when hesitation holds us back.

Choosing a direction: a moment of decision on a gravel path, with two arrows pointing the way.

I’ve often wondered what helps people succeed and what quietly holds them back. Especially for those trying to build something from the ground up. Over the years, I’ve had conversations that shaped my perspective on decision-making, time management, and the role of trust in these processes.

Whether it’s through work, side projects, or just everyday life, I’ve talked with so many people who are trying to grow something. Business owners, artists, tradespeople. Even folks making big personal decisions, like buying a car or investing in themselves for the first time. And even when someone is ready to spend money on what is meant to help them grow, there is often hesitation, not just because of the cost, but also because of trust. That could stem from the fear of being taken advantage of. The feeling that they’re spending hard-earned money on something they might not need. Or even the worry that someone’s just trying to upsell them.

But in trying to save money, they sometimes end up with tools or setups that hold them back. So they become frustrated, discouraged, or blame the product, which is understandable. No one wants to invest in something only to be let down. Still, it’s hard to see someone spend money on the wrong thing, especially when the people around them are genuinely trying to help, not pressure them.

I’ve had customers in the past who assumed I was just trying to upsell them. But I always tried to be honest, just as I’d want someone to be honest with me if I ever needed help with Chatpastel or anything else I cared about building. Transparency matters, no matter the relationship.

I understand that affordability is a priority, especially when you’re paying out of pocket or just starting from scratch. I know that feeling. I pay for every part of this website myself: hosting, design, promotion, all of it. Every penny counts. But if what someone pays for ends up limiting them or leaving them stuck, then what’s the point?

Starting something new always involves risk, and sometimes, the right tools make the difference. One example: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about one in five small businesses don’t survive their first year. Only half last beyond five. Everyone’s story is different, of course, but I can’t help thinking that not having the proper support early on plays a role.

That’s why it sticks with me when I come across those who’ve sustained something for years, like a local family-run shop I once passed in Pittsburgh. They’ve had the same name and ownership since the 1980s. That kind of longevity doesn’t just happen. It shows they’ve done something right, whether that’s from adapting, staying steady, or just pushing forward even when it likely wasn’t easy.

Sometimes, I wish I saw more of that here in the southwest. In Arizona, you’re more likely to find chains and big-box retailers than family-run businesses. And while those places aren’t necessarily bad, they don’t always feel personal. There’s something special about walking into a place built with care, where the people behind it are close to what they’ve created. It’s a more genuine experience, and I’d rather support that any day.

In the end, if you’re building something that matters to you, it’s worth asking not just what’s cheapest, but what’s going to help you actually grow. And if someone really wants to help, maybe it’s okay to hear them out. We all need that sometimes, someone in our corner offering what they can. By taking that next step, you never know what might be around the corner.