See the gentleman pictured above? I just did the same thing…by saying those two little words that have been synonymous with deserters, defectors and general non-winners. 

“I quit” and with that, I made the great leap. Head first with eyes wide open.

I am walking away from my full-time role as creative director. I am walking away from great colleagues. I am walking away from a challenging work environment. And I am walking away from a very healthy paycheque. 

This is not a post where dirty laundry will be aired and names will be named. I used the phrase ‘walking away’ for effect, for drama. I am really walking towards something good.

Today, I have officially left my current employer to pursue my passion. A small seedling of a business idea that my wife and I started a few months ago. That seedling has formed roots, as they have grown they have lead us both down a path of entrepreneurism where we have been fortunate enough to build something together.

For almost 3 years, I watched my boss (a serial entrepreneur) pursue business with a reckless abandon. If he saw a glimmer of light that may lead to fortunes, he was going full tilt. He made decisions based on his instincts and he surrounded himself with people who helped his vision materialize. Whether or not I shared that vision at every turn did not matter, the energy and fearlessness was infectious.

Through out my life, I have been fortunate. I have been surrounded by brilliant, creative, supportive and inspiring people that should also take some credit for my decision.

I have watched my friend, Rob Woodbridge pursue his passion for all things mobile and build untether.tv. Day in, day out, he just keeps working. That inspires me.

I see companies like Shopify and Select Start Studios, trying to shed the beige that Ottawa sometimes washes over its inhabitants. Both are doing things that transcends the borders of this city and this country. They inspire me.

During our early stages, I was lucky enough to cross paths with Gary Vaynerchuk, who has provided us with some guidance in the last few months. His energy and business savvy is well know, but in his dealings with us, his common decency comes through. That inspires me.

My family immigrated from Vietnam at an early age. Growing up in Canada, I watched my parents toil and sacrifice everything to keep our heads above water. I watched my mother work all day, any day, every day to save for my brother, my sister and I. In her small frame, she has the heart and will of a nation. I watched my father, a classically trained artist shelve his epic talents to work 2 full-time jobs for years so we can maybe one day enjoy the finer things. My parents inspire me to no end.

My wife and I have been fortunate enough to have a son together, and in raising him, we both remember how important the present moment is. We watch as he pinpoints to the exact second and relishes in that moment with earnestness and authenticity. He reminds me every day that the time is now. It is always now. He inspires me. He inspires me to be a better father and husband, and that demands that I put forth my energy and heart towards building something I feel 100% passionate about.

Finally, a few weeks ago, I met Dan Martell who challenged me to make this leap a little earlier that I had planned. Plans, I had them when he asked me why I was delaying the leap? My answers were numerous but I was simply scared. Just. Scared.

I used the word ‘fortunate’ numerous times, because that’s exactly how I feel. I have the good fortune to pursue something I believe in. I have the unwavering support from my wife and partner. Along with family and friends, without their support, none of this would be possible. So I say, I am truly fortunate—Oh, I am still scared as ever. But, I have never been more determined to work hard.

And work hard I will.