By Kerry Frank September 24, 2025
It has been amazing getting back out and speaking again. My favorite part isn’t telling my story, it’s watching other people realize they can do more than they thought possible. No matter where you come from, no matter what doubts you have about your abilities, if you have a dream, you can achieve it.
1. Stop Comparing
Recently, I spoke to a group of college students. At first, they only appeared to be there because it was required. Honestly, I would have been the same way at their age. But by the end, they were engaged, asking great questions, and wanting to be heard.
One young man approached me afterward. Initially, he hadn’t been interested in connecting, but now he said, “You really inspired me today. I get a lot of anxiety about not knowing what I want to do in the future.”
I told him the truth that I didn’t start the work that changed my life until I was 33 years old. The relief in his eyes was unforgettable.
Here’s the thing. We all look around rooms and compare ourselves to others. That young man thought he was “small” next to his classmates. But he wasn’t small at all. Success isn’t about competing with everyone at the table. It’s about bringing your unique best to the table.
2. Failure Is Not the Enemy
I used to tell my team to “Go for it”. I’d rather pull back the reins than push someone forward. Failure is not something to hide from. Whether you take a risk with a boss or try to start something new on your own, every attempt helps you figure out what’s truly right for you.
A while back, I mentored a brilliant woman who wanted to launch her own company. I gave her some basic business homework. Months later we met and she said, “You’re going to be so disappointed in me.” Surprised, I asked why. She said, “After doing the homework, I realized I don’t want the stress of managing employees or paying rent. I love my craft, but I want to work for someone else.”
Smiling at her, I said, “I couldn’t be more proud.” She had the courage to try, the wisdom to know herself, and the strength to choose the right path. That’s not failure. That’s clarity.
3. We Need Each Other
Too often, we treat life and business like a competition. Who’s the smartest? Who’s the best? Who deserves to be here? But that’s not how great companies or great lives are built.
When I built my company, I had a crazy creative mind, but I needed teammates who loved data, who thrived on detail, and who cared for customers with incredible dedication. Each role mattered. Each person mattered.
Success isn’t about being everything. It’s about building together. We don’t need to compete with each other. We need each other.
Final Thought
Stop comparing. Stop fearing failure. Start showing up as yourself. Life is not a straight path from point A to point B. The twists and turns make it worth living. You are not in competition with the people around you. You are here to bring your best, to contribute what only you can, and to realize the table is stronger because you are at it.
~ Kerry
#StopComparing #StartShowingUp #BringYourBest #Confidence
So true! Be your best self and stop comparing to others. Like the young lady discovered, learning what doesn’t work for you can be just as important as figuring out what does. Be open to exploration and discovery. In time, you will find your true passion.
Going to share this with my kids!