treatment specialist, Beata and the designer for the project. The journey back home was filled with chatter about our work, industry insights, and life in general – as you can imagine, six hours in a car with two smart ladies can lead to deep conversations.

During this drive, the conversation took an interesting turn as Beata asked me, "Vita, why do you compete in ballroom dancing? What do you get out of it?" It was a fantastic question because the reasons for dancing and competing can be quite distinct. Dancing brings me joy, alleviates stress, keeps my mind sharp, and offers an excellent physical workout. So why subject myself to the pressures of competition?

Competing is a different beast altogether. It's grueling, both physically and mentally. The stress can make your heart pound and your knees shake. The act of dancing itself can be a Herculean effort, taking a toll on your body. It often separates me from family, work, and results in battered feet, thanks to those lovely dancing shoes. And let's not forget the financial aspect – competitions are costly, from entry fees to attire to travel expenses.

So, Beata's question was a head-scratcher – why compete? There are countless reasons to steer clear of the competition circuit. And yet here I am, because there's something that keeps drawing me back in. It's a mysterious force, something unspoken and almost instinctual that tugs at me every time. The desire to compete is inexplicable, even to me.

Later, I had a heart-to-heart with my husband, my best friend and confidant of 25 years who knows me better than anyone. I shared this puzzling desire to compete in dance despite all the challenges and costs. He offered a surprising and insightful perspective. It's not about the end result or the trophies; it's about the process of continuous improvement. He believes that this desire for inner-growth and self-improvement is what drives me to compete.

Bless his heart. He loves me. I love him for loving me, and for thinking so highly of me. It did get me thinking about this whole concept of the process of continuous improvement as our main motivator and as the driver of what we do. And this is where the gratitude part comes in. I'm going to agree with my husband. Sometimes it's just easier to agree with someone who knows you best, rather than to go through the internal struggle of saying, “Nah, that's not me. I'm not that good. I'm not that smart or motivated or driven. So, let's just pretend that he is right, and I am those things, that I am driven by the process of continuous improvement. It's not about the destination; it's about the journey – an unquenchable thirst to become better, both on the dance floor and in life.

So, how does this relate to gratitude, and why am I sharing this story on Thanksgiving? Well, here's where it all ties together. As an entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of experience, I've come to realize that this innate desire for continuous improvement is at the core of my entrepreneurial spirit.

You, my dear friend, are an entrepreneur. You made the bold decision to start your window treatment business, and in doing so, you joined a special league of individuals. The entrepreneurial journey is a challenging one, filled with trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Most people lack the discipline, desire, and ability to bear the weight of business ownership. And you, you are different. You bear the burden with resilience and unwavering dedication.

The entrepreneurial journey is marked by responsibility – to your team, your clients, your vendors, and the countless people who support you. It's a massive responsibility that rests on your shoulders day in and day out. Yet, you stand strong, you move forward, and you become better because of your unrelenting love for the process of continuous improvement.

The window treatment industry is undeniably complex, and there are days when it feels like it's knocking you down at every turn. Luxury clients have their unique set of expectations, and you have to confront your demons daily. You must embrace your self-worth, practice resilience, and constantly evolve. All these challenges are rooted in your unwavering desire for continuous improvement.

So, this Thanksgiving, I am filled with gratitude for you, my fellow entrepreneur. Your ability to thrive in this demanding journey and your pursuit of excellence through the process of continuous improvement inspire me. I'm grateful for the unyielding spirit that you bring to your business and the unwavering dedication that keeps you moving forward.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let's recognize and honor the gratitude within us. We are part of a rare breed, the entrepreneurs who choose to persevere and flourish, no matter the obstacles. I am grateful for your determination, your courage, and your unwavering love for the process of continuous improvement.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friend. You are extraordinary, and I am truly grateful for you. I’ll be back next Thursday with a new episode of Vita’s Tip in 10. Thanks for tuning in!