A Final Thought

lifestyle A Final Thought…

I spent seven years in the military, in Iraq and Northern Ireland combat zones. It was a life changing experience which shaped my perspective and attitude on life. When I left the army, I felt lost and suffered from severe PTSD. The army had been my family for so long. I was uncertain which direction my life would go in. However, I was determined not to throw in the towel. I realised that if I applied my military experience and diligence to my new civilian life, I could achieve anything I wanted. I needed to get started as an entrepreneur and I applied for a business startup loan with the Royal British Legion, securing enough funds to buy the equipment I needed to get started. In early 2019 I set up my own business, Clearview Window Cleaning Specialists. Building up my company has taught me the following valuable business lessons:

Channel your life experience

I realised that my military experience was a massive asset to my start-up success. I applied the same discipline and structure I had learnt in the army to my business. I told myself that if I could work in a war zone and overcome PTSD, I could most certainly run my own business! I recommend everyone to look closely at their own life experiences to see how they can channel these into becoming a better, more motivated business person.

Have a work motto

I have a very clear work motto - Honour, Courage, and Commitment. Honour to me means being proud and honest and showing everyone equal respect. Courage refers to the ability to control my fears in difficult situations and times of uncertainty. Commitment is a promise I make myself every day to do what I love and work at it until I succeed. Every morning, I wake up and remind myself of my motto. It has really helped me set my intentions and mindset for every day I’ve worked.

Feel the fear & do it anyway

Setting up my own business with no safety net has been incredibly scary. However, I’ve felt the fear and done it anyway. Rewards don’t come without risks or hard work. I remind myself daily that failure is a learning process which leads us to a better outcome. If you trust yourself and the process, the rewards will be worth it in the end. Hard work pays off.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

No one is successful by themselves. Community is key to business growth. I’ve been very lucky to have the support of the Royal British Legion. I’ve also received support from my local BNI Spitfires chapter which has provided me with invaluable business insights and inspiration. Of course, there are also my clients, who on a daily basis remind me how rewarding my job is. I absolutely love window cleaning. Find your people, ask for help. Finding the courage to show vulnerability will pay off.

Have a positive mindset and believe in yourself. Success will follow!

Gareth Welsh runs Clearview Window Cleaning Specialists. He offers all aspects of window cleaning and uses only purified water for cleaning. He services the Bromley borough, Kent and surroundings areas. by Gareth Welsh, Clearview Window Cleaning Specialists The importance of mindset in business success Photo - Warren King Photography