Taking Chances and Putting Yourself Out There: The Key to Growth

Hello, I'm Meghan Tate, the proud owner of One Sun Commercial Cleaning, serving Volusia and Flagler counties. Today, I want to talk about something near and dear to my heart—growth. And how, sometimes, you have to take chances, get uncomfortable, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone in order to truly see change.

Let me take you back to 2015. That was when I first started my business. I had an idea, a passion, and a deep desire to build something of my own. But looking back, I can admit—growth in those first few years was incredibly slow. It wasn’t because I didn’t have the skills or the drive, but because I was terrified. I was afraid of stepping out there and putting myself in situations where I could fail, or worse, be judged.

I remember the first time I thought about marketing my business. The mere thought of walking into an office and talking to potential clients gave me anxiety. I worried about running into people from high school or being laughed at. I let the fear of judgment, rejection, and discomfort hold me back. And, as much as I hate to admit it, that fear limited my growth in those early years.

But here’s the thing—I’m still anxious about those things. I still feel the same nervousness walking into a room full of strangers or having tough conversations about my business. But over time, I’ve realized something really important: growth doesn’t happen without discomfort.

When I decided to move my business to a new state, to a place where I didn’t know anyone, that was my moment of letting go of that fear. Suddenly, failure didn’t feel as public. The stakes felt lower. But the truth is, it wasn’t the location that made the difference—it was my mindset. I had to choose to stop letting fear hold me back.

Now, when I’m showing up at 7 a.m. for a walkthrough with a potential client, or working long hours into the night, I remind myself that this discomfort is part of the process. Every late night, every tough conversation, every early meeting—it’s all part of building something that will last. It’s about laying the foundation for long-term client success, employee growth, and a sustainable business. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, because I know that’s how I’ll get to where I want to be.

So, to anyone out there thinking about starting something new, whether it’s a business, a personal goal, or a new chapter in your life, I encourage you to take that first step, even if it’s uncomfortable. Do the thing that scares you. Knock on that door, make that phone call, introduce yourself—even if you’re afraid of being judged or laughed at. Because, here’s the truth: those feelings of fear won’t go away overnight, but your desire to grow can overpower them.

I’m still growing, still learning, and still pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the growth you’re looking for is just on the other side of discomfort.

So, take chances. Put yourself out there. You’ve got this. And remember, the only way to achieve the success you want is by choosing to step outside your comfort zone. Because nothing worth having ever comes easy.

Warmly,

Meghan Tate

Owner, One Sun Commercial Cleaning