When I talk to people about creating multiple streams of passive income, they sometimes have a hard time beliving that it can truly change a persons life. It's a vital key to achieving true work life balance!
Here's a sample of what passive income does for me...
I can work on what I want (investments, businesses, real estate)...when I want (a few hours a day...or not : )
I can take trips with my family...paid for by my corporation
I dont have to look at the price on the menu
I use my time for my family, and helping others
I am not an absentee dad
I provide for my family and it will continue to grow even if I am not here
I have passive income that pays for our lake home and boat, jet ski, and cars
I have no employees!
I work with lots of people that i want to work with
I laugh a lot more.
I worry a lot less
I see my wife and kids much more
I can invest my time in things that really matter in the world
I help people achieve their dreams...very fulfilling
I am teaching my kids on how to be an entrepreneur and the secrets of financial literacy
I feel great and i am having a blast!
I am able to do much more physical exercise
I able to lead by example
I am building long term assets that will eventually benefit my grandchildren
These are just a few of the benefits of creating multiple streams of passive income. What does passive income do for you?
Hello...I'm Mike Stuart, and I'm a serial entrepreneur. The small group of addicts respond in unison..."Welcome Mike". I'm nervous, but I begin to spill the beans of how I loath the thought of clocking in and out of a 9-5 job. I hate the thought of making someone else rich. I admit to missing baseball games and music recitals and giving up on family vacations. Individuals in the group shake their heads as if to say "yes, Mike I understand what you are saying."
My late nights at the office are hard on my wife, as well as being financially strapped. She reluctantly agreed to get a second mortgage on the house to fund the business. It rips at my heart to see her worried and sad. My kids can sense our frustration and fear.
I finally look up and say...but the real reason I am here today...Is the fact that I started the business for a reason. a great reason. That reason is my family. Just like most entrepreneurs. Its for them...for the family. I am doing it for my wife, my kids, so we can have more time and a better lifestyle. So they wont have to struggle with money in the future. So we can have fantastic long vacations to exotic locations. So my wife can have the luxuries she so deserves.
But the very reason I started the business is the very thing I have damaged the most in my quest to secure our financial freedom. Its painful for them. It's painful for me, and needs to stop. The business is to serve me and not the other way around. I must create a lifestyle business that serves us...and not serve a business that makes us give up our desired lifestyle.
As I wake from my dream, I think to myself...for many entrepreneurs...this is not far from reality. So...what's the 12 step process to get out of this mess?
You CAN grow a seven-figure income and an indestructible family. You CAN turn your company into something that benefits you and those closest to you. You CAN succeed in business and in life right now!
I know what you're thinking... This all sounds fantastic on paper, but is it really possible? Could it be true that life doesn't have to consist of either feeling guilty about not being at home or feeling guilty about not being at work? You've overcome "impossible" challenges in the past but work life balance seems like a loftier goal than an IPO.
Entrepreneurs' greatest strengths are also their greatest weaknesses: they're self-sufficient, independent control freaks. But to really grow a healthy business and family, you need to learn to rely on others and seek expert advice. Life coaches, like me, can objectively see the field, assess the players' strengths and weaknesses, and set up plays that will get first downs that ultimately lead to touchdowns. A coach will ask the tough questions , hold you accountable, and get in your face-if necessary. Coaches can also recommend counseling or therapy if you need special support to dig deeper into relationship issues. Sports coaches help their players win a game and work life balance coaches show their clients how to win in life. Coaches make you uncomfortable now so you don't lose later.
Here's the deal. When the urgent is breathing flames of fire, it will be almost impossible to push yourself to invest in what's important. In the moment, the ballet recital can seem insignificant compared to the emergency client meeting. But in the long run, going to the first could make a far greater impact. A coach helps turn the important into the urgent and the qualitative into the quantifiable by keeping you accountable to take specific action steps.
