The business world — every networking event, blog, speaking gig, and sales page — seems to be brimming with optimism… And there’s a lot to be optimistic about. The economy — frankly — isn’t changing MUCH.. but CONSUMERS are, which means good things for us as self-bossers. My clients are making more money, more consistently than I ever remember in the past. And so am I.
We also have our freedom… to take off for the day, to work outside with the sun on our face or to spend the day on the beach and work at night. BECAUSE of this freedom, I’m what I refer to as woefully unemployable.
In many ways, our chosen endeavors as business owners are enviable.
But not in every way.
I know that my success is intimately entangled with my willingness to be REAL with you… not to candy coat my own struggles, failures or near misses in an ego-driven effort to “stand at the helm” as a perfect example. And, not to gloss over yours, if shining a light on what is WRONG will point you in the direction you want to go.
My clients and, dare I say, “fans” TRUST me to be honest with them. It is in this spirit that I write today’s post and IMPLORE you to join me. Not because I’ve ever lied to you. I haven’t. But because I want to be MORE real. I pray my own “trade off” examples below encourage and empower you. And I would love for you to post your own “trade offs” to encourage and empower others.
This isn’t a “b*tch fest” or pity party… I’m proud of where I am and love the life I’ve created — even when it gets tough. Instead this thread is designed to be a simple acknowledgement and reminder that ALL OF US make choices each and every day.
My goal — for you and for me — is always to make them deliberately. Life and Business are full of trade-offs, like these:
- Years ago, I promised that I’d never color my own hair again. (I went too many years not being able to afford pricey trips to the salon.) This morning, one day out from an event, I colored my own roots. With Clairol dark blonde in a box bought from a local Target store. Because, NOW, while I have the money…. I ran out of time. =) Fortunately, it turned out pretty well. Trade-off.
- Speaking of my hair…. I had to color it because of the abundance of GREYS shining through. I’m bolder as well as more confident, experienced and knowledgable than I was in my early 20’s. But I have forehead wrinkles and more greys. Trade-off.
- I work harder today than I ever did working for someone else. But, I get to work on my own terms, and determine my own pay. Trade-off.
- My kids now go to the bathroom, take baths, brush their teeth, tie their shoes, get dressed and more by themselves. But, now… we’ve got “boyfriend” issues, “friends” who are sometimes hurtful, insane projects to create, and about 10 practices a week for various kids in various sports. All of which my kids need my help with. Trade-off.
- My mind is heavier with longer to do lists and worries that never occurred to me when I was “younger” — working a regular “j-o-b” and without kids. But, my heart is also “heavier” — full of a love and passion for home and work that never existed before. Trade-off.
- To create consistent and leveraged income (through groups, membership gyms, etc.) I had to give up some of my “freedom” schedule-wise. Trade-off.
- To play BIG, I had to leave the comfort and surety of what was comfortable for me. I had to make tough decisions, leave behind things I was proud of creating, say no to people that were disappointed in my decision to say NO, and more. But, what I got in return was a business that continues to inspire and amaze me and provide –well — for my family. Trade-off.
- To effectively manage all that I have going on in my life, I had to learn to ask for and accept help. This comes with a deliberate release of control… =) a teensy bit difficult for some of us. lol. Trade-off.
Here’s the key: REALIZING that much of life and business is a trade-off… and making these trades with full knowledge and acceptance. The truth is, GLAMOUR magazine was wrong. We can’t have it ALL at the same time. We can have A LOT at the same time. We can have / create EXACTLY what we WANT. But, life — like business — is full of trade-offs.
I’d love it if you’d share one or a few of your own below! Thanks for keeping it real with me! I’m honored to lead this community of business owners intent on achieving MORE … through choice, through effort, and through a dogged determination to succeed! Honored. And, of course, humbled.
Happy Hump Day!
I completely agree! When I made my big career switch, I was in an industry with very good employment prospects (low supply of my skill set and education) despite a crap economy, paid very well and had excellent benefits. I chose to go into a industry where competition is fierce and very few people make a livable wage. Had I stayed in my previous job, I’m fairly certain a part of my soul would have eventually died. Trade off? I don’t see it that way, although I suppose technically it is. I love what I do!
I was thinking about this the other day. Where I could be if I’d stayed at my corporate job vs. heading into magazines and then if I’d stayed in magazines instead of branching out on my own. There is stress and money to be made in all three scenarios, but having a schedule that I manage is priceless.
I’m definitely unemployable right now. I can’t imagine working for someone else. I need the freedom to choose where I focus my attention and how I spend my time…….the trade off- having to take full responsibility for my outcomes. Which really isn’t a trade off cause I believe that being 100% responsible for your life is where it’s at- but it used to be nice when an issue or deadline wasn’t MY problem to deal with.