It's All About The Stories

Originally Featured in The Javien Chronicles #16

Oh how I enjoy writing to you all. Believe it or not after writing this article I will be sitting eagerly waiting to write to you again.

Today I want to share with you some business wisdom. As I’ve mentioned before I lost my job earlier this year. As a result of my displacement from the job market I decided to make use of all the books I’ve bought over the years. The books on how to start a business, how to be a trusted adviser, and how to get out of the rat race.

My journey has been far from perfect. There are moments when I feel like I’m doing the right thing. Then other times when I feel like quitting and going out to get a real job.

When I was an employee of a company I worked X amount of hours then made X amount of dollars. I worked my hours and got paid, guaranteed money.

Now as a business owner I have to find my own clients and work. Basically, I need to fish for my own food.

In my journey I’ve learned some great lessons. The lessons are great because they can be used if you own a business or not.

First of all you must DECIDE to change. I’ve had many conversations with people who disliked their lot in life. They are tired of the extra pounds and dissatisfied with their job.

When it comes down to it, you can think about it and you can talk about it. True change will be birthed when you stand up and say, “I’m sick and tired of my situation!” “I will no longer take it anymore!” Say it and say it with purpose.

The next step is to PLAN. You need a plan. Remember, “A man without a plan is like a ship without a sail.” or “If you fail to plan then you plan to fail.”

You need to first write down where your are in life. Next write down where you want to be. Then write out what it will take to get there. Without a clearly defined plan you will just be floating out in the middle of the ocean.

Finally you need to TAKE ACTION. You see you can decide to go to Hawaii. You can plan out your trip. But if you never buy your ticket and get on the boat, you’ll never get there. All you will have is a dream.

All of the above seems easy enough. Your probably thinking I can do all that. I leave you with one more piece of advice. Get a mentor or accountability partner. Share your journey with others and ask for their help. Not only is it more helpful to have a coach, it is also more enjoyable to share your successes with others.

Originally Featured in The Javien Chronicles #24

Last May I completed my 5th and maybe my last marathon. During my training I would run anywhere from 10 to 20+ miles a week. After I completed the marathon I took some time to let my body heal. One week turned into two and then two weeks turned into four months.

A few weeks ago my friend Eric asked me if I was still running. I replied to him that I hadn’t done much running in the last four months due to a lack of motivation. He pointed out that maybe the lack of motivation was due to the fact that I didn’t have a race scheduled. 

His comment made me say, “Aha!” His comment was so obvious but at the same time the most obvious things are often overlooked.

That brings me to ask you a few questions. What is your life’s purpose? What are your goals when it comes to physical fitness, finances, and relationships? Once you complete your existing goals what’s next?

I believe you need to write down your goals and be prepared for your next challenge. If you don’t set long term goals you may find yourself in a valley of the unknown. After the excitement of race has faded away you may be left wondering what to do next.

By setting short term and long term goals you can find out if you are doing what your supposed to be doing. By setting goals you can give yourself mini high fives when you win. Life is more enjoyable when you have something to strive for.

My purpose in life continues to be to seek and save the lost (passing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ). My goal in terms of relationships is to strive to be a godly husband, father and friend. My physical fitness goal is to complete the fitness program P90X and my financial goal is to gather 20 bookkeeping clients.

I find the best way to keep focused on my goals is to share them with friends and family that will hold me accountable. So I’m sharing my goals with you. If you feel comfortable I would like to find out what your goals are so I could hold you accountable.