Even Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, confessed on his deathbed, "I blew it." Wow! One of the richest men in the world thinks he blew it. How is that possible? Did he miss a huge business opportunity? No-he missed a huge family opportunity. Walton barely knew his youngest son or grandchildren and had scarred relationships with his wife and other family members. On his deathbed, one of the greatest entrepreneurs of all time wasn't thinking about professional wins, but about personal losses. What legacy will you leave?
If you're really serious about drastically shifting your ways of thinking and living, it's essential to recruit a solid coach. When you go it alone, it's too easy to slip back into old habit patterns. But when you work with a coach, you'll receive constant reminders that eating dinner with your family can pay invaluable dividends and that you need to delegate business tasks. With a professional, experienced coach, you can learn to "lead a legacy" with lasting value not tomorrow, but today.
Early in my career, I ran into a friend who I hadn't seen in a while at a conference. As he approached me, I stretched out my arm to shake his hand. He ignored my professional gesture and clasped me in a big bear hug. (Slightly awkward.)
I tried to pull away, but he grabbed my shoulders and drew me so close that our noses touched. (Doubly awkward.) I attempted to pull back my head, but he kept me close. With his hands on my shoulders and our noses touching, my supposed friend asked, "Does this make you feel uncomfortable?" I, of course, sarcastically replied, "Uh, yeah, a little bit." And I kept unsuccessfully straining to regain my personal space.
When he finally let me go, I said, "What the heck was that about?!" He smiled and said, "Mike, sometimes life is a little uncomfortable-kind of like what you just experienced. Who's asking you the tough questions that make you squirm? The questions that help you make the right choices and hold you accountable? The questions that no one else will ask you about how you are doing at home, with your family as well as work? What's the name of your coach or mentor?"
I shook my head and said, "Nobody." He said, "Mike, most people are pretty comfortable. But when humans are comfortable, they don't change. It's when they're uncomfortable that they seek change in their lives." He then told me that I had a week to find someone who would ask me the tough questions. Someone to coach me . Someone to mentor me. Someone to help me become the best person that I could be, at home and at work.
I often hear people talk about their desire to be happy. Honestly, who doesn't want to be happy? However, when you really look at life and the world in general, is it possible to be genuinely happy all the time? Granted, it is the most sought after inward state of all human beings, but is it truly attainable?
I believe happiness should not necessarily be the THING that we pursue in life. In fact, by pursuing something greater than happiness, I believe it will be a natural by-product of your living. Seasons in life come and go. Circumstances change. In the midst of all of these dynamics, your emotional state of being is often tested. I believe that by pursuing consistent joy in your life instead of constant happiness, a greater sense of well-being can be attained.
Joy is a state of well being whereas happiness is dependant on circumstances and emotions. You can actually have joy in the midst of struggles, though it is hard to often maintain happiness during these same times. Because "junk" happens, I tell my work life balance clients to remember some main principles when they are considering how to maintain joy in their lives:
Build your life on the truth. Take care of your soul. In my opinion truth lies in the word of God. Seeking any revelation of truth often brings opposition, but over time gives way to stability and wisdom. What is truth to you?
Build your life upon solid goals and right priorities. When we build our lives on achieving what is ultimately best for our family, and us we find real satisfaction and happiness in these accomplishments. Make sure priorities are family focused .
Build your life on the here and now. Be in the moment. Don't worry about tomorrow's root canal, pending bills or a visit from your in-laws. Focus on the here and now, and take time to count your blessings each day.
Build your life upon love and goodwill not upon hate and animosity. Our personal relationships are one of the greatest sources of happiness. On the other hand, they can be one of the greatest sources of pain and frustration. The golden rule applies here!
Build your life upon serving others. The bottom line...helping others increases your joy and thus your happiness! Helping others enables you to put your own problems into perspective and also provides social interaction.
Happiness fundamentally is a byproduct of joy, yet it evolves from ways carefully designed and wisely executed. There will be lots of things that attempt to rob you of your joy, but it is attainable if you desire to make it a conscious part of your every day life. Be determined...to be joyful!
