Growing up in Alaska, Daniel and I were no strangers to hard work. Daniel, the son of commercial fishing legend Tom Stafford, began his life on the water at just three years old, eventually becoming a full-time deckhand by age ten. The sea was our playground and our workplace, offering both adventure and significant earnings—especially when Tom set a world record by hauling in 1,500 tons of herring in a single scoop, translating to substantial profits.

Over half the fish at market in the United States come from Alaska, and it’s output is economically larger than that of most countries in the fishing industry.

We loved the adventure of commercial fishing and the opportunities it provided for financial gain, but the lifestyle began to lose its charm as we started our own families. The long periods away from home and the grueling hours took a toll. A turning point for me came one stormy night on my 30-foot boat, realizing I had missed much of my daughter Eleanor’s first months. For Daniel, it was a harrowing experience when his boat capsized, nearly costing him and his crew their lives and leading to a battle with PTSD. Dan would often awake with his heart racing and run to his bedroom window thinking that the house was flipping over and sinking to the bottom of the ocean.

This forced us to reevaluate our lives. We needed a better way to make a living that would allow us to be present for our families and enjoy life. Inspired by the book "Think and Grow Rich," we dared to believe we could achieve wealth in a way that brought us fulfillment and balance. Our initial foray into video production for businesses evolved into a successful eCommerce marketing company. We had found a path that combined our passion for creating with a viable business model.

We didn’t just want another job that we would one day have to escape, we wanted to build something that was truly life giving for us and our families. 

The key to our success was shifting our mindset from merely chasing dreams to intentionally crafting our reality. This meant setting clear, actionable goals and constantly refining our vision. It wasn't about endless time at work or growth for its own sake but about creating a sustainable, enjoyable business that aligned with our personal values and desired lifestyle.

Here’s how you can apply these lessons to build a business you love:

We needed a better way to make a living that would allow us to be present for our families and enjoy life. Inspired by the book "Think and Grow Rich," we dared to believe we could achieve wealth in a way that brought us fulfillment and balance.

 

1. Start with a Clear Vision

Establish a clear vision for your future. Know where you want to go and what success looks like to you. This vision will guide your decisions and keep you focused.

2. Set Concrete Goals

Define what success means in specific terms. Outline your starting point, your destination, and the timeframe for achieving your goals. This clarity will help you create a realistic, actionable plan.

3. Focus on Incremental Wins

Appreciate the small victories. These incremental gains build momentum and keep you moving toward your ultimate goal. Celebrate progress and use it as fuel for further growth.

4. Prioritize Work-Life Balance

Establish non-negotiables that protect your personal time and well-being. Success shouldn’t come at the expense of your health or happiness. Regularly review and adjust these boundaries as your circumstances change.

5. Adapt and Evolve

Be flexible and willing to adapt your plans as needed. Life and business are dynamic, and your strategies should be too. Regularly reassess your goals and methods to ensure they remain aligned with your vision.