The Swartz Report: The Journey Through Fear, Anxiety and Success

Post written by Donald Swartz, President and Principal at Swartz + Associates, Inc. | Lover of Chiefs, Royals and golf | Avid “Cruiser” | Poker Enthusiast

It’s about this time that high school seniors who have applied to attend college are starting hear back from the colleges and universities as to whether they’ve been accepted.

While this is definitely an exciting time for teenagers, this certainly can increase the stress levels around a household. Throw in semester finals and…let’s just say the holiday break is perfectly timed.

Our youngest is going through the process right now. Will he get into his first choice of schools? When will he find out if he’s accepted, deferred or possibly not accepted to a school?  Why does it seem like all his friends are getting their first choices?

It’s hard to tell an 18-year-old everything will be ok, especially when this is most likely the biggest event and/or decision in his/her life to date. Is it scary?  Sure, it is. Is it exciting?  Absolutely. And this excitement and the opportunities that present themselves to high school seniors going forward are amazing.

It’s the next step to prepare them for the “real” world…the ability to multi-task, to prioritize, to mix business (i.e. class work) with pleasure and to learn independence. For many, it will be their first experience away from their home and the friends they’ve known since the first day of kindergarten.

What our children don’t necessarily realize is these fears and anxiety always stay with us in some capacity. In many ways, it’s what motivates one to be successful in life. As an owner of my company, there are many “What ifs?” and questions that keep me up at night.

Are my employees happy and being provided for?

Are we meeting the needs and expectations of our clients?

Is cash flow being managed appropriately and is my bank pleased?  (Side note, they must be, as I was invited to, and attended, their holiday party. Thank you MO Bank for another fantastic evening!)

What does 2018 hold and beyond?

All are important questions and our answers, through our actions and performance, help determine fulfillment in our lives. I’ve continued to subscribe to the motto,
“Work hard, play hard” although “playing hard” may be more geared to golf than various court sports these days. The point I would like to convey to my children is that working hard affords you the opportunities to enjoy playing.

So, forward we go with anticipation of what lies ahead. Whether you’re are a student, parent, employee or employer, if you do your best, work hard and be a positive influence to others, success will find you.

Looking forward to an exciting 2018…Happy Holidays to all!