Have any suggestions for a joy filled life...leave me a comment!
I've been taught by various mentors and coaches to look for teachable moments in life if you want to truly make an impact on your kids. I think we would all agree that this method of teaching typically has a more memorable aspect that your kids will associate with for years to come. My wife and I have taken significant amounts of time with our kids when it comes to their financial education, especially since neither of us had any sort of financial education growing up.
As a part of creating true work life balance, I like to emphasize the need for passive income, not only with my business clients, but with my children as well. My kids have gone with me on real estate deals, they have seen us give to multiple charitable organizations, and they recognize the benefits of saving towards a goal. We play The Cashflow Game for Kids, Monopoly, and Life, and have even allowed a few of our kids to have their own entrepreneurial business.
I feel good about those teachable moments...until we go to the store and our little angelic, well educated, cashflow wizkids turn into Walmart possessed shopping demons! About the time when I feel we are making no progress at all...one of our kids shows us a small glimpse into the part of their mind where something does actually sink in. Stay committed to being family focused. Look for teachable moments and you will, by your actions, show your kids the truly important things in life. And one day they will surprise you!
Guys...lets face it, we are not the best communicators in the world. Am I right? How many times has your spouse made this very point?
All right...here's the deal...I'm going to help you create a few habits in your life to regain the incredibly valuable asset of communication. Why is this so important? Because this is a vital part of our quest for work-life-balance.
When we effectively communicate to our spouses, we fill up their tank, gain their buy-in to our businesses and careers and ultimately bring about a stronger relationship.
Here are four steps to gaining the communication asset:
1) Commitment - You must both be committed to working together on effective communication . It takes 2 to make this work. Make sure you both understand the reason this is important, and make a commitment to each other for your business's sake and for the sake of your marriage.
2) Set aside Daily 1on 1 time - Now this may be difficult for some of you and yes, I have heard a million excuses, why people can't do this, but when people implement this little discipline into their lives, they are amazed at the results. Here is what I want you to do. Each day, when you walk in the door, kiss the spouse, kiss the kids, and then sit down with your spouse on the couch. Tell the rug rats that are tugging at your leg, that this is mommy and daddy time and that you will talk to them in a few minutes.
Now, for the next 15 minutes...talk about your days. Be an active and focused listener!
This is not a time for you to solve all the problems one of you may be facing. This is for you entrepreneurs...you may solve problems all day long, but your spouse may not be looking for your all-knowing insight. He or she may just want to talk and have you listen. I know! Crazy isn't it? That someone with a problem may not want your answers to their problems?
Simply talk about what is going on at work, home, family, school, whatever. What has you excited today? What has you down? Are you worried? Are you stressed...Why? Talk, for 15 minutes and don't allow any distractions.
Now, this may seem like a simple and logical thing to do, but you will be amazed at the results, when you are fully committed. I have coached many people through this little exercise and one of the most incredible results is the impact it will have on your kids. I've even had a number of people say that since implementing this exercise that their kids are finally sleeping through the night! Why would this impact your kids you ask? Because they simply want to see that mommy and daddy love each other and actually enjoy talking. This brings an amazing sense of security to children and shows them how important quality communication really is. This is what's called becoming Family Focused.
3) Take time to reflect - Now, I am not suggesting by any means that the communication should stop at this point, but you can get off the couch now and get on with life. It's important that you have some time to reflect individually on what was said. Maybe you have some good insight into what he said? Maybe you have additional questions about something? Once you have had some time to reflect, you may have a much more productive and effective next conversation, lets say at dinner...or while talking in bed. Trust me, pillow talk becomes much more fun after the business talk is done!
4) Support each other and be decisive- don't procrastinate - Entrepreneurs by nature make decisions and act quickly on those decisions. The point here is to have effective communication surrounding decisions and to support each other's decisions. You may not agree with all decisions, but at least you now have perspective and have effectively communicated about the topic and can support each other in that particular area. This allows the spouse to have insight and a say in your business or career, and allows the entrepreneur insight and a say into the life of the family.
