I have often questioned my choice to write a book about business metrics. I know it is essential. I know it is data that most SMEs don’t know how to utilize. Or, my least favorite reflection:

Why try writing a book of any kind at all?!

The answer is simple, conceptually anyway. My intention has everything to do with my big picture goals.

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I’ve never felt confident. Even today, my confidence is shaky on a good day. On those bad days, those questions pass through my mind.

Writing this book is only a stepping stone in my journey.

(I actively discussed the concept of stepping stones in yesterday’s business quip.)

This is mine because I am actively seeking credibility. Not just in the business world either. I am seeking to prove my credibility to myself.

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As stated on the homepage of this website, my mission is “to help as many small and medium enterprises learn what it takes to go from startup to scaling.”

This is despite my current instructor in college. He feels it is not well-defined. I disagree with him and stand behind my mission statement.

He also believes the highest achievable score is a 98, despite 100 being an option. Apparently, he just opts out of ever giving more than a 98.

Enough said, right?

My mission in business is clear and concise.

I must establish myself as a credible expert in small and medium enterprises to achieve this mission. That is how my short-term execution plan was born.

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That snowballed into milestones, or stepping stones, that involve writing books for SMEs.

Not everyone can afford to buy consulting services. They can afford a book chock full of actionable advice!

During this time, it seems other areas of business (and personal goals) have been amplified by each step!

• My confidence is growing.
• I am noticing that others find value in my knowledge.
• The extent of my confidence has grown to meet my comprehension.
• My mentor views me as intelligent and credible already.
• My willingness to keep going when I fail in any area is building.
• The lessons I have learned through the ups and downs in business (and life) have created a foundation. Moving up through the rungs has been simplified.

In short, I’m not only building credibility with my words to others. I’m acknowledging the credibility I already have. It is propelling my success.

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I hope you gather one message from this perspective on my goal to write this book:

Failure is okay because you don’t really fail unless you stop trying. Every lesson is the next step toward a greater purpose.

So, I write for credibility. However, I’m also legitimizing my knowledge to myself.