The difference between a stumbling block and a stepping-stone is how you use the stone.
- Origin Unknown
With the light of this new day – I open my eyes to thoughts of two parts of my life that are near and dear to me, my role as an Entrepreneur and that of a Parent. Both of these roles are not for the weak at heart, spirit or mental capacity. These two roles in my life test my abilities on a regular basis, yet I would not give up either one for any thing in the world.
It’s interesting as I think of it, the similarities these two roles have in common. Anyone who has birthed a business and/or raised a child knows this to be true. The common denominators or perhaps stepping-stones are a full range of emotions and strengths that are required on a pretty much daily basis. They include but are not limited to:
Vulnerability – As a parent we can layout the road map for our kids. We do our best by them and hope that the road they take is a safe and joyous one. In our businesses we do the same seeing past the roadblocks that inevitably hit us along the way. But on both accounts the road traveled is most definitely out of our complete control. Life takes the turns that it does. Perhaps by acknowledging our vulnerability to the twists of fate we can better live with them.
Persistence – When the going gets tough, the tough get going, as the saying goes. Anyone who has ever owned a successful business knows this to be true. There are those days of long hours and unexpected demands that require giving up the simple pleasures – all for the good of the business. For anyone who has sat up rocking a child or waiting for them to come home, the nights can be long – requiring a persistence to keep on going no matter what.
Compassion – Understanding the needs of others is a strength that is undeniably important in both roles. Holding the hands of our customers, caring about their needs, just as we do with our children. Yes, maybe not to the same extents – but there is a deep caring that is required from us. The importance of being nurturing is a component that we need to remember each and every step of the way – on both accounts.
Challenge – Our primary role as the Chief Entrepreneurial Officer (CEO) of our business and as a Parent is in insuring that growth happens on a regular and consistent basis. We need to nurture our children and our businesses no matter the challenges that we face. Sometimes our biggest challenge can be in wanting to have things remain just as they are and not letting change happen. When we do this, we do a great injustice to our children and our businesses by not letting the growth that is built into the challenges occur. From every challenge comes a great strength that makes each and every one of us stronger.
Passion – When it all is said and done the one thing beyond persistence that keeps us going when our adorable toddlers turn into demanding teenagers is our love and passion for them. The pulls on our heartstrings are deep and true allowing us to see beyond obstacles. It takes us past the deep valleys. Same in our businesses – if we feel it with our heart and soul, we can gather the strength to get past anything.
So as you move forward in your week see where these emotions outlined today are currently taking you in all areas of your life. Notice how you react to the rocks placed before you. Are they just blocking your way or actually giving you perspective to take a bigger step? Perhaps maybe even to take a leap towards that which your heart desires.
Wishing you many giggles along your way this week! Speaking of giggles I hope you enjoy today’s photo that I caught of my pooch, Samantha. It is a great reminder that random moments can bring us the greatest joys.
