I’ve been putting on my oxygen mask slowly but surely over the last month. It’s not all the way on but it’s on a lot more than it ever has been over the last few years.
Especially as entrepreneurs and business owners, we tend to forget before serving everyone else that we need to serve ourselves.
Entrepreneurs and business owners are givers. We give of our expertise. We give of our time. We give of our energy and so much more.
At what point to we give to ourselves. It is only by giving to ourselves does that put us in a place where we can give tremendously.
Consistently at the end of the year I reflect on the year and slow down and catch my “second” or “third” breath.
It’s not just been when I was in business but in my life. It’s a time or reflection and preparing for next year.
I tentatively have my theme for next year as—Put your oxygen mask on first.
Gresham W. Harkless Jr.131 posts
https://iamgresh.com👤 Author Name: Gresham W. Harkless Jr.
Title: Franchise Broker & Entrepreneur | Founder, Blue Star Franchise
Experience: 15+ years in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business growth strategy
Location: Washington, D.C. Metro Area, USA
About the Author
Gresham W. Harkless Jr. is a seasoned entrepreneur, franchise broker, and the founder of Blue Star Franchise, where he helps aspiring and established business owners find the perfect franchise opportunity to match their goals, lifestyle, and financial vision.
With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business development, Gresh has worked with hundreds of CEOs, founders, and small business owners through his media company Blue 16 Media and the I AM CEO Podcast, which has featured over 1,600 interviews. His unique background gives him a deep understanding of what makes a business succeed — and how the right franchise can change lives.
A proud member of the Franchise Broker Association (FBA), Gresham brings a consultative and client-first approach to franchise matching. His mission is to help people “run their race” by finding franchise opportunities that align with their purpose, skills, and lifestyle.
📚 Credentials & Affiliations
Certified Franchise Broker – Franchise Broker Association (FBA)
Founder – Blue Star Franchise & Blue 16 Media
Host – I AM CEO Podcast (1,600+ episodes)
Featured in – 50+ Black Marketers on the Rise, Influencer & Media Innovators (2022)
B.S. in Business Administration – Howard University