If your spouse does not know what's going on with you at work, then it's really hard to bring true "balance" to the work life balance initiative. He or she starts to speculate and imagine the worst. Don't give them any reason to do this. Implement these simple steps to avoid the speculation.
The sharing of information can become effective communication and ultimately dedication to each other and the business.
"Lord, you know my heart. You know how badly I want to spend more time with my family. So while I'm away, please watch over and protect them. Please fill the void that I have left while I am away. You know I'm doing all of this for them...right? Lord, I know you understand my love for them; help them to understand as well."
It's sad...we live with the idea that if we commit our "good intentions" to God that He will automatically heal the scars and wounds we have created through our absence and misaligned priorities. Does God even answer this kind of prayer? Don't ask God to fill the gap that you were made to fill.
Another option...
"Lord, you know my heart. You know how badly I want to spend more time with my family. So, as I make the decision to be focused on my family, please give me the strength to avoid what pulls me away from them. Give me the tact and wisdom as I communicate to my employer my commitment to spending more time with my family. Give me the power to say "No" to whatever gets in the way of my #1 priority...the family you have so graciously given to me. Help me love them as you love me."
Who will win your time (and your heart) today? The family that loves you, or your schedule that calls out to you?
Have you ever gotten into a relationship, whether it be business or personal, only to find out after some time has passed that he or she has a great deal of hurts, scars or issues from a previous relationship or situation? Some people call it skeletons in the closet. I tend to think of these past issues as baggage....like a suitcase or luggage. Baggage can sometimes be big and cumbersome, and after a while, it's just a pain in the butt to carry around.
I often talk about this with my clients as they contemplate starting an entrepreneurial venture, or are having issues with an unsupportive spouse. I ask them about some of the baggage or "junk" that they have in their lives related to business and the family. You'd be amazed at how the smallest memories or scars from a past situation can bring about a great deal of fear in one person.
"So let me ask you, Amy, why are you so opposed to Jim starting this business?" At first she may say, "The insecurity of it all or the financial instability is scary." But once I begin to peel back the layers of the onion, I soon realize that Amy's issues are much deeper than her worries about their particular financial situation. I may uncover stories from her past of when her father may have attempted a business and put her mother through very difficult times. Maybe that difficult time ended in a divorce and she blames the dissolution of her family on her father starting that business and never being at home.
Now with Jim wanting to start a venture, it's very difficult because of Amy's baggage....the stuff that neither of them has talked about or worked through together. I've heard story after story after story of people who have unclaimed baggage that is unresolved. They have real fears and real issues that demand/require/need attention and validation. The issues, though, need to come to the surface and be dealt with effectively before they can have a thriving business.
Here are a few steps to get started along the path of getting rid of your baggage:
· Be prepared to openly discuss hurts, pains and disappointments
· Show your appreciation for your hurting spouse. You may not have experienced these pains, but rest assured, they are real and you must acknowledge them and not minimize their impact.
· Set proper expectations going forward. How do you plan to avoid making the same mistakes that your spouse experienced?
· Practice effective communication. Make sure both of you openly communicate your feelings and fears as you move forward.
· Have active accountability. Get a coach to help you stay on track with meeting the demands of the business, but most importantly, the expectations of your spouse and family.
· Take time to heal. Time may not heal all wounds, but it sure helps.
· And yes...if you discover deep-seated wounds, by all means seek professional help.
So, take the necessary time with your spouse and ask some of those revealing questions about their feelings, experiences, and fears that may keep them from fully supporting an entrepreneurial venture. Your business and your family will be better for it!
It's my belief, that your choices and decisions in business and within the family environment are based on your core values. In my coaching I try to help people identify their core values , keep them visible and create habits in their daily life that are supportive of these values. This is not always an easy task! Values are difficult to define and identify. In a nutshell your core values are at the very center of who you are and why you make the decisions you make. Your thoughts, words, actions, attitudes and motives reveal your real core values.
