The Entrepreneurial Dad

How dads can leave a lasting legacy for their children.

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Over forty years ago, my dad began a business in our hometown. For it to remain a thriving business in today’s economy says a lot about his skills as an entrepreneur and businessman. Initially, I was put off by his determination.

Often I would think, “Why are you investing so much time and so many resources into this? Why does it matter?” The problem was I didn’t have the same vision, the same passion, as what he had. Unknowingly, he has passed down the traits of a tenacious, persistent, and street-smart businessman. How can we balance our endeavors with the time we should invest in our families? 

The Here and Now

It is certainly an easy mistake to make. Especially in the situation I am in. Many, such as myself,  work a traditional “9 to 5” and 40 plus hours a week, then, come home, greet our families, and proceed to chase our dreams. How do we effectively pursue our dreams, balance a normal job, and be present for our families? Here are some tips I have learned. 

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Master Your Time. This is the number one piece of advice I could give you. If you know you will work set days and set hours every week, schedule your time to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams after spending time with your family. After all, if we neglect our families, what is the purpose of working to leave a legacy? Time management is your friend if you master it, if you do not master it, time will destroy you. 

Set Your Priorities. Family before hustle. Always. If you are a parent, investing in your children is so much more important than investing in a business. 

Create Your Space. Find space in your home where you can focus and work uninterrupted if needed. You should create your space, so it invokes creativity but not so comfortable you want to sleep instead of work. 

Learn How to Say No. It is easy to say yes to every opportunity when they arise. Here is some breaking news: You cannot do it all. Period. Learning to say “no” was one of the most difficult tasks I learned the hard way. If you take on too many responsibilities, everything and everyone will pay the price for your lack of ability to say no. 

Find Your Rhythm. If you can ever find your rhythm, you will work like a machine. Have a routine. Get up, knock out some small tasks (I call these little foxes, they can tear you apart if you are not careful!), plan your day, then go conquer it. I like to compare it to a quarterback in American football. If he ever gets his rhythm, the average quarterback will perform like a Heisman candidate. 

Listen. It is easy to become disconnected from the rest of the world when you are continuously submersed in work, projects, and life. Listen to those who are in your life. Take heed to not become so disconnected you are regressing in your relationships. Listen to your gut, to your instinct. You are an amazing creature, your body will tell you when it is time to take a step back and huddle up. 

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As a dad, I want my kids to know when we start something, we finish it. However, there comes a time when we have to count our losses and move on (See poor construction projects, or the toy you didn’t follow the instructions on). 

I’ve been there. If you start something business wise, do so with a strategic plan in place. You are, whether you know it or not, teaching young minds how to operate in the world of entrepreneurs. 

One thing I have learned in my balance of chaos is my family does not care how much I write if I do not express myself around them. What I mean is if I do not show them I love them, from my kids to my spouse, they will not be as receptive to my successes as they would had I not neglected them. 

Men, our families need us more today than ever before. Learn to perfect your skills, raise champions, and conquer your dreams. After all, we are setting the stage for our kids to grow into successful adults. 

How are you leaving a legacy? 

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Photo: Flickr/ Daniel Foster