Milestones mark the significant moments in our lives, signaling progress and growth. Recently, my son graduated from 8th grade, a proud and emotional milestone that got me thinking about the broader meaning of such transitions. 

Milestones like graduations are beautiful ceremonies of fanfare signaling achievement, growth, and new beginnings. My son's graduation marks the end of his middle school years and the start of an exciting high school journey. It’s a reminder of his hard work and the support he was blessed with from those around him.

At an early age, my son experienced challenges in school. His development did not pace at the same rate as his peers, and during his early years the fact that I could not lift his burdens left me sad and frustrated. But my boy is strong. He hung in there. Ultimately, I left my more traditional work life to give him more of the things that money cannot buy. I have no regrets.

Today, he is in a much better place and after all the teacher meetings, transitions to new schools, and days spent studying side-by-side at the dining room table, he found his own way and began to turn a corner. It was just like watching a little one learn to ride a bike. You start off running alongside them, cheering them on and helping to hold them up. And then the day comes when you find yourself just standing there on the sidewalk as they take off peddling...and they never knew you let go.

I believe that the definition of success in life is deeply personal. For my Jonathan, success at this stage means transitioning to high school with confidence and curiosity. It means setting brand new goals, making new friends, and continuing to learn and grow. For me, seeing him feel good about himself and what he can accomplish, reaffirms the values of faith and dedication we’ve tried to instill in him. Nothing done from the heart is ever in vain.

Businesses experience milestone moments too. Like making it to a graduation day, success in business requires planning, effort, and support from others. I figure that if I can keep this formula going, I will find my way. Here's my very humble and realistic recipe:

1. Setting Clear Goals: Just like students aim for graduation, entrepreneurs need clear and achievable goals to get ahead. Our goals provide direction and motivation, and sometimes require fine-tuning. I'm a work in progress on this point, but as I hone in on the aspects of business that feel the best, the way forward becomes much clearer and those things begin to prosper.

2. Celebrating Achievements: Take time to celebrate milestones, both big and small. Recognizing even little achievements boosts morale and encourages continued effort, especially when tangible results feel incremental or barely there at all.

3. Embracing Transitions: Milestones often signify transitions and new phases. Welcome changes with an open mind and a positive attitude. "New" can be scary, but the rewards for daring to imagine something different, are great.

4. Learning and Growth: Each milestone is a simultaneous learning opportunity. Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved, and use this hindsight/insight to grow. 

Milestones are dope. They remind us of how far we’ve come and inspire us to keep moving forward. Seeing my son advance reminds me that the road to success is more about the journey than the final destination. Working towards success (however we personally define it) leaves us transformed by experience, in awe of our own abilities, and filled with joy with each bridge—or graduation stage—we cross. As I continue to grow Dreamcolor Creative Studio, I am working to apply these same principles, celebrating every milestone and looking forward to the next. ❤️