Discouragement

Remember the last time you felt discouraged?

It’s something we all face, whether we like it or not. It sneaks up when expectations go unmet or when things don’t go as planned. It's a natural part of the journey, but if we’re not careful, it can spiral us into a loop of self-doubt, making us question everything about ourselves.

In the fall of 2023, Angel and I decided to take a risk with our God is a designer® apparel business. We ordered bulk inventory to have on hand for winter and spring 2024. We were excited about launching a new style—we believed in it so much that we even asked my parents for a loan to help cover the costs and get everything shipped before the Chinese New Year.

Well, things didn’t go as we hoped. The new style we were so excited about didn’t sell as quickly as we anticipated. How did we feel? Discouraged. We put ourselves out there, took the risk, and it felt like we failed 😟

But here’s what we learned: we had to step back and look at the reality of it all. Yeah, it’s discouraging, but we’re not letting it define us. Instead, we’re leaning into the facts. We’re learning a lot about our customers, our products, and even ourselves. It’s a growth moment.

So, if you’re feeling discouraged, remember this: it happens to everyone, and it’s okay. The important thing is to recognize it, understand where it’s coming from, and keep going. Discouragement doesn’t mean you’re failing; it’s just part of the process. Focus on the facts, learn from them, and use them to propel you forward.

In it with you, have the best week!