IMPROVISION!! This was the last thing that crossed my mind when I decided to start this company, yet everyday I am improvising whether it’s installing French drains, planning irrigation systems or FILING TAXES. It has been such a whirl wind navigating this new period in my life and I am loving every second of it. Every client brings a whole new set of challenges and I have been stepping up to the plate.
Recently, I was doing an estimate to take out invasive vines Virginia creeper; Parthenocissus quinquefolia, English Ivy; Hedera helix and roses... next thing you know I realize the slope of the yard runs directly into the corner of the house and sure enough the basement floods. "Yes and..." runs through my mind and I am now installing a French drain. Very laborious task, but I got it done and I was left with satisfaction of going above the call of duty.
Another project had water shooting every where from a broken irrigation pipe..."Yes and..." LETS FIX IT. I finish the project and get the irrigation system running to 99% efficiency and then the client asks for me to install a whole new system for 2 other gardens. No longer are these limiting thoughts of "I only do weeds, designs and installs" the thought of "Yes and..." crossed my mind and now I've installed 2 new systems and the plants are thriving. Another uplifting moment of feeling accomplished.
Two months ago when I started I did not have many customers and was struggling to get by... it was a pretty stressful time. Now I am starting to feel the snowball effect of neighbors and more friends wanting services and I realize, I BETTER PAY THESE TAXES!!! I have never had luck with the IRS and struggled to figure out a simple W2, but "Yes and..." I go online and start getting my income and expenses in an orderly fashion then talk to an accountant. What started as a pit in my stomach has now turned into "I CAN DO IT".
For the past decade I have prided myself on being a plant nerd and have been staying in that lane because it was comfortable. Today I look in the mirror and have no clue what the day is going to throw at me, but I have the confidence that I will prevail in whatever is comes my way. It has been the "Yes... and" attitude that has let me grow, learn and flourish as a business owner.
Plant on,
Derek
