The Mattacola Law Firm Blog

If not now, when?

Posted in Life ::: September 29, 2009 12:54 PM

How many of my entrepreneur/business owner friends have uttered these lines?  "As soon as I get this loan paid off for the business, I can finally do that remodeling job at home."  Or "If this contract comes in, we will be able to do a vacation this year."  Or "If can just get past these next couple weeks, then life will calm down."  Or multiple variations of these?  C'mon, don't lie to me and more importantly, don't lie to yourself - I know you have. 

And that's okay.  Building a business is hard work.  It's rewarding, don't get me wrong but it often takes over at the expense of all aspects of life including health, family and fun.  There may be times when this is unavoidable.  And there are definitely other times when you simply have to say, "No, I am taking that trip with my family because I'm only getting one shot at my kids' upbringing and they deserve to have this memory."  It's recognizing those times and forcing yourself to do it that is the hard part.

Here's a nice article recently in Inc. Magazine about just this topic:  http://www.inc.com/magazine/20090901/balancing-acts-if-not-now-when.html , written by one of the owners of Stonyfield Farm.  Perhaps the most important takeaway from this article besides the obvious of forcing yourself to enjoy life as you build your business is the part about separating your feelings/reactions to your businss (fearful, stressed, depressed, you name it) from your feelings about your family and your personal life (thankful, optimistic, content).  Not an easy separation to make but an important one. 

So, my friends, I ask you, if not now, when?  We are getting only one turn on this ride, we should take some time to enjoy it, no?

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