Iregret some decisions I made early in my career as I am sure many of you do. My biggest misgiving was putting work before my own well-being. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized that was a big mistake. I had this amazing drive to succeed, to get ahead, and to be the best and I forgot the most important things that were left bobbing in my wake toward success.
I was thrust into this industry, took a $13,000 cut in pay (in 1982 that was huge) – and I dove head first into this business. I was growing, moving at break-neck speed and enjoying the ride. Years later I was married and had two wonderful children. The pressure was on to provide, do more and drive even harder. I looked at ways to work more so I could get more: buying screen printing equipment, setting up another division to support those efforts, hiring and managing additional staff – we kept building. But it all took time, lots of time. Please note, I am not discouraging anyone from growing their business, just suggesting strongly that you take a look at the “BIGGER PICTURE” before you pull the proverbial trigger.
In retrospect I should have done things differently. If I had, I would never have missed a soccer game, birthday party, school play or important events, as well as the simple events, like spending quality time with my wife, reading a bedtime story to my children or just being still with myself. NO, it had to be more.
During my presentations and keynote speeches, I often share this learning lesson. When I first shared it with my son, he thought I was being very self-centered, but when I explained my reasoning, he understood. I now live my life by this principle: I come first, my wife and children come second, family and friends third and my job last. I truly believe in this because when I am at the top-of-my-game, emotionally, physically and spiritually, everyone down the line benefits – wife, children, friends, co-workers and clients. On the other side, if I'm not, then the ill-effects could be dismal!
Reflecting now I would do these things:
• Have a plan. Most people have no plan, they haphazardly stroll through the day thinking the that the list they made is sufficient. But what about your long-term strategy, how does that play out and blend with both your business and personal life. Create a plan, write it down and review often with everyone it affects, then change and modify it as needed.
• Hear what others are saying. “Dad, can we play catch?” “Honey, dinner is ready.” “It’s late, come to bed…” – I could go on but these words are signals that perhaps you need to reflect. I should have. These are signs, my friends, and while I know that you must take care of certain things that come up, not EVERYTHING is mission critical. Listen and hear what those around you are saying.
• Learn to say no. This is a tough one for most people, but saying no sometimes, for legitimate reasons, is fine. Not every prospect is client-worthy, in fact many aren’t. Just taking work on merely because you see big numbers isn't always the correct move. Take the right business, the profitable business, and work with clients who emulate the same traits you adhere to. Sometimes you must say no to family as well, but explain why and schedule the time to fulfill that family need as well.
• Outsource, you’re not a super-hero – this is most critical. I looked in the mirror one day and realized the big “S” on my chest and the cape were missing – I was not Superman! Ego and pride can be the biggest stumbling blocks in one’s life. There are expansive resources today where you can offload burdensome time consuming tasks that manage to bleed you of your most precious resource – TIME. Find the sources – it’s freeing!
• Done is better than perfection – At a recent conference a fellow speaker had this quote, “Done is more profitable than perfection” – so true. We can analyze things into the ground, and most times this leads to inaction. I would agree that we don’t want to go off half-cocked, so review things, the pros and cons, then build, implement, engage, gather intel, tweak and re-implement. These are the keys to success and profitability.
• Small changes add up. If you feel in some way this is you, you need not change everything overnight. Be mindful and make the changes incrementally, but make the change. Communicate openly with those it will affect so they can be supportive during the transition. As they say, “Eat the Elephant One Bite at a Time.”
I can’t go back and it took me years to reconnect with my children, but it’s never too late! Now is the time to create a true life-work balance where everyone in the funnel benefits. I guarantee, you will be happier and more successful, and those who matter the most will benefit from you being there.
Be good to yourself, you deserve it!
For more than 30 years, Cliff has been speaking, training and consulting internationally to associations and national business groups on more effective ways to market themselves, their products and services, as well as motivating their personnel. Recognized by PPAI for his creativity, he has won the prestigious PPAI Pyramid award 25 times, and the Printing Industry's PSDA’s Peak Award for creativity five times in three years. He has also received PPAI's Ambassador Speaker of the Year Award six consecutive years and was the inaugural recipient of PPAI's Distinguished Service Award. Named one of top six industry speakers and trainers, he also was recognized by PPAI in the book, "PPAI at 100," as having a significant influence in education. He has also been recognized by Counselor Magazine as one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in the Promotional Products Industry. You can engage with Cliff athttp://www.myengagepage5.com/cliff-quicksell-1associates.