Success—it’s a word that means something different to everyone. For some, it’s finding the perfect work-life balance. For others, it might be reaching a financial milestone or achieving a long-held dream. But often, success is more personal, more relatable.
For me, success isn’t just about ticking off grand goals. In my world, it’s found in both the big achievements and the small victories. It’s those moments when I manage to juggle a business meeting, a client call, running M&D Advertising, and still make it through the day without misplacing my phone. (Trust me, that’s a real win!) It’s waking up with a sense of purpose, knowing that whether I’m managing our advertising business or working on the next issue of Small Business Showcase Digital Magazine, what I’m doing is making a difference for someone out there.
Sure, I have big goals like anyone else. But one thing I’ve learned is that success doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Some days, it’s simply surviving a hectic deadline with your sanity intact. Other days, it’s watching a client’s new marketing campaign take off and knowing it will help them grow their business.
For me, success is about balance. It’s having the ambition to chase your dreams while also giving yourself permission to take a breather. It’s enjoying time with my husband, catching up with our son when he’s home, playing with the dog (Meet Odin, he wanted to make his debut in the magazine, who could say “no” to that face?), or indulging in a Netflix series for a bit of escape. Sometimes, success is just remembering why I became a business owner in the first place, taking things one step at a time, and not getting overwhelmed by the big picture. And I think we can all agree—that’s a win!
So, what does success mean to me? It’s a mix of ambition, perseverance, and a good sense of humor. It’s about setting goals, celebrating milestones, and—most importantly—enjoying the journey. At the end of the day, success is what you make of it. Whether you’re running a small business or navigating the ups and downs of everyday life, give yourself credit—you’re doing great, one small victory at a time.
– Deb Ammerman