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Atherton Drenth
8 Sept 2024
As a young man my father had a dream. He wanted to have his own printing business. But there was one tiny little snag to achieving his dream. How do you start a business with no money and five mouths to feed?
The year was 1932.
There wasn’t a bank in town who would lend my father the money. Yet, my father was a tenacious man, hardened by a life of survival as an orphan. He had spent his youth learning early on that obstacles weren’t barriers – they were simply challenges to be overcome. Instead, of giving up he came up with a creative solution
He approached various business owners who needed printing services and offered them a deal: in exchange for loans, he would handle all their printing needs. Five businessmen gave him the two thousand dollars he needed to start his business. It was a handshake deal that every one of them honoured for life. Not only did they help him start his business, but they also became lifelong customers.
When my father started his printing business he had a wife, three children, a rudimentary education and a dream. With the money he received, he purchased a small printing press and moved it into the basement of his little home. His business grew quickly, outgrowing the basement. Soon, he purchased a second home in downtown Windsor and transformed it into a thriving printing business that lasted for over fifty years.
Throughout my life, my father taught me that every problem has a solution. He would say, “People may laugh at your ideas, mock your dreams but nobody laughs when you prove them wrong. Never give up and never back down, there is always a way, little girl.” I was twelve years old when he first told me this, but those words shaped how I view challenges to this day.
New dreams feel exhilarating, but they are also terrifying. Many people expect the road to success to be smooth, that the truth is far from that. Obstacles are inevitable – and they hold invaluable lessons.
When I decided to open my own business, the obstacles I faced taught me some of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned:
- Fear is a Constant Companion
Fear doesn’t go away. It lingers like an old friend, always wanting attention. I’ve learned to let it be without allowing it to take control. Even after 24 years in business, I still have days when fear creeps in, but I’ve learned to acknowledge it and move forward anyway.
- Be Selective with Advice
Be careful who you turn to for advice. Asking friends or family about your business idea often leads to them projecting their own fears onto you. Their fears do not define you. Instead, seek advice from people who have experience in your field or who understand the journey you’re on. The difference between asking for advice and seeking reassurance is critical.
- Master the Money
Learning how to manage finances is essential. Something as simple as balancing a cheque book can teach you to watch your bottom line. Keeping expenses modest is key—many businesses fail because they lose sight of financial discipline.
- Success Takes Time
There’s an old saying: it takes five years to become an overnight success. That’s the truth. Steve Jobs started in his parents’ garage. I started with a massage table and a desk in a tiny bedroom. No clients, just a dream. Building a business is like constructing a house; the foundation comes first, and then you build from there. My father used to tell me the first five years of running a business are the toughest—and he was right.
- Obstacles are Opportunities
When you’re chasing a dream, obstacles are guaranteed. But they don’t mean you should give up. They simply mean you need to find another way. Obstacles can be your greatest teachers.
If you’re facing obstacles while pursuing a dream, don’t lose heart. Break the problem down into small, manageable steps. Educate yourself. What are the alternatives? Ask other business owners, watch tutorials, take free online courses—resources are everywhere. Never give up. Never back down. There is always an answer.
Obstacles don’t mean the end of your dream; they are simply a test of your resolve and creativity. Keep pushing forward, and like my father, you’ll find your way.
If you’re ready to overcome the obstacles standing between you and your dream of a successful practice, The Formula: Launch A Thriving Healing Arts Practice is designed to guide you every step of the way. This proven business model provides all the essential tools to help you not only establish your practice but also tackle the challenges that come with it—whether it’s managing finances, finding clients, or balancing your schedule. You’ll gain clarity on your earning potential, achieve financial independence, and learn how to navigate the inevitable roadblocks on your journey to success. Empower yourself to overcome obstacles and turn your passion into a thriving, sustainable business with The Formula.
The next course offering is October 26 & 27th
Atherton Drenth is the author of Intuitive Dance. Building, Protecting & Clearing Your Energy (Llewellyn Worldwide), Following Body Wisdom and the Art of Intuitive Journaling. Atherton is a Clairvoyant, Medical Intuitive and Holistic Energy Practitioner facilitating transformational healing for her clients. She has been extensively trained and certified as a Medical Intuitive and Holistic Energy Practitioner. She has been in private practice since 2000. She is also a compassionate teacher committed to helping others develop their full intuitive potential through yearly workshops. She has a private practice in Ottawa, Ontario.