EMBRACING THE CLIMB: GRIT, GRATITUDE, AND GRACE ON YOUR JOURNEY TO THE NEXT SUMMIT

by Sarah Cottingham

In the perpetual ebb and flow of life, embracing change is not merely an option; it is a necessity. For entrepreneurial women, the path to the next pinnacle is not always easy. It involves recognizing that growth is a constant and that success is a journey rather than a destination. If we are not growing, we are declining. This involves recognizing that life is about taking in the NOW, finding joy in the every day, and embracing a “get to” mindset. It means savoring every last drop of the present. Living your best life means doing what you do with all of you, not just a part of you. It means showing up every day with your entire, perfect self, not hiding parts of who you are. This complete package is what got you here, and it is what you bring to the table every day. Today, I celebrate you and me, the you and me that worked hard to be where we are, despite the challenges and obstacles; we are here.

Knowing that true fulfillment comes from aligning your actions with your deepest values, maintaining resilience in the face of challenges, and putting yourself in a supportive community is something that I wish I had learned much earlier in this trek that we call life. If the community you find yourself in doesn’t support you, find the one that does. We must run toward this with all the passion and urgency of saving a loved one from a burning building. The life you are building, creating, and saving is your own. It also means surrounding yourself with people who will tell you the truth when you need to hear it. Never settle, never doubt, and never think you are less than. Without growth and adaptation, we risk falling behind, merely surviving instead of truly thriving.

We all think we have time; the question I ask you to ponder is, “Says who?” Who has guaranteed you time? The

Sarah Cottinghamconstant is change, the variable is time, and the life you must live is yours NOW. The NOW is your future past; when I heard that referenced recently, I stopped and sat with that; what a concept to ponder, my future past… What am I doing with my now? Does it have all of the components of what I want to look back at and be able to celebrate? Am I living a NOW that I will be proud of? Shaping it in a way that leaves no regrets, a true legacy of purpose and service? Living your best life means dreaming big, working hard, doing the right thing at the right time, and never looking back. That is my NOW.

PEAKS AND VALLEYS: NAVIGATING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY

In this journey, we hit peaks, milestones, brick walls, and encounter ledges that we peer over, wondering if we will tumble. We are periodically reminded how precious these moments of LIFE are when a loved one tackles a long battle just to have more moments, or when you experience someone losing a family member. Recently, I was stopped in my tracks by these two situations, and I halted, stopped, and stepped to the side to breathe and reflect.

Take a moment to pause and take in your life, right now. Yes, right NOW. Close your eyes and breathe it in, breathe from your belly, and settle into the delicious beauty of your life. I know the quality of the women who read this magazine; I know I am in good company. You are brilliant, you are a warrior, you are beautiful, and you are magnificently blessed in all areas of your life. It is time to appreciate it all and ask, ‘What’s next?’ What is the next massive mountain of joy and expansion I welcome in?

Because we are creators, we are generators, and we are unstoppable.

From my vast experiences as a mother, a hygienist, a business owner, a wife, a single woman, an engaged woman, and now an intentionally single woman, a COO, a coach, and co-host of transformative training programs–I’ve learned the importance of pivoting and climbing to the next pinnacle. The dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship and living a joyous, expansive life demands continuous evolution and resilience. It’s about embracing challenges, learning from every experience, and constantly focusing on the life you want to live, not the life you think you have to live. I am living proof that you can have whatever you want; you just need to know you are worthy of it and GO FOR IT.

STAYING OPEN TO POSSIBILITIES: GRATITUDE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY

Transitioning from one professional peak to another involves leveraging past experiences and embracing new learning curves. Whether it’s mastering the intricacies of dental practice management or guiding clients through personal development, each step is a building block toward your next achievement.

The belief that “we can have whatever we want as long as we stay open to the possibilities” is foundational for growth, my growth. This mindset is crucial when balancing multiple ventures, including my partnership with Jonathan Bonanno in hosting transformational intensive training programs. Our next event, “Serving the Servant,” scheduled for October in Scottsdale, Arizona, exemplifies this approach and is designed to profoundly impact and enhance the lives of its attendees. These experiences reinforce the importance of remaining receptive to new ideas and collaborations, which can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.

This venture has taught me the power of synergy between diverse business activities and the importance of creating spaces where people can learn, grow, and transform together. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right mindset, we can manage multiple responsibilities and still find time to innovate, inspire, and serve.

Just as a climber faces different terrains and climates, so, too, do we encounter varied challenges and opportunities in our careers. As the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer at Dental Design Studio, I’ve scaled new professional heights, applying lessons from each stage of the ascent, turning each new ledge into a vantage point for future climbs.