Have you ever had one of those moments when you over react or make a decision that surprises you and you ask...where did that come from? Well, take that question seriously and truly ask yourself...where DID that come from? And what does that say about me?
Are you true to yourself in your business? Feeling guilty for anything? Feeling guilty for something you've done or not done regarding your family? How do you react in the midst of stressful business situations? Or how do you take it when your spouse lets you down?
In order to have clarity in business or within your family, you must come together and agree on the core values that drive you.
I had a business partner that was always very aware of his core values. As entrepreneurs we were always looking for opportunities and opportunities always came knocking. It was very interesting to me when, from time to time, we would have a big money making opportunity in which I was frothing at the mouth. After listening and considering, he would say, "I'll pass on this. Its not for me." To which I would respond "What! Dude...this could be huge...what is your problem?" He would say... "It does not line up with my core values and purpose".
Even though I may have been bummed about not pursuing an opportunity, he always impressed me with his purpose driven approach to business. It was true as well with his family. They were all on the same page when it came to the things they invested in, places they vacationed, charitable giving and serving. It can be a life-changing event when an entrepreneur and spouse get lined up on the issue of core values. Take time today to start identifying the core values that drive you.
My parents invested significant time into my life to help me be a good judge of character. They wanted me to have friends that would influence me for good and not pull me away from the core values they were instilling. Their input in my life became even more important when it came to choosing the spouse I would spend the rest of my life with. Today I have a great group of friends and colleagues that encourage and support my entrepreneurial endeavors and a totally awesome, supportive, smokin hot wife!
From a business perspective...there is not much difference. We still need to be a great judge of character when it comes to whom we do business with. Choosing a business partner may be a close second to choosing a spouse. Entrepreneurs, you may not have a parent looking over your shoulder, but it may be a good idea for your spouse to come along side you when its time to chose the right business partners. This is just like a marriage partnership, so extreme care and caution are warranted. Just like a marriage is not easy to dissolve, trying to dissolve a partnership can bring about similar pain, frustration and potential financial ruin.
My spouse has a weird 6th sense about her. I can meet someone and have a great conversation and think, "Wow! This is a great person who can help me and vice versa." Then my wife may have the opportunity to spend some time with that same person and come away with a totally different perspective. Most of the time she is right on the money with her evaluation and probable outcome of a business relationship. She's never shy about saying "I told you so...".
My advice to you is to get to know a potential partner for a couple of years before you go into business together. That's easy for me to say...I dated my wife 6 years before we were married! But that may be hard for some to swallow because business opportunities have limited timetables. But just like my dad always told me about my girlfriends growing up... "Mike, just remember son, every date, is a possible mate". And so it is with your business acquaintances. Every person you connect and network with may be a potential business partner for you in the future. It's the true motives, experience and character you are looking for, not just charisma, education or cash. So include your spouse in your observations and get their thoughts regarding your business partners.
Here a few key questions to ask...
· Do our core values align?
· Do we complement each other? You are NOT looking for someone to emulate you.
· Do they have a strong financial education?
· Do you like, trust, and respect them?
· Do you like, trust and respect their spouse?
· Can you confront or critique them without them getting defensive or angry?
· Is their own personal household in harmony...wife, kids, finances, etc...?
· Have you checked references, done background checks?
· Have you talked about your business owner's agreements concerning ownership, contributions of time and money, and exit plans?
You've heard marriage described as the "old ball and chain".While I personally hate that description for marriage, it's fairly accurate for business partnerships. Don't make hasty decisions when it comes to business partners.
I just got finished doing a radio program on the topic of Bootstrapping your Business in a Low Investment Capital Economy. One of the questions was, "Should you attempt to get some of your start up money from friends and family?"
This got me thinking...
