My 4-year-old did it again this weekend: he asked me to hold him during Mass. Why? Because he couldn’t see, he was tired, and he wanted connection—all the usual reasons. He looked up at me with those big, pleading eyes and little arms raised in hope. While picking up their child may be a no-brainer for most parents, I usually have to tell him no because “Mommy’s not strong today.” (Thanks to a genetic connective tissue disorder, holding my 50-lb son often causes me significant back and hip pain, so it’s no easy thing to do.)
But this weekend, I decided to grin and bear it. (Honestly, how could I say no to those humongous brown eyes?) After he climbed up on the pew so I could hold him without lifting, he nestled in happily on my hip, and in the next 20 seconds, I learned three very valuable lessons from him that honestly surprised me.
1. If You Always Skip the Hard Stuff, You Miss Out on Special Moments
If I hadn’t picked him up, I would never have heard his tiny voice singing the Gloria. I usually miss it during Mass, with him standing far below my ear. I didn’t even know he knew the words! Hearing his soft voice singing along was pure joy—such a beautiful reminder that he’s not just a bystander but part of our faith community, learning and participating in ways I hadn’t realized.
This experience reminded me how easy it is to miss the special moments in life and business by avoiding the “hard stuff.” Sometimes, the hard things are the most meaningful, and stepping into them opens doors to unexpected beauty and connection.
Branding Lesson:
As mission-driven entrepreneurs, we often shy away from the hard stuff—those big, daunting tasks that feel too risky or vulnerable, like telling our full story, taking a bold branding leap, or refining our brand strategy. It’s easy to put these off because we fear we’re not ready or that it’s too much to handle. But, just like picking up my son, stepping into these challenges can bring unexpected rewards.
Who knows what connection, insight, or opportunity is waiting for you on the other side of that brand project you’ve been putting off? By stepping into the hard stuff, you might discover a deeper bond with your audience, a clearer direction for your mission, or a meaningful moment that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
If clarity is what’s holding you back, consider developing a brand strategy. A well-thought-out strategy can bring insights about your brand into one place, giving you the data and direction you need to make decisions confidently. It provides a framework to enable consistency, making those tough steps easier and more manageable. I can help you with that, so you can build the courage to tackle your “hard thing” now.
Consider This: What’s one hard thing you’ve been avoiding that could bring joy or connection if you faced it head-on? What’s one small action you could take today to make it feel less intimidating?
2. You Don’t Have to Wait Until You Can Do the Whole Thing Perfectly to Get Started
My son didn’t know every word to the Mass parts, but he sang out the ones he did know with pride. He didn’t wait until he could do it perfectly—he just joined in with what he knew, without worrying about doing it “right.” His humility allowed him to enjoy the moment without fear of judgment, and it was beautiful to witness.
This is such a powerful lesson for entrepreneurs and creators. Often, we hold ourselves back, thinking we need everything perfectly aligned before we can start sharing our message or taking steps forward. But perfection is a moving target, and waiting for it can keep us stuck indefinitely.
Branding Lesson:
You don’t need a flawless social media strategy, a fully polished website, or every detail of your brand voice figured out to start making an impact. Start where you are, with what you know, and let progress be your guide. Often, just showing up as you are—authentically, imperfections and all—is enough to connect with people and start making a difference. Authentic brand building doesn’t require perfection, just sincerity and willingness to take small steps.
The Bible reminds us in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Even if you’re not starting with a lot, you can still start. After all, God didn’t place these gifts inside us for our own enjoyment; they’re meant to be shared. Sharing our mission and fulfilling God’s calling in our lives is why we’re here in this business space.
Try This: What’s one small thing you could do today to move your brand forward, even if it’s not perfect? It could be posting that message, sharing a vulnerable story, or reaching out to someone. Start small, but start.
3. People Need Us, and They Appreciate Us More Than We Realize
After I set my son down, he turned to me and whispered, “I’m glad you were strong today, Mama.” (And after I scooped my melted heart off the floor, I hugged him tight and said, “Me, too.”) His words reminded me that when we show up, even in our struggles, others see it and appreciate it. Often, they appreciate it even more than we realize.
This applies to business, too. Showing up, even when we feel unsure or imperfect, impacts others. Our audience, clients, or community need us—our unique voice, our stories, our hearts. Sometimes we hold back because we feel inadequate or worry we’re not enough. But who are we to hide behind hard things when others could benefit from our courage and presence?
Branding Lesson:
Showing up consistently, even when it’s tough, matters more than we know. You may never realize how much someone needed to hear your message, or how your story could have inspired them to make a change. Every business owner, coach, or creator has a unique role to play, and the effort you put into serving others is seen, valued, and appreciated—even if you don’t hear it every day.
Reflect on This: Who might benefit if you shared a little more of yourself in your brand? What’s holding you back, and how can you take one step toward pushing past it? Sometimes, all it takes is one small act of courage to create a ripple effect for others.
Final Thoughts
These small but profound moments reminded me that embracing the difficult things, starting with what we have, and showing up authentically can make a profound impact—in life and in business. So, this week, I challenge you: embrace one “hard thing” in your brand or business, no matter how small it seems. You may be surprised by the joy, connection, or progress waiting on the other side.
Building a brand that truly reflects your mission is about showing up, even when it’s hard. If you’re ready to take that step, let’s talk about how to align your brand with your purpose and make an impact. Book a Discovery Call, and let’s bring your vision to life!
And if you want to receive content like this delivered to your inbox weekly, join my newsletter, Faithful By Design! I’ll deliver weekly, faith-driven branding tips, uplifting insights, and practical resources to help you build a business that reflects your values and magnifies your mission. Discover how to grow your brand with clarity, purpose, and a touch of inspiration every Tuesday! Submit your email in the form in the footer of this website to join in, and I’ll see you next Tuesday!
