Some Clarity of Hindsight for Entrepreneurs Creating their Dream Business and Dream Lifestyle

I woke today turning 58 years young and spent some time as I always do in prayer and reflecting on my life so far. I never have to think too long without remembering my 15 month ‘season of crisis’ – long term unemployment and cancer – and what it felt like going through it.

Hindsight is 20-20 and with a much clearer picture and understanding of what I went through, if given the choice of doing it all over again or somehow taking an easier road, I would not have changed a thing.

Let me explain.

Let’s face it, going through hard times can suck – big time! The doubt, fear, indecision, criticism, nail-biting and wondering “why me” or “when things will get better” can challenge even the toughest and most determined person.

When I emerged from my 15 month season of crisis and started my first business, I thought I was finally on the path to victory! I was an entrepreneur and I was super excited about becoming successful! Little did I know that my second season of crisis was about to emerge masked as my first year in business. It was what I now refer to as my ‘revenue free’ year!

The thoughts I remember most were, “why is this happening to me?” I thought I had everything figured out and I was working harder than I ever have in my life, so why am I going further and further into debt with each passing month? Why is my new business not working and catapulting me to success?

Success is never a straight line, and sometimes things do need tweaking with your business plan. But the lesson I learned most about that time was that obstacles and challenges are placed before us to see just how badly we want to be successful.

Are we as entrepreneurs simply talking a good game or are we also walking the talk?

Another question I kept hearing when I would be in prayer was, “What makes you think the success you desire so much should come so easily, just because you want it?!” I’m not sure, but I may have also heard some laughter in there as well!

There are many things that successful people do, here are just a few to consider:
• They don’t waste time feeling sorry for themselves
• They care much less about their ego than they do results
• They don’t try to please everyone
• They don’t resent other people’s success
• They don’t give up after failure
• They don’t feel entitled to anything
• They are willing to ‘push their chips in’ and bet on themselves and the future they want
• They don’t expect immediate results and about all …
• They never give up

If I can paint with a broad brush for just a minute (Hey, it is my birthday after all!) – The world is full of two kinds of people: dreamers and doers. Millions of people dream about creating a better life, but sadly, very few are willing to take the first step to make it a reality. Sadder still, even fewer are willing to stick it out and work through the inevitable challenges that will be put in their way.

This morning I saw this quote from Oprah Winfrey: “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” I really resonated with this as Stephanie and I are preparing to live out a really big dream and go on a yearlong floating adventure! If you missed this story look on my Facebook wall for a picture of a really nice boat!!

Today will be a typical work day for me – leading my Dream Business Mastermind Group Call and coaching several entrepreneurs, helping them create their Dream Businesses – and I wouldn’t have it any other way, because I am living my Dream Lifestyle.

I am grateful to celebrate 58 years and this incredibly blessed life, and I’m also grateful to celebrate 15 years as a cancer survivor. Thank you Lord, life is good indeed.