Let's assume you have borrowed money to get your business started. You received a cash injection from a friend of the family to keep the business going. You grew your business with money from your in-laws. Regardless of where the money went, you borrowed money from your family to keep your business in hand. Now, your spouse wants you to pay those funds back. The problem is: your business can't afford to do so right now. So...here comes the friction! What do you do? Even though most friends and family members that invest in a relative's business, do so to help the person out, they still expect to receive their money back. The most scrutinized business is the one that has borrowed from family. For starters, you should avoid this whenever possible. If you do borrow from family, it needs to be seen by both parties as an investment. And, you should have a contract drawn up whenever it is possible. The reason for doing all of this is quite simply to protect your investment in the business as well as your family's money. What's done is done, though. How do you move forward in a situation like this?
A good place to start is with a conversation between you and your spouse. Compile the profit and loss statement from your business or your cash receipts. Talk about your ability to repay the money right now and why it might not be able to happen immediately. At the same time, communicate with your spouse that you desire to, and have every intention of paying the funds back. This alone may help to settle a few nerves. The next step is to determine how to put a plan in place.
Let's assume that the business is strapped right now and you can't afford to repay even a small portion of the funds. Here are some ideas:
· Communication is key. Saying nothing to your spouse or avoiding your "loan officer family member" is the worst thing you can do. Discuss the near future and when you foresee being able to repay the funds to the family member.
· Develop an action plan for either increasing profits or decreasing expenses. The goal is to come up with 10 percent, 5 percent or another percentage of the owed amount to pay back per month. Find ways that the business can repay the funds over a timeframe. There are always areas to cut, and taking that small amount to pay back the loan is showing good faith.
· When you can't find a way to repay in the short term, it is time to talk with not only your spouse but also the person who has invested in you. Be frank and polite. Let everyone know your willingness to repay the funds, but work with them to come up with a repayment plan. They may be fine with allowing another six months to pass without repayment. You may want to tack on interest for the increased investment. OR...if there is significant upside to the business, they may be interested in converting the loan to equity ownership in the business. Warning! Having a family member as a business partner is not always a good idea! Caution is advised in this scenario.
Lay down terms for repayment in any situation. If family can't wait for the investment, you may have to borrow the funds from another source. If the business won't turn a profit for some time, the investor should be warned of such a situation.
The worst thing you can do is to let the problem continue to develop. You don't want there to be a rift between you and family or your spouse. Make sure everyone is on the same page and working towards full repayment.
Lastly...After you've had enough of that icky feeling in your stomach every time you see your rich Uncle Henry at a family gathering, let those feelings serve as a reminder to avoid borrowing from family in the future.
Since the term “work/life balance” first appeared in the 1970s, I thought i would share this skit from Muppet Show from 1968. I think Jim Henson's message is more relevant than ever.
The expression "work/life balance" really means maintaining balance or equilibrium among all the priorities in your life. In my opinion, people get into trouble when they run their lives by a list of daily tasks instead of "values based" living. One of the biggest values in my life is my family. That's why I'm a Family Man Entrepreneur, and teach others how to be Family Focused. When I keep my values in clear view every day, I am more likely to make decisions in my business and personal life that benefits and reinforces my core values...my family. Its when we get so focused on our business that sometimes we don't see some of those core values that should be shaping our lives and others around us.
Of course, everyone is different, and I find that the state of work/life balance differs from person to person. But what if there is little or no balance over an extended period of time? Most people experience stress, frustration, and eventually, burnout.
It really is a war within ourselves.
While you go about your day today...thinking about "Business, Business", maybe we should all stop and think (light-bulb!) about the core values that should help govern our personal lives and our business...like the ones suggested in this skit. "Love, peace, joy, hope, happiness, brotherhood, friendship..."
"Marshall Field once set down 12 important things to be remembered in the course of daily living. As he found them more than worthy of incorporation in his plan of good living, so may you. Consider them for yourself.
