As I reminisce about our journey over the past several years, I am so incredibly grateful for the abundance of blessings. Our mentors and team raised the lid in our lives and motivated us more than anything else has. Few people would even know our names if it weren’t for the unique privilege that has been given to us, not because of how great we are, but because of how great our support system is.

Through mentorship, we’ve accomplished incredible things. Nine years ago we paid off the last of our $100k in debt outside of our home. Seven years ago, I walked away from my career as a CPA when our first daughter, Lexi, was born. Two years ago, we played Tye’s retirement video for the first time and showed what financial freedom as full-time parents can look like. Today we’ve come full circle as very proud mentors ourselves.

Despite the excitement that our accomplishments brought about, another feeling slowly crept in – the feeling of comparison. I remember one night in particular, sitting on the edge of my bed, feeling bitterness in my heart. I was playing the comparison game. When I compared myself to other entrepreneurs and speakers I felt incredibly shy, unattractive and inexperienced. I then began beating myself up for the goals I hadn’t hit and the progress I hadn’t made. After several of these “self-pity” sessions I realized that comparison isn’t just the thief of joy, it’s the thief of everything. It’s easy to look at all the things we haven’t done, instead of focusing on all we have done.

After that night, I decided to cultivate gratitude over comparison. I had to give it to God. Comparison and gratitude could not live within my heart at the same time. Once my will to please God outweighed my will to please myself, my heart became full. I acknowledged that if comparison was found in the valley of my journey then gratitude was at the mountaintop. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life and turns what we have into abundance.

Today, rather than comparing myself to others, I have changed my attitude. If I’m going to compare myself to anyone I choose to compare myself to my old self, while being grateful for how far I’ve come. The Ann Rustrum that entered entrepreneurship just over ten years ago was totally lost. “Old ways won’t open new doors”. And I had to open a new door. If you hang around positive influences enough, you’ll be brainwashed (like I was) into believing in yourself and knowing you can achieve anything. My brain needed a good washing. A dear friend of mine always says, “Growth is change, not time.” Compared to my old self, because I’ve changed, I’ve grown. I am confident. I am outgoing. I am secure in who I am. My marriage is phenomenal. I’ve learned what genuine, healthy relationships look like. And I’ve learned to see the good in people instead of being easily offended.

I’ve also learned true leadership means not worrying about who gets the credit or who is edified. What matters most is the benefit to the team. We are all in different seasons in our lives. We should embrace where we are and grow through it. It’s possible to admire others’ accomplishments without questioning our own. If you are a candle with a flame, does your flame diminish because you light another? No, you create an even bigger light than you ever could on your own.



My journey has been this: I’m Ann Rustrum, flaws and all – I am good enough. I am worthy of my success and share my story to encourage others. I am here to reflect light into what may be a dark place in your heart, where you’ve been telling yourself you’re not worthy or don’t have the right personality. Remember, you are comparing your worst to someone else’s best. I’m here to encourage you; you have what it takes deep within. It’s worth it. Don’t give up. There’s an incredible life waiting for you on the other side of fear and unworthiness. Allow your mentor to grab your hand and guide you to the mountaintop. Once you’re there, be grateful.