Cheryl Ecton

We are days away from a new year. I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for all the moments, experiences, and people that have filled my life over the past year. It's been a year of challenges and triumphs, of growth and learning, and I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who has been a part of this journey. Your support, love, and friendship have meant the world to me.
I encourage all of us to take some time for reflection and preparation. Let's reflect on the lessons we've learned, the goals we've achieved, and the moments that have brought us joy. And let's also prepare ourselves for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the coming year. Let's set our intentions, make plans, and embrace the new year with open hearts and open minds.
May the year ahead be filled with love, laughter, and new adventures. May we continue to grow and evolve, both individually and collectively. And may our bonds of friendship and community only grow stronger. Here's to a fresh start, a new beginning, and a year filled with hope and promise. Happy New Year!

I am always asked how I managed to move forward when I had so many challenges both personally and professionally. As I look back, I realize that my struggles are what gave me my greatest strength. They were not roadblocks but rather steppingstones on my journey towards personal growth and self-discovery. I share this with you since when we face challenges, we are pushed out of our comfort zones and compelled to adapt, innovate, and develop resilience. The process of overcoming adversity builds character and fortitude, teaching us valuable life lessons along the way. Struggles force us to tap into our inner resources, unlocking hidden potentials we never knew existed. They test our determination, fuel our motivation, and inspire us to reach new heights. The scars of past struggles become badges of honor, reminding us of our resilience and capacity to endure. Ultimately, it is through our struggles that we find the strength within ourselves to not only survive but to thrive, emerging as stronger, wiser, and more empowered individuals. When I look back now it is so clear to me that my struggles are what guided me though my journey to where I am today. I also realize that when we are pushed out of our comfort zone it is simply because we are meant to move on to greater opportunities. Hoping that you now look at any struggles you may encounter as a steppingstone to making you stronger and wiser.

As the year draws to a close, it's natural to find ourselves in a reflective mood, looking back on the past twelve months and all that they have brought. The past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and opportunities. We've weathered storms, celebrated victories, and learned valuable lessons along the way. It's a time to acknowledge our growth, both personally and collectively, as we navigated through uncertain times.
As we reflect on the past year, we can't help but think about the resilience we've displayed, the bonds we've strengthened with loved ones, and the new perspectives we've gained. We remember the hurdles we overcame, the dreams we pursued, and the moments of joy that warmed our hearts. It's a chance to express gratitude for the experiences that have shaped us and for the people who have supported us through it all.
As we prepare for the year ahead, let's carry forward the positivity, determination, and resilience that have carried us through the challenges of the past year. May we cherish every moment, embrace new opportunities, and face adversity with courage. Let's make the most of the blank canvas that is the new year, filling it with the colors of our dreams and aspirations. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, let's be prepared and welcome the future with open hearts and open minds, ready to embrace all that it has in store. Choices do change everything so hoping you take time to think about choices for your coming year.

This time of year I find reflecting on the past is an essential practice that provides me with valuable insights and guidance as I navigate the path toward my future. I highly suggest setting aside time to look back. It allows us to learn from our experiences, both successes and setbacks, and to gain a deeper understanding of who we are and what truly matters to us. By examining the choices we've made, the challenges we've overcome, and the lessons we've learned, we can make more informed decisions and set meaningful goals for the future. This self-reflection is like a compass, helping us ensure that we are on the right course, aligning our actions and aspirations with our values and aspirations. Without the wisdom gained from looking back, we risk drifting aimlessly, missing out on opportunities for growth, and making choices that may not lead us in the direction we truly desire. In essence, reflection on the past serves as a crucial tool for steering our lives with intention and purpose. My holiday wish for you is to head toward the new year with a vision that is a clear path of what really matters to you.

As I plan my menu for Thanksgiving dinner I find myself overwhelmed with a deep sense of appreciation for the blessings that grace my life. Family, friends, and my dedicated business team have been pillars of support and sources of joy.
In a world often marred by challenges and uncertainties, Thanksgiving serves as a beautiful reminder that even during adversity, there is always something to be thankful for. It's a time to reflect on the moments that have shaped our lives, the lessons we've learned, and the people who have touched our hearts. It's an opportunity for us to pause, express our gratitude, and extend our love to those around us.
I hope that this Thanksgiving fills your heart with cherished memories, laughter, and warmth.