1. Time is valuable. It is yours now. Use it wisely.
2. Success is linked with perseverance.
3. Working is a pleasure if you have a balanced view of life and progress toward objectives worthy of your best.
4. Simple ways and simple living are full of dignity.
5. Character is something of great worth. Therefore, develop the kind of character that will bring greater benefit to life.
6. Kindness is a power too seldom recognized and appreciated for its real worth.
7. Example is among the greatest influences. Words may be helpful, but they can never take the place of demonstration in actual living.
8. Duty has its obligations which should never be forgotten.
9. Economy is a mark of wisdom. This means using carefully and wisely whatever possessions and powers you have.
10. Patience is a virtue too often neglected. Especially is this true in a speed-conscious world.
11. It is important to improve whatever talents you have.
12. Originating anything of value is a great joy. It is also an important essential to a happy life.
Remember these! Better still, live by them!" (Granpa Arlie 1945)
Even though Grandpa Arlie quoted Marshall Field back in 1945 most, if not all, of these important points still ring true today. A few of these stick out to me...
Whether it's in business, or family..."Example is among the greatest influences." Very true. Do what you say you are going to do. That's called Integrity .
"Working is a pleasure if you have a balanced view of life and progress toward objectives worthy of your best." - Is your daily work a pleasure or a pain? Are you just making a living or making your life and other lives around you better? If its not the former, then think about working in an environment that best fits your gifts, talents, and passions. Having hesitation to make a big move like that? See #2, #5, #7, #9 #11.
Which ones are worthy of you remembering and living by today?
Grandpa Arlie wrote these words in 1942..."Don’t develop the habit of running away. It seldom has any rewards. You
can’t keep on running, for the time will come when you must stop and
live with what you have been trying to escape. You will be wise to stop
now and take stock and understand why you are running away, is it
necessary to run, and what you are really running TO.
A juvenile who had created a pattern of running away from officers of
the law, running away from all authority above self, running away from
responsibility and trying to run away from her confused stated, came to
herself. She asked herself, “What am I running TO?” She realized that
it was time to stop and begin living with her problems, not trying to
perpetuate an escape mechanism, which would always work for her.
Don’t run away from a sense of obligation. It will pursue you as a
“hound of heaven to the end. One thing is certain said Immanuel Kant:
“The moral law within.”
Don’t run away from authority. It will catch up with you sooner or
later. Wherever you go in a world of men and women you will meet
authority head-on. You must learn to live with it, in the home, your business or profession, and your government.
Don’t run away from your fears. Look at them. See their powers and
their weaknesses and learn to handle them without harm to your inner
life.
Don’t run away from yourself. Actually, you can’t. So give up trying.
Make yourself fit to live with every day. And don’t delay."
(Written by Granpa Arlie in 1942)
What is it that you run from?
As a business and personal coach, I constantly try and help people
evaluate what it is that they run from or try to avoid. And yes, I've
helped people muddle through a whole lotta baggage in their lives.
But in many cases what we run from are the very things we fear most.
Here are some of the biggies...
Fear of rejection or not being accepted - "I avoid
being transparent or genuine, or putting myself out there. I hate the
thought of revealing the ugliness within myself."
Fear of the unknown or that which we do not understand - "I'm paralyzed each day to act proactively. I don't take risks, and worry way too much."
Fear of loneliness -
"I surround myself with lots of people. I have shallow relationships
and I gravitate towards people that don't help make me a better
person...just the opposite actually."
Fear of Success -
"If I accomplish all that I set out to, I still won't be happy,
content, or satisfied once I reach my goal. I have the belief that I am
undeserving of all the good things that come with success."
Can you relate to any of these? Ask yourself..."What is it that my fear
keeps me from?" True happiness? Wealth? Intimate and meaningful
relationships, or inner peace?
What about your work or business? Are your fears keeping you from
advancement, a pay raise, selling your company, more customers or
higher profit margins?
Like Grandpa Arlie said "Don't run away from your fears.
