Stepping Into The Uncomfortable

“I like to say it’s an attitude of not just thinking outside the box, but not even seeing the box.”― Safra A. Catz

          I used to think that venturing outside of the box is what makes one successful, however I am beginning to realize that I was incorrect. What makes one successful is surviving. It is being tired and mentally drained & still fighting. Last year in September I made the decision to leave my career in Corporate America and step out on my own. I began building a company that was literally starting from the ground up. 
As I have walked this path, I have received more support than I could have ever dreamed. I have also received many questions surrounding "why". Now, to fill you in a bit, I started a transportation and logistics company- meaning, I bought 18-wheelers and hired truck drivers to drive them and deliver the freight all over South Carolina. The reason behind the question of "why" typically goes like this: "What made you decide to do that, you don't see a lot of women in that type of business?". 

         My response is always the same: "Why do you think that is?".  It is in my opinion that although we are in 2021, we still find ourselves categorizing jobs as male vs. female. Not to say that we haven't moved past the whole "you aren't allowed to do that", but we are all guilty of assuming someone's career based on their gender. It is typically a subconscious thought- not meant to cause any harm whatsoever. I personally do not take offence to anyone asking me why I got into this business.

         Stepping into the uncomfortable is what makes you have to grow personally. You cannot fall into the victim mindset of "They don't like/trust/respect me because I am a *insert gender*". When you begin telling yourself those things, you are limiting yourself. No one can is thinking about what is between your legs as much as you are, I can promise you that. 
If anything, when you step out and do something that is out of the norm, 9 out of 10 times, people will find that to be brave or inspiring. Stop looking at something as basic as your gender as a defining thing. Your gender does not make you more or less successful. YOU make YOU a success. YOU make YOUR business a success. You hold all of the power when it comes to your own growth. You decide when you pause, speed up, and when to hit the cruise control button. You. 

          You are powerful, you are brave, you have the world at your fingertips. Do what makes you scared and excited all at the same time. Do what makes you feel whole, regardless of what the stigma may be. When you let go of the internal dialog, you will realize that the person who doubts your ability the most... is also you. Only you can place limits on yourself. We get one life, and one shot at being happy- take full advantage of it, and do not apologize for it. 

- Harley, Founder and CEO of Kingsmen Transportation 

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