Do you really know what you want in life and have the directions to get you there? To be honest when I began my journey, I had no clue what I wanted since I was in survival mode and just trying to make ends meet. After many detours, wrong turns, and roadblocks I realized I needed to take a deep breath step back and think about where I truly wanted to go with now, not only my life but my family as well. Having the clarity of knowing what I wanted had a profound and transformative impact on my thinking and actions and success. It provided me with direction and purpose, helped me set meaningful goals and make choices that aligned with my true desires. This clarity also boosted my motivation and drove me toward my goals and enhanced my overall well-being by reducing uncertainty and stress, allowing me to focus my time and energy on what truly mattered to me. Do I still face roadblocks, detours, and bumps along the way? Of course, but now knowing where I am going no longer has me feeling stressed and helpless. Ultimately, knowing what you want in life empowers you to create a fulfilling and purposeful journey towards your goals. Take the time to decide where you want to go in life before you wind up at a destination that was not meant for you.

We were honored to be guest of Norfolk Southern for the GWBC LACE Awards at the Atlanta aquarium in Atlanta last night. We are grateful for wonderful clients like NS as we continue to grow our business across the country.

I am often asked if fear ever held me back from moving forward with my life both personally and professionally. Absolutely yes and while fear is a powerful emotion that can significantly impact our lives and be paralyzing it can also become a catalyst for personal development and achievement. I was blessed to realize that it was time to stop negotiating with fear and listen to my gut. I was then more fearful of what would have happened had I not decided to elevate my mindset and actions toward achieving my goals. You can learn more about my journey in my book, Choice Change Everything. https://www.amazon.com/Choices-Change-Everything-Choose-Knocks-ebook/dp/B09XKLXSH5

Excited to share that my book is now on audible as well as kindle. https://www.amazon.com/Choices-Change-Everything-Choose-Knocks-ebook/dp/B09XKLXSH5

Cheryl Ecton CEO/President of Elite Building Services | Author | Motivational Speaker | Virtual Speaker |

You’re either on your way or in your way! Often, we find ourselves unwittingly obstructing our own path to achieving our goals. This self-sabotage can manifest in various ways, such as procrastination, self-doubt, or fear of failure. It's as if we become our own worst enemy, letting negative thoughts and behavior hinder our progress. By fostering self-awareness, practicing self-compassion, and developing effective strategies to overcome these barriers, we can clear the path to success and pave the way for our dreams to become reality. Get Out of Your Way!

I have found that the path to success is rarely a straightforward climb but more like navigating a lattice of interconnected factors. Embracing the complexity of the journey and being adaptable, resilient, and patient can help you navigate the lattice more effectively and reach your goals. Embrace the journey!

So many times I sit and think about the times I was dead broke emotionally. Once I made the choice to get back up and claim the life I was meant to live my entire world changed. Yes, choices do change everything. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=choices+change+everything+cheryl+ecton&crid=13V32UQEJT4DH&sprefix=choices+change+%2Caps%2C86&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_15

Cheryl Ecton CEO/President of Elite Building Services | Author | Motivational Speaker | Virtual Speaker |

I am blessed to meet so many amazing women and so often asked how I managed to move forward on my darkest days. Some days it was difficult to even imagine surviving another day let alone moving forward. I got into the habit of telling myself that each day is a new day, another chance to make my own choices, which gave me hope and strength to move forward for at least one more day. I felt compelled once I was on the other side of my struggles to share my story to inspire others to get up and stay focused. I am grateful to share my story with other women walking through difficult days that seems endless.

Choices Change Everything: Choose to Get Up When Life Knocks You Down Choices Change Everything: Choose to Get Up When Life Knocks You Down

I am blessed to meet so many amazing women and so often asked how I managed to move forward on my darkest days. Some days it was difficult to even imagine surviving another day let alone moving forward. I got into the habit of telling myself that each day is a new day, another chance to make my own choices, which gave me hope and strength to move forward for at least one more day. I felt compelled once I was on the other side of my struggles to share my story to inspire others to get up and stay focused. I am grateful to share my story with other women walking through difficult days that seems endless.
https://www.amazon.com/Choices-Change-Everything-Choose-Knocks-ebook/dp/B09XKLXSH5

When Life Knocks You Down. I am always being asked how I chose to get up so many times when life knocked me down. My first choice was to stay focused on the positive. A positive outlook can significantly impact how quickly you recover from setbacks. This doesn’t mean you should ignore the negatives; rather, you should acknowledge them but not let them control your actions or outlook.
Once you feel emotionally and mentally ready, and you have your plan laid out, take action. Start moving, even if it's slowly at first.
Choosing to get up when life knocks you down isn't just about resilience or grit. It's about the belief that you have the capability to affect change in your own life. No matter how many times you’re knocked down, it's the getting back up that defines you. In my book I share in depth lessons and actions of my journey to help with getting back up on the days that life knocks you down.

