Everything about your organization might not be perfect, but there’s probably more going right than going wrong.

This is probably the wrong way to start an email from a guy who sells consulting services.

20.4% of small businesses fail in the first year, 49.4% in the first five years, and 65.3% in the first ten years. Some of you have been on this email list for more than 10 years and many of you for more than 5 years. You’re beating the odds. You are to be commended.

It dawned on me the other day that in the course of sending these emails every month I rarely say “good job”, “keep up the good work”, or “stop and smell the roses.” You know what the marketing gurus say – find the pain points, show that you understand them, create the vision of what the world looks like with that problem solved, and demonstrate that you can help the potential client get there. That’s all probably good advice and I’m certain I’ll return to that methodology – but not today.

If you’re creating a product or service that customers are finding value in, if your employees are able to provide for themselves and their families with the wages you are paying, if your vendors are paid on time, and you’re taking money home to provide for yourself and your family, you are to be commended. You’re making it work. I’m not saying it’s all perfect and there’s no room for improvement, but take some time to appreciate the rarified air that you’re breathing.

Take a minute to express your appreciation to your tribe – your employees, vendors, and customers.

The next day you can return to the never-ending task making your business stronger and poised for future growth but for today, enjoy what you’ve built.