Look at them. See their powers and their weaknesses and learn to handle
them without harm to your inner life."
Here are a few more great quotes on fear to ponder (lots more...click here)
Cheri Huber:
Every time we choose safety, we reinforce fear.
Don Miguel Ruiz:
Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the
risk to be alive -- the risk to be alive and express what we really
are.
Dorothy Thompson:
Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.
Dorothy Thompson:
The most destructive element in the human mind is fear. Fear creates aggressiveness.
Eleanor Roosevelt:
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which
you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which
you think you cannot do.
Hannah Arendt:
Fear is an emotion indispensable for survival.
Henry James:
Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.
James F. Bymes:
Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem to be more afraid of life than death
I want to introduce you to Grandpa Arlie. Grandpa Arlie left an
enormous legacy for me, his entire family, and our entire world
really. He was a columnist back in the 1930-1950's. He wrote about
living life to its fullest. He gave advice to people 6 days a week in
an Alabama newspaper for over 30 years on how to be better people,
better husbands/wives/ business men and women, better friends,
neighbors, and better Christians.
He was a family man...he was an entrepreneur. Grandpa Arlie left a legacy. He
made a mark on the world back years ago and he's coming back...no not
from the grave mind you...but by the timeless words he spoke so long
ago. I will be sharing with you some of his columns in my blog and on
my radio program. You won't be disappointed with the wisdom and
insight of Grandpa Arlie.
Growing up is hard to do. I have 2 prepubescent boys right now in my house (3 more kids to go). Wow! How things change. The increase of testosterone, the discovery of girls. Yes...this is a big problem! Girls no longer have cooties...they are instead, cuties ...no, no... they're "hotties". All of the sudden my boys have to look good, smell good and be able to dance...In seventh grade! I'm buying new shoes, pants and shirts every 4 months, and we go through 1-1.5 gallons of milk each day! That's twice as expensive as gallon of gas right now. I get sad and a little overwhelmed when I think of all of this...but at the same time, I am excited to see them grow and I have a fabulous sense of pride regarding the whole thing. It's very rewarding.
Once upon a time, I was an entrepreneur—full of dreams, set on making
it big. I was a natural salesman—an outgoing, enthusiastic risk taker.
Ready to lead, ready to sacrifice, and ready to take on the world. So I
did. I learned to start and to fail, to win all and to lose all. I
loved it… and hated it. And I sacrificed my time, my finances, and… my
family. My excuse? It’s all for them. I’m running a business so I can
provide a solid financial future for my wife and kids, spend time with
them, and take away our worries.
My wife made an interesting comment to me this weekend. In the midst of bickering back and forth about something stupid, she says to me..."Well, you know you always get what you want...so go ahead". This made me stop and think about 2 things. 1) Do I really always get what I want? 2) Is the "go ahead" statement really permission or a dare?
An entrepreneur takes pride in statements like, “I work for myself”, “I’m my own boss”, “I love the freedom”, “I’m pursuing the American dream”. However, pride can quickly turn to frustration and disappointment if his/her “significant other” does not share the same vision or enthusiasm for the venture. While owning a business is part of the American dream, operating one can present challenges both in terms of the business and family.
When I talk to people about creating multiple streams of passive income, they sometimes have a hard time beliving that it can truly change a persons life. It's a vital key to achieving true work...
I have a recurring dream...
Hello...I'm Mike Stuart, and I'm a serial entrepreneur. The small group of addicts respond in unison..."Welcome Mike". I'm nervous, but I begin to spill th...
You CAN grow a seven-figure income and an indestructible family. You CAN turn your company into something that benefits you and those closest to you. You CAN succeed in business and in life right now!...
Radio
I often hear people talk about their desire to be happy. Honestly, who doesn't want to be happy? However, when you really look at life and the world in general, is it possible to be genuinely happy all the time? Granted, it is the most sought after inward state of all human beings, but is it truly attainable? 
ur spouse in your observations and get their thoughts regarding your business partners. 
