Your business should not be in competition with your spouse.
It shouldn’t be but there I went pitting my stores against my family. It felt like when I focused on my family my business struggled, and when I focused on my business my family struggled. Surprisingly my wife didn’t feel the love with this approach.
Instead of loving my family well they felt like an inconvenience.
A little tip for you: When your family feels like an inconvenience in your mind they will resent your business. What is internal isn’t hidden but felt by them.
If we are successful in business but fail at home we have failed.
Success should start at home and move into our business if we are approaching it the right way. If your spouse hates your business it is your fault, not the business. The beauty about that is that you can also be the one that changes the home and work dynamic.
Focusing on these 4 things will make your marriage prosper as you build a business.
Priorities. Nothing will change unless we get our priorities straight. Your family must always come before your business in your heart and mind. Schedule out family events and what time you will be off work and with them. Stick to what you say! We would never be late to a meeting with a client yet it is simple to be late in getting off work or canceling a family trip. By keeping your appointments with your family they will feel like the priority they should be. Sometimes you will need to work late but it shouldn’t be a pattern. Plan ahead and stick to the plan.
Today’s work today. One of my biggest balance problems is between the good old ears. I can get consumed with what is coming up and not be present with my family. Businesses never sleep it is what makes them beautiful for making money but it can consume you mentally if you let it. Make lists and then mark your lists on a calendar. When I do this my mind is sharp and clear. I am able to work on today’s work today and leave the rest for another day. Do today’s work also means be diligent at work to get your work done.
Turn the key. Great advice I have received from a seasoned entrepreneur is when you are heading home for the day and you turn the key to your car visualize that you are turning off work and turning on home life. If you are unable to do this go back in and finish your work or write it on a calendar for tomorrow. The same thing should be done going from home to work. Often we are consumed with home at work or work at home because we have open files that need to be dealt with. Turn the key and switch your focus to operate a successful business and home.
Talk shop. Plan, dream, and talk about the business with your spouse. My wife is not involved in my business but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a say in it. She helps me make decisions and when I am being smart helps me to develop a business she wants. Your business can be a vehicle to reach your dreams with the right intentions and actions. Does your spouse value money or time? What freedom matters the most? Are you telling them the good parts of your day or just the negative things? Talk about your business to gain unity and clarity.
Practice and focus on these four principles and watch your marriage thrive. If you haven’t done these four things it will take time to switch your spouse’s perception of your business. Practice patience and focus and they will love your business. Be blessed on your journey.
What helps your marriage to prosper while building a business?
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Originally published on Zechariah Newman
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