We are often asked “why we do what we do”. What / who inspired us to do what we do?
In fact today, on my Facebook page I posted a few things about clarity
Why we do what we do is probably number one in my books when it comes to clarity.
Because today I reflect back to my years of growing up watching my dad build a business literally from my bedroom into a multimillion dollar company.
That’s probably not a unique story.
But its my story. Because it impacted everything in my life.
And WHY I do what I do.
Stick with me, because I don’t want you to think this is all about me, this is about you. And if you get really clear, the result of reading this post will shift for you.
I know I inherited dad’s passion and drive because he quit his well-paying job at twenty one (when I was first born) to start ‘working for himself’.
I admire that.
It’s probably the reason why I’ve never worked for anyone. (other than the odd paper route here and there)
But it’s more than admiring my dad.
I learned from him.
I STILL learn from him.
Business is in my blood – I can’t not think about business. I love how I can create my own future.
I love customers – not because they give me money – because when they come back, I know and feel I’ve done something great. Something no-one else in that moment has done for them.
Sounds corny – I know…but it’s what I learned watching dad interact with loyal, trustworthy customers.
He respected them. Because he knew they were the lifeblood of his business.
He taught me the difference between repeat and loyal.
Today, there are too many entrepreneurs
giving up far too early to have ‘loyal’ customers.
Some think they have loyal customers, but they don’t. They are just repeat customers. The type of customers that bleed you dry of time, money and energy.
Because you constantly have to convince and show them how they’re getting the best deal…or they move on to the next “Costco”.
But I digress.
We can talk about “customers” another time.
I want to share what I’ve recently learned from my dad.
He taught me that we don’t have to sacrifice.
Like he did.
Like I WAS.
Like so many others are doing right now.
Entrepreneurs are notorious for this – it’s become part of the “mantra” to sacrifice a little bit so we can get what we want a few years later.
I call bullshit.
Because twelve years ago, at sixty years old, my dad left this earth.
HE sacrificed. More than you can imagine.
And that’s why I’m still learning to this day.
I think about all the entrepreneurs I talk with who tell me “I’m willing to sacrifice to get what I want”.
It sends shivers to my bones.
They are giving up their lives for their business…little bits at a time.
They are saying “no” to something that matters to stay an extra hour at the office.
As John Assaraf told me “…TRADING your life”
HOWEVER, they believe it’s ‘only for a little while’…I have evidence it’s not.
Starting with my dad – he NEVER had a life.
He traded it.
Until cancer TOLD him he had to have a life.
For his last three years with us, he tried to cram in life.
He did ‘everything he’s always wanted to do’.
He bought his dream car – he traveled to his home town in Italy.
The list goes on.
I’m not saying “don’t commit” or “do what others’ won’t”…
I’m just saying DO IT STRATEGICALLY and SYSTEMATICALLY with true clarity about what you want, and what you DON’T want.
I learned a LOT from my dad…but I had to learn strategy, systems and all of what keeps true balance between life and business alive on my own.
Because that clarity will let you LIVE your life at the same time you are ‘building’ your business.
So thank you dad for helping me understand why I’m here.
For helping me get my message clear to my clients, students, colleagues, future clients and customers and so on:
Live More Life & Get More Business Without the Sacrifice.
I’d love to hear from you. Keep the conversation going below!
– Joey