Now let me explain why I decided to write this quick blog post. Because almost every single person who decides to start a business struggles in the beginning and there’s no way of getting around that. If business was easy and money just started to pour into your bank account by pressing some magic button everyone would do it.
So I am here this evening writing this for you. I want you to understand you’re not alone. In most cases we all struggle at some point. That’s all part of it. We all face challenges in life. We face obstacles. We face difficulties. But our greatest victories always come from our greatest challenges.
So I want you to understand we all have to go through these same growing pains if you will to experience success. Some say it makes us appreciate it more when you finally have those breakthroughs in your business. I can tell you that is the truth. Some more then others. We all have different backgrounds and reasons for starting a business in the first place.
Some people’s “WHY” just isn’t strong enough and the end goal not as important. Whereas someone that is borderline homeless and destitute probably has a much stronger reason to succeed. Or has a family and needs to put food on the table. Point being I believe everyone has a “WHY” but some people need to dig a bit more to find it.
When I started I was living in a 300 square foot garage with no heat and $11 in my bank account. I can remember going to the bank and depositing $10 dollars so my checking account wouldn’t overdraft. It was a constant struggle. That is the truth of it.
I can remember not wanting to go into public because I was embarrassed to tell people my situation if they asked about it. They couldn’t understand why I was making such sacrifices and willing to live in a garage. I didn’t feel like explaining that my goal was to become a millionaire and not live like everyone else around me. All they could see what a young kid living in a garage with old clothes and no steady job. So I just did my thing for a few years and stayed under the radar 🙂
In all honesty it’s actually the exact opposite now. Family and friends know I have done very well for myself. They can see the nice house, fast cars, boats, vacations and I don’t have a job. It’s funny because when I was living like a homeless person without a pot to piss in they all wanted to know my story. Now I make a shit load of money and live a life of complete freedom and nobody seems to want to know anything about me. That’s a good thing because I could care less if they know it or not.
Believe me I’m not being arrogant, bragging or anything like that. I’m just telling you how it is. People can be funny. In my case it seemed as if they all wanted to ask me questions when I was broke. They all wanted to see what I was up to. The question that always seemed to arrive was “Are You Still Living In Your Garage”. LOL. It makes me laugh now.
So the other night I’m at Chili’s. That’s a Mexican restaurant if your not familiar. I’m with a close buddy. Someone from my childhood that never pointed fingers. One of the people that always rooted me on even if it did seem crazy at the time. Yes I had a couple people who believed in me. Two to be exact. Anyhow, his cousin shows up with his wife. Not expectedly they were just there. I haven’t seen this guy in probably 10 years or so.
So the conversation begins. Oh hey. How you been. blah blah blah. Then the question comes out of nowhere “So You Still Living In The Garage?” I really couldn’t believe it. I had to laugh a bit when he asked and I kinda blurted out “Ya 15 years Ago… I waited till I made my first mill before I decided to move out.” LOL. The look on his face and his wives really was priceless.
Listen, I would never brag or boast but it felt kinda good to put it back in this guys face. When I’m with family or friends it’s not about money. It’s about good times and being humble. But something gave at that moment. So be it. Btw this guy works at a car parts place, has two kids with his unemployed wife and lives in his parents basement. I would never “judge” anyone but not a good idea to throw stones when you live in a glass house. Seriously.
I guess what I’m trying to say it feels really good to “Make It” sort of speak. If someone just gave it to you it would definitely make most people very unappreciative.
A lot of times you may feel your the only one having difficulties in your business. Believe me we all have a story and it’s the people who struggled MOST that have the MOST powerful story.
So enjoy the ride. Enjoy every aspect of your business and everything your going through to make it work. Your story truly is your most powerful tool!
BTW you can reach out to me anytime. Don’t feel like I’m to busy or don’t have time for you. Helping others is really what motivates me now 🙂
Josh
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