The Power Of Daily Ritual

Incorporating daily rituals such as reading, journaling, cold plunging, red light therapy, and strategic planning into my routine is vital. These activities not only support mental wellness and personal growth, they also enhance my professional effectiveness. Journaling helps clarify my thoughts and refine my strategies, ensuring each day aligns with my desire to live a productive, fulfilled, and joyful life.

Engaging in daily rituals of preparation—such as reading for new knowledge, journaling to reflect on the day’s lessons, and planning the next steps—equips us with the tools necessary for a successful ascent. These practices fortify our resolve and sharpen our skills, ensuring we are always ready to tackle the next part of the climb.

SELF-WORTH AND PURSUIT OF DESIRES

Recognizing your value is critical when pushing boundaries and taking on new challenges. My journey through various leadership roles has reinforced the belief that I am worthy of every opportunity and capable of making significant impact. This self-assurance drives my pursuit of ambitious goals, whether in dental healthcare, business coaching, business operations, or event hosting.

No entrepreneur succeeds in isolation. Building a robust network of peers, mentors, and collaborators can provide not only support but also diverse insights and opportunities. It is important to engage actively with communities of like-minded individuals. Such networks can be invaluable, providing encouragement during challenging times and celebrating with you during your successes.

As you achieve each pinnacle, it’s vital to set new goals. Vision setting isn’t just about reaching career milestones but also about personal fulfillment and contributing to the community. Each goal achieved lays the groundwork for the next, creating a continuous path of growth and accomplishment.

VALUING ONESELF: CONFIDENCE IN THE CLIMB

Valuing oneself is not about arrogance; it is about recognizing your intrinsic worth and the unique contributions you bring to the table. It involves believing in your abilities and having the confidence to pursue your goals with determination. This self-assurance not only drives personal success but also inspires those around you to strive for their own excellence.

Self-care has often been overlooked in my pursuits, but it is essential for long-term sustainability. It involves taking the time to rest, recharge, and reflect. Whether through meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, self-care practices help us maintain our stamina and resilience, ensuring that we can continue climbing toward what life has in store for us next.

There are times when my reset may look like work to others, but I find joy in digging in the dirt and planting things, walking barefoot in my yard. A hot and sweaty afternoon in my own space has been the birthplace of many new ventures and insights. Whether your reset place is on a mountain, on a beach, or in a bookstore—do it and do it often. It is the key to unlocking the next level.

In a world that is constantly evolving, continuous learning is crucial. It allows us to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared for new challenges and opportunities. By committing to lifelong learning, as I saw one of my mentors, Dale Ring, live up to it until the very end, I will always be in that pursuit.

It is by the grace of God that I am here and climbing. Reaching one summit is an achievement, but the true climber always looks to the next peak. Setting new goals is about pushing our limits and expanding our view from each new vantage point. This vision for ongoing ascents drives us to keep climbing, no matter the challenges.

GRIT, GRATITUDE, AND GRACE: THE PILLARS OF THE CLIMB

The journey to the summit is not just about physical endurance but also about embodying grit, gratitude, and grace. These three pillars are so essential that I had them tattooed on my arm as a constant reminder of their importance. They are also the title of the book I am writing, a project that symbolizes my commitment to turning dreams into reality.

Grit is the relentless drive and perseverance to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. It is the inner strength that fuels our climb and pushes us to continue even when the path is steep and treacherous.

Gratitude is the acknowledgment of the journey and the people who support us along the way. It is the appreciation of the small victories and the lessons learned from each step, creating a positive mindset and a deeper connection to our purpose.

Grace is the blessing bestowed by God, the universal power that fuels your ability to serve others and generate a lasting impact. It is the recognition that while we strive for the summit, we do so with integrity and compassion, supporting others on their journeys as well.

As you face your next mountain, remain steadfast in knowing that you are worthy. You are the bedrock of your own foundation for an empire and life as large and expansive as you can dream it to be. You are surrounded by those who will cheer you on, celebrate you, and prop you up when you are exhausted and think you have nothing left. What is your next pinnacle? How can I help you climb? I am excited to see you celebrate your mountaintop.

About Sarah Cottingham

Sarah Cottingham is a proud mom of two entrepreneurial young men, an avid hiking enthusiast, and a cold plunge diehard. A unique badass entrepreneur and dog mom, she consults across industries, believing that people who grow, grow businesses. As the COO of Dental Design Studios and owner of Incito Enterprises, she champions personal and organizational growth. Co-host of “Serving the Servant” weekends, Sarah inspires and transforms, changing the planet one person at a time. A lifelong learner, door opener, and change maker.