Baptism is a show of commitment to the Christian faith and signifies a lifelong covenant between God and self. The last couple of months have felt like I went through a baptism of fire which has signified a covenant between myself and the business (which is why I hadn’t blogged in a while – I had experienced proverbial “3rd-degree burns!”)

I found solace in Marnus Broodryk’s 90 Rules For Entrepreneurs. Had I read this book before I started the business, I wouldn’t have found it as relevant. I now find myself experiencing most of what he talks about…(which has helped with my sanity as I have come to realise that what I am going through is normal – somewhat.)

The biggest risks that typically arise in logistics with linehaul transportation are usually centred around the biggest asset – the vehicles. This is typically in the form of breakdowns which can be due to tyre damage, parts failure, scrupulous suppliers, operator blunders and industry saboteurs; not to mention the unique circumstances found in South Africa where trucks seem to be the first point of the aggrieved masses to vent their frustrations.

As I reflect on my poor little soul having had to deal with a majority of these situations one after the other (picture Floyd Mayweather receiving blows from Manny Pacquiao), I’m sure I could have added the 14^th instalment to the Series of Unfortunate Events franchise.

Broodryk talks about an entrepreneur who might just want to create a great small business in an existing market without starting a new revolution – this is me. Although this has been the most exciting and liberating thing I’ve ever done, the reality is that it is not easy, and it is not tear-free. Broodryk goes onto to say that when things are tough you need to be willing to go to your grave still trying. As it stands, I do know that I am digging, question is, is it my own grave or the foundation of a legacy; I believe it is the latter.

In the pursuit of freedom (financial or otherwise), an entrepreneur has to contend with the responsibility for everything. This means that you must choose to live a small portion of your life like others won’t, so you can live the rest of your life like others can’t. Be aware though that this journey will take much more from you. More energy, more time, more money, more mental strength, and lots of sacrifices. But as Viktor Frankl said in Man’s Search for meaning – if you know the ‘why’, you can bear the ‘how’. (Also Bon Jovi’s – Living on a prayer always seems to lift my spirits.)

Speaking of money, know that your returns at first will not always reflect the effort that you put in. You will almost certainly initially lose more money than you will gain. And as I attest to this, can we all hold a moment of silence as we say RIP to all the money we have lost trying to make more money ……………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..AMEN.

But, like a good ol’ Clint Eastwood movie, it’s not all doom and gloom and this chapter has a happy ending. Last month saw us celebrate our half-year first birthday (yes it’s a thing!) Although it might not be champagne showers yet, I’m happy with a coke and some ice cubes that I have – after all, they are mine 😊.