The “no-time” and “no-money” opportunist.
As a talk radio host who interviews expert guests, I am usually the oneasking the questions…. but…on several recent occasions the roles have been reversed and I am the one in the hot seat. (I admit, I love being asked to tell my story). Last week one of the interviewers gave me the above nickname, and —I have to say— I was flattered. It didn’t matter that I had little cash to invest in my business or a mere six hours a week —kid-free— to get work done. I was still hell-bent on making hay while the sun was shining.
No super powers here.
Let go of the assumption that successful people have been given some kind of super human quality to reach their accomplishments. By believing that— you are basically giving yourself an excuse to COP OUT. There is no secret ingredient, no magic pill, or —at least in my case—no big reveal of a “trust fund”. I used the same tools that are available to YOU.
I kept myself in check.
This moves into a realm way beyond personal accountability. With only six hours to call my own, I had to makeEvery. Minute. Count. There was simply NOT ENOUGH TIME to get distracted with Facebook timelines, unexpected emails, or negative self-talk. Like a COMPLETE mental case, I split my personality in two and yielded the whip every time I became even remotely side-tracked.
I was selective.
With only six hours a week, I adopted the habit of constantly asking myself — Is this task the BEST use of my time? — or — IsTHIS action serving my best intention?
I was FEARLESS.
When time is a valuable commodity, you lose the luxury of BEING AFRAID. There was simply NO TIME to second guess myself or allow my intention to be fueled with doubt and insecurity— (Believe me, it was there)— but FEAR was NOT given ANY attention during peak business hours. (It would have to wait until I had time to think… which was never!) Decisions had to be made quickly and mistakes cleaned up another time.
I had FOCUS.
I was determined and driven. I had vision and tenacity. But most of all …I had my eye on the prize. You can throw all the darts you want, but you will never hit your target unless you know what your target is.
I was patient.
As a mom, there were MANY times I just couldn’t get to the work I wanted to do. These were– and continue to be— the most FRUSTRATING moments… (and tough choices) of the journey. I had to REMIND MYSELF of my ultimate purpose: To be a caretaker to my kids. Given a choice to save my business or my babies— it was ALWAYS my babies. As a result, sometimes my business would take a big hit —I couldn’t even take time to STOP THE BLEEDING… and I had to let it go. I had to trust that I’d be able to rebuild it at a later time. Money is EXPENDABLE by its very definition. You can always make more money. Family is priceless, IRREPLACEABLE, and to be cherished above everything else. ALWAYS.
I was resilient.
Over time, I learned that the most valuable commodity I had was MY TRUST — in myself. I knew that no matter what unexpected circumstances might be presented, I had to TRUST that I would heal. I would replenish. I would bounce back . I learned to be a perpetual student of life experiences.
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On This show…
Parents can create a Lifestyle Business too…
Okay… so … I traded in my love of expensive shoes to fund piano lessons, t-ball and annual family passes to local theme parks. That part was easy.
It was just a simple SHIFT in priorities.
Our “dream” lifestyle may look different than it does to non-parent entrepreneurs, but the core principles that help us FIND success are the same.
I am thrilled to introduce you to Rasmus Lindgren, the lifestyle entrepreneur and creator of the RETIRE MY ASS business blog. On this show, Rasmus will be sharing tools that you can use to create the lifestyle you want as a parent entrepreneur.
Our Guest
Rasmus Lindgren
Rasmus Lindgren is the author of The Lifestyle Business Rockstar:Quit your 9-5, kick ass, work less, and live more!, which is a guide to prioritizing your life and achieving work-life balance by starting a lifestyle business.Last year he worked five months and traveled for several months with his family, all while running a six figure business.
He believes that people are working way too much and focusing way too little on living passionate lives.
Rasmus lives with his girlfriend and their son and daughter, ages 2 and 4 (and two rabbits).
