The Opportunity I Almost Dismissed Changed Everything

I turned 40 earlier this week, which still feels pretty wild to me. And there's nothing quite like a nice round-number milestone birthday to make you feel a little extra reflective.

This time ten years ago, I was in the early stages of moving away from journalism and into ghostwriting for a book publishing startup. Four years ago, at the same startup, I was long out of ghostwriting and instead leading a full team as Head of Systems. Nine months ago, after surviving that company's implosion and being offered a chance to help re-build it under new owners, I was laid off anyway.

So if I can offer any wisdom from my experience, it's this: opportunities will come your way, sometimes in unexpected shapes and sizes. I'm glad I kept myself open to that startup all those years ago instead of immediately dismissing it because I had never worked in publishing before.

It led me on a path that took me from New York to Austin, where I met and fell in love with my wife; it introduced me to lifelong friends and colleagues; and it gave me the experience and environment to grow the very skills I now share with clients directly via my own business.

Ten years ago, I couldn't have drawn you a map to where I am today, and I'm glad I didn't try. Here's to what the next ten years will bring!