Wk 4 Reflection: How Will You Measure Your Life?

https://youtu.be/3gbq1x5BgsM

In an Acton video, Sharon Mays shares her story. It was inspiring. My favorite take-away is when she explained a story about her mother. She was talking about her dream, her business idea, and her mother said, "Either do it or stop talking about it." This hit home. I talk about my dreams and ideas all the time. In fact, I spend an inordinate amount of time planning the details of my business in my mind. But I don't write them down. 

If I don't write them down, I am not obligated to act on them.

False. 

I hope I can remember this moment of inspiration. I believe I can accomplish my dream. I believe that it is a viable business idea. Now to take the next step...

I wrote down a quote from Frederick Herzberg on motivation. The most powerful motivator isn't money. (in spite of what our society wants us to believe!) Instead, it is the "opportunity to learn, grow in responsibilities, contribute to others, and be recognized for achievements." 

I have been a stay-at-home mother for 27 years now. I owned a small [very small] painting business. I worked while my children were in school or my husband could be home. Jobs came maybe 3-5 times a year. I also wanted to start a wedding planning business. I ended up doing an entire wedding for free thinking that I would use the experience and pictures to build the business. But, instead, went back to the very part-time approach. All the time believing that I wasn't doing all I should be doing because I wasn't making a steady income. I wasn't bringing in a paycheck so somehow my contribution to my family was not adequate or worthy of acknowledging. 

These two sides of me - wanting to be a mother, a volunteer, a homemaker AND believing I should be a breadwinner - have been battling in my mind for years. I am just beginning to realize that it might not be the almighty $ that I am seeking but perhaps it's the "opportunity to learn, grow in responsibilities, contribute to others, and be recognized for achievements." AND... I am beginning to think there is no shame it that. 

Interesting... not sure where these thoughts will take me or how they might influence my entrepreneurial journey. I've given them a voice, though, so it's up to me to see these thoughts through.

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