March 18, 2006. I woke up and knew I was going to do it.

Frustrated with bizarre power politics, another failed promise of partnership/ownership (this was the third time, the previous two involved options), and major philosophic differences with management, the decision was clear. Crystal. I was to be the master of my own destiny. Thus began a frenzy to get out, and begin my own gig.

My wife’s condition… There must be a client before you go out on your own. April 12th I had the client. April 14th I had the resignation and two weeks notice in place. April 21, I got the early heave ho.

Yes, many in the industry have seen this tactic a time or two. It’s about protecting the business from losing its clients. That was one of the proudest days of my life. Rather then get the final punishment speech at 4 (and I had been catching major grief the whole day), I walked out the door. No thanks.

April 24, the doors were open. By May 1, I had three clients and was a going concern. I still have two of those clients, and the third is a friend and reference.

All because one year ago, I knew. One year later, I’m working like a dog throughout the weekend because of hosting issues with my MSP, and wrapping up a couple of reports. What a different place. Much has changed, lots of lessons have been learned.

But I’m here, and I’m still very hungry. It’s Sunday. And it’s time to go make some people famous. Here are Monday’s quotes for you.

• “No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently,” Agnes de Mille.
• “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen,” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
• “Unless your heart, your soul, and your whole being are behind every decision you make, the words from your mouth will be empty, and each action will be meaningless. Truth and confidence are the roots of happiness,â€? Anonymous.