Choices Change Everything: Choose to Get Up When Life Knocks You Down Choices Change Everything: Choose to Get Up When Life Knocks You Down

While listening to a Mel Robbins podcast this morning Mel kept referring to how so many times we use the word "Someday". It made me think of my past and how it was much easier to use the word someday as a placeholder for a time that is indefinitely postponed. While it's true that not everything can be achieved overnight, indefinitely deferring goals, decisions, or actions can often lead to missed opportunities or regret. Once I took on the mindset that someday is not a day of the week, I committed to using each day to take action toward my goals. What a game changer. Hoping that today is the day you start to take action toward your dreams & goals.

As summer draws to a close, it's not uncommon for employees to feel a mix of emotions—perhaps sadness at the passing of the sunny season, but also excitement for the new beginnings that fall can bring. Harnessing the transition from summer to fall can be an opportune time for leaders to inspire, motivate, and empower their team. Feel free to reach out to me to see if I can be of service with helping to empower your team to finish out the year. Email [email protected] or call 215-948-2705 to learn more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuQ0WphgcuA

If you'd like to hear about my story, this interview from earlier in the summer with Happy Half Hour with an Entrepreneur is a good quick listen!

Episode 43 - BTS - Cheryl Ecton | Elite Building Services In this episode, Brian chats with Cheryl Ecton. In 1989 she started working as a receptionist for a group of building owners, and she quickly realized what t...

As children return to school and vacations end, organizations start to wake up from the sleepy summer months and focus on fourth-quarter productivity and planning for 2024.

How do you reignite your team for the last part of the year? I'm proud to offer a variety of keynotes and workshops to help your team grow professionally and personally! Looking to inspire upper management or realign after restructuring? Visit my website to see what's available!

Cheryl Ecton Keynote | Choices Change Everything Cheryl Ecton is founder… and CEO of Elite Building Services, a multimillion-dollar commercial cleaning and building maintenance company that serves clients nationally. She believes in treating her employees as well as her clients and lives by the motto, “If better is possible, then good is not e...

"Everyone that has had challenges in life can relate to Cheryl's story. Often it is tough to see the steps we can take to turn those challenges into the lessons we need to move forward and become better versions of ourselves. This is what reading Cheryl's story offers. If you are looking for practical takeaways as well as inspiration to level up, this book is for you. I highly recommend this personal first-hand account for its universal appeal."

-Jennifer Lynn Robinson, Esquire, CEO, Purposeful Networking

https://www.amazon.com/Choices-Change-Everything-Choose-Knocks/dp/B09X4TK1X6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JT8WQ6V5S4SN&keywords=choices+change+everything+cheryl+ecton&qid=1690823237&sprefix=%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1

Although I love connecting with women in person at events, I am grateful to have written a book that will reach people in their living rooms any time of day.

You can read more about my journey, and how I picked up the pieces to live the professional, and personal life I've always wanted- and how you can do the same! It all comes down to

https://rb.gy/ln4u2

When I started cleaning the office building where I worked over 20 years ago, I couldn't have imagined it would lead me to where I am today: speaking to inspire others with my journey.

Though there have been low points, crossroads, and turns I hadn't expected- every choice I made led me to where I am today!

Purchase my book:
https://www.amazon.com/Choices-Change-Everything-Choose-Knocks-ebook/dp/B09XKLXSH5

The days after a long holiday weekend can leave us either feeling refreshed or dreading the days ahead. My hope for you today is that regardless of the season you are in, you find the inner strength to keep moving, at whatever pace you can.
The best is yet to come!

Visit my website to learn more about my keynotes, my book, , and to connect for podcast engagements! https://cherylecton.com/

Certain choices can be considered as defining moments in our lives. These choices have the power to alter the trajectory of our personal and professional paths. Decisions such as choosing a career, pursuing higher education, or entering into a committed relationship can have long-lasting consequences. They shape our experiences, opportunities, and the people we meet along the way. I share my journey of choices that have lead me to lead my company of over 800 in 21states. My choices truly did change everything.

Choices Change Everything: Choose to Get Up When Life Knocks You Down Choices Change Everything: Choose to Get Up When Life Knocks You Down

I am once again in awe of the women I find myself surrounded with! Grateful for the dynamic conversations we engaged in at the first ‘She Means Business’ women’s networking group at BBC Tavern and Grill! I can't wait to see what's ahead!

On my darkest days, it was difficult to imagine a way forward. Knowing each day is a new day, another chance to make my own choices, gave me hope.
Now that I am on the other side of my struggles, I am grateful to share my story for other women walking through a difficult season that seems endless.

Thank you Nawbo South Jersey and Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity for me to speak on "Leading Your Way"

Being in a room full of inspiring women never gets old!

Wonderful day! Great to see everyone and share my story