By Ryan Husband, CEO of LRX Apparel

Running a business is a continuous journey of discovery, challenges, and triumphs. It's a learning process that forces you to become more than you are now. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business owner, or simply someone who dares to venture out of their comfort zone, I believe you'll find value in the lessons I've learned along the way.

One of the things I love most about leading LRX Apparel is experiencing firsthand the outcomes of my decisions. Running a business means owning your choices and learning from them in real time. When you fall, you fall hard, but your successes, no matter how small, are a testament to your resilience and perseverance.

Throughout my journey, I've come to appreciate the value of patience. In the face of the daily grind and the constant challenges, patience has been my greatest ally. Those who possess it strike gold in this game; those who don't often falter.

As I reflect on my journey, three key lessons stand out:

1. Document and share your journey. Whether through vlogging, writing, or creating, document your experiences. This record will serve as a valuable resource that you can draw upon time and time again.
2. Learn about money management. Before you consider borrowing, make sure you’ve learned the hard way with your own finances. As the saying goes, "The borrower is a slave to its debtor."
3. Don't let competition dictate your future. If you’re making decisions based on what your competitors are doing, you’re already behind.

Similarly, there are three things I'm grateful for having done:

1. Starting small and building deep. Taking risks early on when stakes were lower allowed me to learn valuable lessons.
2. Creating a quality product. Despite the time it took, focusing on quality has paid off in the long run.
3. Establishing a brand with a strong ethos and mission. This has provided me with the motivation to keep going when times get tough.

These "wins" have become my foundation, my leverage, and my competitive advantage. They are the embodiment of my "why". Conversely, my mistakes serve as reminders of paths I should avoid in the future.

As you navigate your own journey, remember to embrace your wins, learn from your mistakes, and continually strive to do things differently. In doing so, you'll not only build a successful business but also become a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.