Kids naturally know and do what it takes business leaders years to relearn.
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Kids… Aww… Something so magical about their innocence and eagerness to learn that constantly amazes me. Elijah, my first boy (I have two boys and one girl) is a little over two years old and while he is barely learning to put words together, his actions have completely changed my outlook on both life and what it takes to start a business.
So what about him has helped me as I embark on this journey of entrepreneurship? The answer can be summarized in one word; innocence.
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It’s ironic, but sometimes age and experience can actually prevent us from achieving our fullest potential. Before I made a mental switch, I had developed biases and poor habits over time that were negatively keeping me from my goals. Age and experience sometimes causes us to close our minds, become set in our ways and are less willing to change.
What can a two year old possibly teach a grown man about starting a business? No, he’s no wonder-kid. Currently, his only desires in the world are watching Power Rangers on Netflix and running around the house naked. So what about him has helped me as I embark on this journey of entrepreneurship? The answer can be summarized in one word; innocence. My boy Elijah, has no preconceived notions or fears that hold him back.
Here’s what taking care of my son has taught me about life and business.
I’ve Learned To Speak Up
I don’t know why, but I have a problem asking for help. If I need assistance or don’t understand something I have this tendency of trying to figure things out on my own, even if I have to struggle and waste time. I’m not sure why I do this, but I’ve heard Pat Flynn from the Smart Passive Income, refer to it as the superhero syndrome. Perhaps it’s because I don’t like to bother other people. Perhaps it has to do with pride. Whatever the reason, not asking for help and not speaking up to ask questions inevitably gets in the way of my progress.
My son on the other hand is fearless. If he wants something or needs help, he asks and he gets it. He’s direct and doesn’t waste any time. In fact, it continually amazes me what he can get me to do by just asking and flashing that awesome smile of his.
Watching little man in action has taught me to swallow my pride and just ask for what I need. I’ve discovered time and time again that people are more than willing to help you, if you only have the courage to ask.
I’ve Learned To Be Persistent And Always Eager to Learn
I remember when my son was only a few months old, and I would in deep adoration imagine the moment when my son would finally talk. I couldn’t wait to hear him say daddy or better yet, hear him express his feelings.
Fast forward two years later and oh boy, my son is now talking up a storm. In fact, he won’t stop talking even when I ask him politely. Every so often, I reminisce of the days when it was nice and quiet in my house. Even though I sometimes miss the peace and quiet, having my son talk to me is a blessing and many times the highlight of my day. “Daddy go bye-bye. Daddy airplane. I miss Daddy.” Aww, Right?
In the same way that my son made his big reveal when he decided to talk, I took that lesson from him when I decided to launch my website.
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Before my son became the chatterbox he is today, he thoroughly surprised me with how studious he was in the meantime. While my wife and I were conversing in front of him naturally, he was secretly taking notes. When my son decided to finally talk, he had an array of words in his vocabulary.
In the same way that my son made his big reveal when he decided to talk, I took that lesson from him when I decided to launch my website. Instead of telling everybody my great business ideas, I secretly learned as much as possible. When the time came to launch, I revealed my big surprise. Who knew that my son and Napoleon Hill thought alike, “tell the world what you intend to do, but first show them.” – Napoleon Hill
While my son learning to talk has taught me to be observant and eager to learn, his ability to be persistent when talking has shown me to do the same in business.
For example, when my son wants to get my attention, he calls out Daddy. Sometimes when I am busy, I don’t respond to him on his first request. He then goes into persistent mode; in rapid-fire fashion, he will call out until I can no longer ignore him. His continuance in effort, in spite of my don’t bother daddy mojo, is another lesson that I’ve learned to apply to both life and business.
Both in business and life, those who remain persistent and never give up on their goals are the ones who come up triumphant.
I’ve Learned To Double Down And Listen To Demands
“Surprise?” This is how my kid typically greets me at the door (puts a smile on my face every time). He’s not presenting me with something, instead he’s asking if I have a gift for him. I’m aware this is of my own doing, but I like to get him something every now and then just to see the excitement on his face.
Nonetheless, at some point I’ll learn my lesson. The lesson being that regardless of what toys I buy, after just a few minutes, my son starts to ignore the toys altogether and begins to play with his favorite house-hold items… our pots and pans.
I learned two things from this observation. First; a reminder to stick with what works. If all my boy wants to play with is some old pots and pans, then I shouldn’t keep spending my hard earned money on things that he will lose interest in quickly. Instead, I should double-down on what works; make him happy and let him play with more pots and pans. Secondly; I learned that I shouldn’t impose my interest on to others. Not everyone has the same fabulous taste in toys that I have.
These lessons I picked up from my son are directly applicable to my business. My mind has 101 ideas I want to implement into my business. The bottom line is, I have to pay attention to what my customers want. I have to study what is working and do more of that. My two year old taught me that I am selling products or services to my end customer and not necessarily to myself.
Lesson being, in business as in life, find out what’s working and double-down on that.
I’ve Learned From His Determination
If my son could exit the house on his own, he would literally conquer the world. His persistence and determination to learn is beyond that of any adult that I know. Now that he’s up and running, he literally wants to get into everything. Eager to learn, he is always asking if he could help – “Elijah help?” Many times to the point of aggravation, but I always step back and just observe his discipline to do something new, to get it right, and to master it.
My challenge to you is do something every day that scares you, your life and business will thank you for it.
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In fact, I find it incredible that he’s able to try things time and time again without the fear of failure. Watching him roam around the house and explore, I can tell that he is constantly learning and assimilating an enormous amount of information every day. His mind is completely open and he’s willing to give everything a try.
Deep down, I wish that I could be just like my boy. In fact, we should all aspire to be more like our children. My challenge to you is do something every day that scares you, your life and business will thank you for it.
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Title Photo: Flickr/Pink Sherbet Photography
Additional Photo Author’s Own
Good article; good analogies and advice given throughout. There’s a lot that we can learn from our kids yet the adult mentality is to conform the youth into an image of what we perceive as success.
Thank you for the opportunity GMP!