The Middle

Photo by Vickers Speaks, Inc.

I don’t know about you, but I am a part of several business groups via social media. In my attempts to scale down my commitments and schedule, I began to take a serious look at the many groups that I had been a part of. Needless to say, some were voluntary while the majority were requests from friends that resulted in memberships. I’m sure someone can already relate. As I was going through the groups, I began to look at their descriptions and admins. Some of the groups were pretty interesting and their admins were rock stars! Their posts and descriptions were so energetic and motivating. And then it would happen. That one post.  The couple/family photo.

Photo by Luis Quintero

I don’t know about you, but being a CEO or founder, and married has been problematic for a lot of people I know. So what’s with these perfect family photos? How are they doing it? Or is it fair to say that the photo is not a real depiction of the family behind the scenes? I don’t know and I would love for someone to share this answer with the rest of the world some day… SOON. I mean, the Word tells us in Deuteronomy 8:18, "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today." So we know it is possible, but maybe it is helpful to share some of the things that worked or didn't work along the way. I can't be the only one who desires to move beyond the floundering stage. Which, by the way, does not mean the same as failing.

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Photo by J Carter

Raise your hand if you have had that moment of clarity when all the planets have magically aligned in your favor and you have discovered the real purpose of your driven life. You spend the day, night, or an entire weekend planning, brainstorming, rehearsing your description of your new business idea. You have a Skittles themed sticky notes all over your desk, planner, message board, or like me the back of a door. You buy your newest and more up-to-date planner and new professional looking writing pens to demonstrate the new and innovative you. You create the “workspace” carved out in your bedroom or kitchen area and you are ready to create the next brand that will take you from a lifestyle of paycheck to paycheck to millionaire status in six months. You are ready! You came. You saw. You conquered. Now all you need to do is get started and the very next thing you hear is, “Hey babe. How much longer are you going to be doing that? It’s getting close to dinner time. We're getting hungry.”

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Now if you were like me, you probably didn’t let that get to you. "It’s okay. I can throw something together in no time and get right back to this idea before it gets away from me.” You already know what you can put together, but you go to the cabinet and the main ingredients are not there. You know, the ones that actually make the meal work? Like the pasta, rice, or side vegetables. So you try to think fast and improvise. You got to the fridge and same thing happens. A little bit of this, half left of that, and yeah we are completely out of those. What happened? Oh yeah. Instead of going grocery shopping, you spent the weekend or your supposed free time building your empire. Well geez! This didn't seem hard for the Proverbs 31 woman, wife, mom, manager and entrepreneur.

Photo by Eloise Ambursley

Now, back to these picture perfect group admins. Well, we can actually take it further than that. Look up those folks who are where we want to be and see if there is a family photo available. What do you see? I know for me I see more pristine and polished than I care to see. Now, I am not advocating for the removal of these images. I just want the secrets. Hey CEO! Hey you, the Founder! Are you married? Do you have kids? How many? What’s it like having both a family and a business? How do we get where you are with our spouses and little tykes holding on to our ankles? We are not upset with your success. We just want to know the recipe for making it work. How did you survive the middle? You know, the part after the glitter and excitement wears off but before the consistent profits roll in? Inquiring entrepreneurs want to know!

Warmest regards,
Bird/Co-Founder of B&F Ministry

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