You never know when you’re going to get the email
Hold the vision, trust the process
Written by Jenna, Edited by Jess
I like to think of my Dad as the “OG entrepreneur.” When describing my dad’s career, we often say he’s had his hands in a lot of different things. Everything from physical therapy equipment financing to wellness products to mobile gaming to real estate tax strategy.
While some interesting projects, it hasn’t always been easy. As a true entrepreneur, he was always grinding. Cultivating relationships, traveling to conferences, hosting speaking engagements. Always putting in the hard work, but not really knowing if or when business was going to “hit.”
There were times when the hard work didn’t quite pan out in the way he hoped. Deals would fall through. Clients would change priorities. But what made it all worth it was when he would get “the email.” Notice of a closed deal. An introduction to an exciting new client. A positive testimonial from a peer. Whatever the form, “the email” was a signal that his hard work paid dividends.
And thus began a core family mantra: You never know when you’re going to get the email! It’s our shorthand for hope, momentum, and trusting the process when nothing seems to be landing yet.
This concept was especially prevalent during my competitive tennis days, a special chapter my dad and I shared. In high school and college, I was often training 3+ hours daily on and off the court, with tournaments on the weekends across the state. At times, there were extremely tough losses. Long drives home. Rehashing each key point while in tears.
I was discouraged, knowing I was putting in the hard work but not seeing the results. As my dad comforted me, he would often say: “Remember, you never know when you’re going to get that email. That moment when all the hard work nobody sees pays off. And it will come.”
Later, when I finally clinched a tough match or felt my game begin to click – when that metaphorical “email” came – the feeling was even sweeter.
Today, this mantra remains highly top of mind when coaching students. In the ambiguous world of the job search, students are often putting in the hard work - networking, researching, brand-building, crafting tailored applications. Even when they’re doing all the right things, it can feel like nothing is happening if an interview invite or offer hasn’t come through yet.
When they’re in this understandable rut, I often bring in my dad’s wise words. Progress can feel invisible…until suddenly, it isn’t. The email could be right around the corner!
And with that, I hope today’s piece serves as your “email.” A glimmer. A gentle reminder that your hard work and consistency matter. Keep going…you never know when you’re going to get the email!
As yesterday was my dad’s birthday, it is only fitting that he inspired this Glimmer. Thanks to him, this mantra is forever near and dear to my heart. Happy birthday, Dad!! 💛
Next Steps:
Think of an area of your life where you’ve felt discouraged because results haven’t shown up yet. What evidence do you already have that you are moving forward?