Yesterday was the 35th anniversary of our business!  Chuck and I signed the paperwork to start our business on March 13th 1981.  It’s truly amazing to think that next year I’ll reach a major milestone … I’ll have been in business for half of my life! C.R.A.Z.Y!!

While I’m not here to talk specifics about our business {I’ll save that for the business blog} I’d like to remark on the fact that building a successful business from the ground up has been a thrilling ride through the last 35 years of life …. in so many ways.

We’ve stuffed a 35 year story into 5 minute clip. Hope you enjoy it!!

35 Years of Amazing from Anthea Tripp on Vimeo.

If you aren’t aware of what we do, we have a health and wellness business called GetSuperHealthy and our brand partner is Shaklee Corporation, the #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S.

Do we love our business?  YES! Passionately. Have we been rewarded? YES! handsomely, and in so many ways, both tangible and intangible.

Have we encountered obstacles and challenges? You bet we have! Have we been frustrated at times?  Of course. Did we give quitting a thought? NO! Well maybe in a moment of frustration here and there the fleeting notion of throwing in the towel appeared … but disappeared just as quickly.  Quitting was NEVER an option.

We decided 35 years ago to be successful or die trying!

What I really want to express today as I reflect on our 35 years of Amazing is the most magical and valuable benefits … and they’re mostly the intangible ones! How through consistent effort we built a sustainable business that fulfills our purpose … that of effecting positive change in the lives of others around us … a small mark on the world during allotted time here on earth.

It’s this purpose that compels us to continue with passion, hope for the future and determination to pass the blessings forward.

Personally, what I’m most thankful for is all I’ve learned about life {and people!} on this journey, how I’ve grown as an individual, as a business owner and WHO I’ve become in the process. To me the “who” is paramount. The late, great Jim Rohn really nailed it when he gave the advice “Be careful who you become in pursuit of what you want!”.

It’s been the most amazing personal growth course ever! As I reflect and look at myself introspectively, I’m content with who I’m becoming. I say becoming because life is a journey and we never “arrive” … we’re always learning, there’s always room for improvement and God is faithful in His molding us to be who He wants us to be, through the experiences life throws at us … especially the most demanding ones. As for me, there’s plenty of room to BE a better me!!! How about you?

Here are ten things I’ve learned about life! From the personal growth of running a business.

1. Integrity Rules
Integrity is everything. It goes before you like a lamp on your path. It guides you and it represents who you are. Never compromise integrity with self … and certainly not with others. Nothing trumps integrity … not politics, not success, and definitely not believing that the end justifies the means. Not E.V.E.R.

2. Listen with All Senses
I learned to listen not just with my ears but with my other senses and with my heart. To be sincerely interested in what others have to say, what they think and how they feel.   I know and acknowledge that their thoughts matter. I’ve become better at drawing people out.  Better at listening without interrupting. I’ve improved at seeking  first to understand, before offering advice or solutions, by asking questions and listening intently for answers.

3. Teach, Learn and Pass It On
When we teach others, we learn more and we gain greater understanding as we teach.  I adhere to the philosophy that we’re called to share what we learn and to pass on our experiences and our wisdom by mentoring those who follow in our footsteps, whether it’s our family, our friends or our business associates. Everyone needs a mentor – even a mentor 🙂

4. Believe
I’ve learned to believe. To believe in myself, my friends and my family. To believe in my purpose, to believe in a mission. To believe in my business team because I know that belief in them instills them with confidence, and confident people are attractive to others, and heaven alone knows in this world we need more leaders with integrity. Leaders who stand for something. Ones that won’t waffle and waiver. Last but by no means least, my belief and faith in God has grown deeper and stronger. I seek Him out more – I thirst for His guidance.

5. People are Inherently Good
Most people are inherently good and it’s best for us to expect the best in and from others. Everything is better when we approach life with that philosophy. Perception is significant, and having high expectations is a positive thing!

6. Choose Words Wisely
Words matter. What we say to others, the words we choose and our tone of voice counts.  Body language speaks loud and clear … and actions drown out our words. I’ve learned to listen to what others DO, and I understand that although people may not remember exactly what I said they will ALWAYS remember the way I made them feel. The world needs more LOVE. Love one another.

7. Discover the Depth of Your Strength
I’ve learned that I am stronger than I ever thought! In the course of running this business, I’ve overcome many fears {especially the fear of public speaking and making a selfie video} LOL! I’ve learned to DO the things I fear … and then I can conquer them, the fear subsides and is replaced with confidence and strength.

This lesson transferred into my personal life especially. Feeling empowered and strong helped me face, deal and conquer so many personal and family challenges in the last 35 years. Most recently this strength {and God’s amazing grace} helped me through my mother’s illness, to be there in her last days, to be a pillar of strength for my Dad and even enabled me to speak with joy at her celebration of life.  I owe this strength to the personal growth I’ve experienced in the day to day, year to year operating of my business.

8. Resilience
When hard times fall on us, when disappointments stop us in our tracks or when we feel like giving up, that’s the time to get up and move on as quickly as possible, with as much hope in our hearts as we can muster. Be a bouncing ball! For me when I’m dropped to my knees, I stay there and pray for resilience to bounce back up … and I resolve to succeed.

9. Meet Others Where They Are
I’ve learned patience and understanding and how to meet people where they are! How to love more unconditionally than I ever thought possible {yes even difficult people!} It’s imperative to respect differences in opinion, celebrate individuality, praise strengths, recognize unique accomplishment and applaud team effort.

10. Timing is Key
I’ve learned that timing is everything and everything in its time. My faith has grown and matured, and my relationship with God deepened. I understand so much more clearly that sometimes it’s good to go with the flow … to let go and let God. That appearances are fickle. That what seems bad might turn out to be really good. And that what is good is usually amazing!

The past 35 years have been truly amazing. So grateful!

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”