They say life isn’t about the things that happen to you, but about the decisions you make. There’s a ton of coverage about the best decisions people have made, but not nearly enough conversation about the tough decisions. We asked folks we admire to tell us about the most difficult decision they’ve ever had to make and have shared some of those responses below.

Justine Vandenbrink | Founder – FYRE FITNESS

It was an incredibly difficult decision to start my own business. I had an established career and was successful in the oil & gas industry. Like many people, my whole identity was wrapped up in my job. I felt like it really defined who I was and deciding to leave that behind was particularly scary. It’s also terrifying to put your life savings into your own business and leave the stability of a steady paycheck. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart!! Although the road has been anything but easy, I wouldn’t trade it for anything because I’m amazed at all the ways I’ve grown and am still growing even today. Read more>>

Karina Johnston | Event Decoration and Entertainment

To switch my mentality. I made myself stop waiting for the conditions to be favorable so I can start working on my dreams. Like many, I was stuck in the “when I finish college/move to a new place/get a new job…” mindset where you wait for a perfect moment to happen to launch you on your way. I had to start creating these conditions by educating myself, meeting new people and seeking opportunities! Next thing I know is that everything started to line up in front of me and since then I’m on my way! Read more>>

Christian Navarrete | Co-Owner of Eighty Proof Print And Graphics

If I had to decide on what one decision I have made in my life so far that was the most difficult I would have to say it was when I finally decided to step away from 17+ years in commercial radio and enter into the life of small/large format printing. Read more>>

Victoria Leyva | Do My Closet – Professional Organizer

Quitting my full-time job has definitely been the most difficult decision I’ve ever made. It wasn’t until last year when the pandemic started and I had this job at a company that was draining my energy to the point that I was exhausted to work on my own business at the end of the day. At first it was a bit scary not knowing if I could continue affording my lifestyle, but being an entrepreneur often means that you’ll have to take risks and make decisions that are uncomfortable. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have realized that I had the potential to go full-time on my own business. I now push myself harder to find new leads and clients, but I do it at my own pace. Read more>>

Paola Aguiluz | Founder, Innovator & Mother

Whether it be starting the organization or from simple daily projects the most difficult part of the process is starting. Once that hurdle has been passed everything is simple decision making. Even through relaunching in the middle of a pandemic seemed like a perfect opportunity given the new market available and the people needing the resources that we provide in the Business Branding and Event Planning industries, due to us already starting the initial process of brainstorming a relaunch far before the pandemic had begun. Read more>>