In life, there are many times we go through a slow periods or down cycles that at the time, seem like they will never end. These could be personal, financial, relationship, business or social. We all have had these periods in our life, but the question is what to do when faced with one.

The answer is I don’t know, or at least I don’t know what the answer may be for you. All I can tell you is my experience. When I went through one of the darkest valleys in my life back when I had the restaurants, I didn’t need motivation from books, sermons, speeches etc. I didn’t want to hear some quote from people in the past. All that is good and noble, but it wasn’t what I needed or depended on.

All I needed to get through the period was the eyes of my wife and my two daughters who believed in me. When I came home and saw their faces, that was all I needed. They loved me and believed in me and that my friend was how I got through the restaurant phase in my life. Side note, if Chick-Fil-A offers you a store, say yes. If you want to invest in some other form of restaurant, the answer should be three words. No thank you. Ha

When you’re in the dark hole in one of life’s valleys and can’t see out, it is there that you really find out who you are and what you believe in. I remember (still makes me cry) telling God if he would get me out of that situation, I never again make the same decision and would forever give him the praise for it. He did his part and I have always given him the praise. It changes a person when you go through a deep valley. You come out much more wise, thoughtful and grateful.

That is what worked for an uneducated hotel broker that stutters. It keeps you humble knowing how close you came to losing it all. In conclusion, it was the belief my wife and daughters had in me, that helped me see out of the valley and get through the rough spot. KT