It all began (more years ago than a few) when I tried to figure out my prices. It’s a tricky thing, as I’m sure you’ve discovered — putting a dollar amount on your time, your expertise, your passion, all the mistakes that taught you along the way. And all the costs. Don’t forget overhead. Rent, electricity. It’s overwhelming.

Let’s talk about your expertise. You have a service, a gift to do the thing you do so well. You can analyze the pricing of the others. I did that. At first, that is exactly what I did. Just one of the pack. Priced along with everyone else. That felt safe. Same price for the same thing.

But that didn’t work for me. I noticed that I did things differently. I bought the highest quality supplies. I made sure everything was the best. I worked constantly, improving, learning, growing. My confidence rose. I began to believe in myself! That was a turning point when I accepted my own uniqueness. Remember, what you offer is different from what the others offer. Now, you have to put a price tag on that. Do it.

Here comes the most important part. You have to stick to your price structure. There is no going back. In fact, your prices must increase as you mature and grow. You have to guard your investor’s investment. Honor your patron’s payment. You have value. Your work has value. Give your customer more than they ever expected.

Roy H. Williams said, “It is a lack of commitment, not a lack of talent, that damns you to mediocrity.” Be willing to do something badly until you learn to do it well. It takes commitment. It takes commitment. Commit to doing it better.

I sold my first painting on the day I sat by myself in a log cabin gallery in Alaska, taking my turn as one of the artists with artwork on display. It was an old cabin with a crooked doorway and just enough light filtering through one small window and weak light fixtures to illuminate the paintings. It all began when I sold that first painting. What I felt surprised me.

“It all began when…” moments are blazoned in the chemical memory of our mind. We can hold onto those crystal clear precious gems for years because they are forged with emotion. They are not easily forgotten like the electrical memories that sleep scrubs clean.

“It all began when…” for Hokan and Margarita, when they slid a rubber raft into the Sheenjek River on a blue sky July morning in the Alaskan wilderness. All the challenges of planning their expedition evaporated as they gasped at the mountains towering over them. They must focus on the Now. How to navigate these cold waters through the Brooks Range. Floating past mountains and tundra and boreal forests. Watch out for that sweeper overhanging the river. Bend down low. Look! It’s a brown bear on the shore. Travel on the river all day and camp on the shore at night. Seven days of surprises and adventures before returning to their home in Sweden.

What is your “it all began when…” moment? Perhaps when you signed the paperwork for your business loan? Or when your father taught you how to work on the …? Or perhaps “it all began when…” you realized it was time to go into business for yourself? Did it all begin with a vision of what you could achieve? Hold onto that thought.

“It all began when…” moments contain keys that can unlock answers to our future. When searching for a new path or making a big decision, we can go back and study our motivation. Why was that “it all began when…” moment so special? What did we feel, and how will that help us determine where to go from here?

“It all began when…” for me while I was sitting in that log cabin. Hokan and Margarita came inside and saw my painting. They purchased it to remind them of their raft adventure on the Sheenjek River. We talked, and the Connection was special. I had created something that gave them joy. I was surprised by how special that Connection felt.

I painted a lot more paintings. The paintings became bigger and were exhibited in larger, better-lit galleries. I learned to paint boldly and found success sharing my joy with others. I also paint with words. Words create pictures in our minds. They take us to places and enable connections with others. Words captivate. When words are compelling, they make us feel an emotion. They become memorable.

I haven’t forgotten the joy of selling my first painting. Connection with others is the fuel for my joy. I discover that same Connection when I help others market their business.

Another beginning for me was when I met Paul. That is a story for another time. I never would have guessed that the man who made me laugh would become my husband, and we would work together as a creative team.

Let’s talk about your “it all began when” moment. Discovering your origin story and learning how to share it properly is a pivotal moment that will help you navigate future challenges. If you don’t know your story, that’s perfectly fine. Paul and I would love to chat with you and help you figure yours out. Set up a free call. Knowing where you come from and what your purpose is lets you focus on doing what you do well and doing it better.

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