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Life isn’t about waiting for opportunities; it’s about creating them, says Sarah Cressall OBE. Your future is yours towrite, so pick up the pen, step into the lead role, and take charge of the next chapter Be the Hero of Your Own Story very great story has a hero – someone who faces challenges, makes bold choices, and shapes their destiny. The good news? You have the lead role! You get to be the real-life hero of your own story. You have the power to write it, live it, and edit it as you go along. Life presents us with crossroads – powerful moments that invite us to pause, reflect, and review.We can’t change the past, but we can create the future. The choices we make today shape our tomorrow. Life isn’t about waiting for opportunities; it’s about creating them. Every superhero has a purpose, a driving force that fuels their journey.What’s yours? Understanding your core values is the foundation for making meaningful choices in your career and life.When you align your decisions with what truly matters to you, you take control of your narrative and step into your power. Success looks different for everyone. For some, it’s financial freedom; for others, it’s flexibility, purpose, the chance to make a difference... or a combination of all these. The key is to identify what truly motivates you. Reflect on what energises you, what excites you, and what gives you a sense of fulfillment. When exploring franchise opportunities, consider how they align with your values. Does the business reflect what’s important to you?Will it allow you to use your strengths and passions in a meaningful way? Choosing a franchise isn’t just about the business model – it’s about finding something that aligns with the life you want to create, live, and enjoy. Every hero must make the decision to stop watching from the sidelines and act. The moment you take ownership of your journey, you shift from being a spectator to the main character in your story. Finding fulfillment means doing work that resonates with who you are. Passion and purpose can drive profit and positive community engagement. If you’re considering franchising, ask yourself these key questions:What excites you? What kind of impact do you want to have? What lifestyle do you want to build? These answers will guide you toward the right opportunity. One of the great advantages of franchising is the balance between independence and support. You run your own business while benefiting from a proven system, training, and a supportive network. Being part of a franchise community means you’re not alone – you have people who have walked the path before you, willing to share their knowledge and experience. I know that our Creation Station partners, and myself as the franchisor, all gain immense value from being part of the Creation Station family. Being part of something bigger than yourself creates a greater impact, fosters lifelong connections, and brings the joy of shared success. Action is the difference between dreaming and achieving. There’s never a ‘perfect’ time to take the next step, but every day you wait is a day you could be moving toward your goals. A hero doesn’t just think about change – they make it happen. You hold the pen, and every decision you make shapes the story ahead. Choosing the right franchise can be transformative.When your business aligns with your purpose, work becomes more than just a job, it becomes a way to bring what’s important to you to life. And with an established brand, you gain access to ongoing training and support, allowing you to focus on growing your business with confidence and impact. Now is the time to explore opportunities that align with your values and step into your own power. If you’re ready to supercharge your future, franchising could be the perfect path to help you achieve the future you want. E Sarah Cressall OBE is the founder and CEO of The Creation Station, the most recommended creative activity provider in the UK. With a passion for fostering creativity and empowering others, she has built a thriving business that supports franchisees and inspires communities across the country. Sarah’s commitment to community impact and innovation has earned her an OBE for her services to entrepreneurship and education. “When your business aligns with your purpose, work becomes more than just a job – it becomes a way to bring what’s important to life” 9 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM Opinion