Starting a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, it can also feel slow, frustrating, and full of traps and distractions, leaving potential entrepreneurs to question their self-worth and to wonder why they started in the first place. As a small business coach, I’ll help you cultivate an entrepreneur’s mindset, so you can start and grow your businesses with confidence and step boldly into the role of business owner. Subscribe to get access to weekly tips, small business interviews, and more.
🚦Wrong Turns Bring Unexpected Growth
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In my last newsletter in May, I said: “I’ll be taking a break from the weekly newsletter this summer, giving myself time to recharge and focus on a few projects I’m excited to share with you this fall.” And I meant it. There was indeed a plan. Actually, it was more than a plan. Things were in motion. Things I was excited about. In fact, I was certain this plan was the right plan. And, then, none of it happened. None of it. What happened? In a word: perspective. The first two weeks of summer, we took a family vacation. We read, played outside, and took the kids to Disneyland. We just had fun. No work, no goals, just fun. So much fun, it turns out, that I had forgotten what I was working on – oh the joy of losing yourself completely in something just for the sake of it. I came home recharged. I’d even describe my energy as abundant. I was ready to reengage. I sat down at my desk, ready to review my work and remember what it was I had planned to do. I reviewed my plans. And I realized very quickly that it was the wrong plan. If followed, more than likely, I would have spent the summer in a panic about imaginary deadlines – not having enough time, having too much to do, rearranging my days in complicated ways to find just one more hour. No, thank you. I didn’t want any of that anymore. At that moment, I committed to myself that I would take the entire month of June to do nothing related to 321 Liftoff. It was time for a reset. If I did that, I told myself, in July, I could revisit it and imagine something new. And, I think I have – or I’m starting to. But, more on that later. It seems I had returned from vacation not just with perspective on what my priorities were, but on how I want to feel while pursuing them. Epictetus says: “Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.” The wrong turn, the detour, the rerouting in a new direction – welcome it. These moments hold unexpected growth and opportunity. 📫 If this sparked an idea, or if you’re feeling stuck, I’d love to hear from you. You can reply directly to this email to share what you’re working on, ask a question, or suggest topics you’d like me to cover in future newsletters. I read every response. Until next time, Michael
Michael Schefman | 321 Liftoff Copyright © 2026 by 321 Liftoff LLC |
Michel Schefman, 321 Liftoff
Starting a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, it can also feel slow, frustrating, and full of traps and distractions, leaving potential entrepreneurs to question their self-worth and to wonder why they started in the first place. As a small business coach, I’ll help you cultivate an entrepreneur’s mindset, so you can start and grow your businesses with confidence and step boldly into the role of business owner. Subscribe to get access to weekly tips, small business interviews, and more.
Heads up! I’ll be taking a break from the weekly newsletter this summer, giving myself time to recharge and focus on a few projects I’m excited to share with you this fall. We spend so much of the year in motion: planning, building, solving, logistics, taking action. Intentional pauses create space to think big and explore something new (or rethink something old). It’s a chance to wipe the windshield clean and see things with a fresh perspective. And I’m really looking forward to it. 🤓 How...
I’ve written about a wide range of topics over the years and I want to know what you’ve found most valuable. Three quick questions: #1: When you think about the 321 LIftoff newsletters that stuck with you, what was the underlying theme? Building and growing a business (strategy, storytelling, money management, etc.) A mindset of adaptability, resilience, patience, etc. Personal development, like how to set and pursue goals Leadership – of your life, at work, in business, etc. #2: What helps...
I was walking home after dropping off my kids at school. I was moving quickly to try and get a few extra things done before my meetings started for the day. Mentally, I was already in work mode, stepping with authority in a kind of march toward my home office. Suddenly, I woke up from my trance. A little green hummingbird flew right in my path, just a few feet from my face. I could see it's tiny pink and purple feathers around it's neck It hovered there for what felt like a long time, just...