The last time I was in Cape May was in the early 1970’s and I was about seven years old vacationing with many of the same family members.
My mom told me the corner where I could find the house, and I went looking for it on my morning walk (there it is!).
I’m not really sure that I remember the house, though it’s vaguely familiar. In fact, I’m not sure I remember much about the vacation at all.
But what I DO remember is that that very corner was the sight of my first entrepreneurial endeavor.
I decided to set up a table selling sea shells. I know, it’s unavoidable not to think — “she sells sea shells by the sea shore.” Ok, now that’s out of the way….
Even my seven year old brain quickly realized that selling sea shells only one block from the vast ocean with a beach loaded with shells was not the most brilliant business plan.
So….being resourceful and determined even back then, I decided I would color the shells with my crayons to make them different than the shells you could find at the beach. Perhaps I had an inkling that brand differentiation and unique selling points would one day become part of my vocabulary.
I suppose it could be considered a fail, as my grandmother (Nanny) was my sole customer.
But I’d like to view it as a success.
As Jim Rohn said so smartly, “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way, if not you’ll find an excuse.”
I did not let the over saturation of shells deter me. I decided to get creative. I did not make any excuses.
Turns out over forty years later I’m still striving to get creative, remain determined, and let go of my excuses, although sometimes all of that is a challenge. I suppose my seven year old self knew where my heart was headed.
What called to you as a child that you’ve forgotten about?
Consider revisiting what you were drawn to back then. It’s never too late to give it a whirl again, and it’s never too soon to give up your excuses.