Do you feel that?
That little shift in the air. It’s like something’s ending and starting at the same time. Caps flying, tassels turning, families trying (and failing) not to cry. It is graduation season.
But it’s not just happening in schools.
Businesses go through their own versions of this, too. Different stages, the ups and downs, and those uncomfortable growing pains. Sometimes it really does feel like, “this isn’t just a phase.” You’re leveling up… even if it’s messy.
The Teenage Years of Business
There’s this stage every business hits. It’s not always pretty.
You’re past the startup scramble, but you’re not exactly “established” either.
Money’s coming in, but so are new problems and challenges.
You’ve hired help, but somehow, you’re still doing way too much yourself. You are still working in the business instead of on the business.
It’s that in-between phase. Some breeze through this phase, while others feel like they’re being shoved in a metaphorical locker.
Kind of like being a teenager. Your business is figuring itself out, testing limits, building confidence… and creating just enough chaos to keep you on your toes. Maybe even staying up past “curfew,” answering emails you definitely could’ve handled tomorrow.
Sound familiar? Most businesses go through it. Not all of them admit it. But the ones who embrace it come out the other side more resilient, more capable, and more knowledgeable.
From First Apartment to First Hire
Think back to your first apartment.
At first, it felt like freedom. Total independence. Then reality hit—rent, groceries, dishes, laundry… all of it, the responsibility is on you.
Running a business is pretty similar. Except now it’s bookkeeping, taxes, marketing, tracking goals, trying to make sense of your numbers at 10pm.
It’s exciting—but yeah, it’s overwhelming.
Then comes your first hire. Your “roommate,” in a way.
It’s immediately a huge relief. Someone to split rent and chores with!
Then… little things start popping up. Miscommunication. Different expectations. Maybe a few “who’s responsible for this?” moments.
Over time (hopefully), you figure it out. You learn to communicate better. You trust more and find a groove that works for you both. You let go, at least a little. And that’s when things start to grow.
Growth Is Messy. That’s Kind of the Point
Growth doesn’t show up all neat and organized.
It’s awkward. Sometimes uncomfortable. It stretches you in ways you didn’t really sign up for. But here you are, anyway, making your way through to the next level.
Maybe you’re learning to stop doing everything yourself.
Maybe you’re shifting from reacting all the time to actually leading.
Maybe you’re finally putting structure around something that used to be pure chaos.
Or maybe your “graduation moment” is simpler than that. Your first big hire, stepping back from daily operations, or even just saying no to something that’s been draining you for way too long.
That counts. Seriously, it does.
Don’t Skip the Celebration
We celebrate graduations in life… so why don’t we do it in business?
Let’s be honest, even dogs graduate from puppy training.
So, when was the last time you paused and recognized:
- Getting a tough deal to the finish line?
- Having a difficult conversation?
- A big milestone?
- A moment when you stepped up when it was challenging.
Because here’s the thing, there isn’t just one graduation.
In business, you graduate again and again. Learning not to be so hard on yourself and acknowledging when you’re going through a transition phase is what separates the good from the great.
Go Earn That Next Tassel Turn
Some companies stay stuck for years. Others grow fast—even if they’re a little chaotic behind the scenes.
Time does not always equate to growth.
You can stay in the same “grade” a lot longer than you think if you’re not careful. If you avoid the hard stuff. If you let challenges get in your way and shut you down instead of pushing you forward.
So take the next step, even if it’s uncomfortable. That’s where the real growth is anyway. Growth is always at the edge of our comfort zone.
And when you get there? Celebrate it.
You earned it. And you know what we say here. Grow Big or Go Home®!