Years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Merril Hoge, former Pittsburgh Steeler speak about his life and book Find A Way. Mr. Hoge spoke of his challenges leading up to and during his NFL career but also about the most important battle of his life, his battle with non-Hodgins lymphoma. Throughout it all, he said those three words defined his life. Others reading this might know the story of John O ‘Leary featured in a recent movie, Soul on Fire. John overcame a childhood tragedy to lead an amazing life and inspire others. I have also heard John speak.
These are just two of countless stories out there of people who have overcome huge challenges in their life to go on and not only survive, but to achieve more than anyone thought they could and lead amazing lives.
We all have challenges to overcome. Fortunately, for most of us, certainly for myself, they are usually not as large and life threatening of the two mentioned above. But that doesn’t make whatever challenge you may face any less important or even less difficult for you to overcome.
Whether the challenges are career, health, relationships, financial, business, family, etc. the only true choice is to find a way to keep moving forward. Yes, some people give up and most of us probably know someone who chose not to fight and succumbed to a health issue or other malady. And some, despite fighting like hell, don’t overcome their challenges either. Sadly, I know a few people in this camp as well. But for many, there is a path through even though it may not seem like it at the time.
Not to sound trite, but I walked by a gentleman wearing a t-shirt recently that read, “Don’t let the hard days win”. I commented on it as we passed each other.
Whatever challenge you are facing, don’t go it alone. Surround yourself with people who can help. If your challenges are business related, make sure you have a well-rounded team and seek advice from people who have been down a similar road before you. Business problems are rarely so unique that there aren’t people out there who haven’t had similar experiences. Where do you need to round out your team? Marketing, sales, logistics, R&D, accounting, finance, strategy, HR, operations, logistics, IT, administration, legal. I’m sure I missed something on the list that is equally important.
Not each of those people need to be full time employees on your team. You can fill some of those roles with fractional advisors like myself, board members, mentors or subject matter experts who will help with a short term project.
Wherever you get your inspiration, friends, family, self, God, people like John O’ Leary or Merril Hoge, someone you know personally, or a guy walking by with a good message on his t-shirt, use that to help you find a way to achieve your goal and overcome whatever is in front of you.
And to my friend Joe who is reading this. I know you have grit, are surrounded by great people, and that you are well on the path to finding a way.
If your business could benefit from fractional CFO services, I would welcome the chance to speak with you. Please give me a call at (513) 225-8657 or send an email to [email protected]
The archive of these monthly newsletters is posted at the Resources section of homza.com
your cash is flowing. know where.®
Ken Homza
Copyright @ 2026 Kenneth M. Homza