Last year, we bought our dream house on a half an acre of land. It was a fixer-upper and the lot was heavily overgrown. It was rather painful and embarrassing to know just how crappy our house looked on the outside to our neighbors (who, of course, keep beautifully landscaped and immaculate lawns *sigh*).
On Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I had it. We broke out the weed-wacker, chainsaw and hedge trimmer and cleared out a huge area overgrown with shrubs, saplings and weeds. When we were done, we were astonished at what we found.
There was an old and magnificent Oak tree in the middle of our property - at least 70 feet tall and probably 80+ years old.
And we didn’t even know it was there.
Clearing out the yard felt incredibly freeing - indeed my whole body felt lighter as more and more stuff was cut down. The yard felt spacious, and my mind felt free and clear to focus on the things that matter most: time with my family and my growing business that I’m completely passionate about.
But seeing that “new” huge Oak tree made me realize I have a different kind of clutter I need to work on in my business: My relationship with money.
- We burned through our savings to get eMoms at Home up and running, and we didn’t really anticipate it taking that long to get things going. Only recently is the site generating revenue, but we are having a hard time getting caught up with old bills because of it.
- I hired a rather sloppy accountant for my business taxes in 2002 and the IRS is STILL looking for forms that weren’t filed correctly - even though they have been resent numerous times.
- And earlier this year I extended credit to a couple of clients that in retrospect I realize I shouldn’t have. (Read :: haven’t received a cent.)
The reason I bring all of this up is because the financial life of an entrepreneur doesn’t always go as planned. And the emotional weight of having unresolved tax issues and struggling to pay bills while working night and day on my business wasn’t anything I thought I would have to deal with when I first became an entrepreneur.
I know in my heart that someday soon I’ll be talking about the days when I was feverishly pursuing my dreams and how it was hard to afford the grocery bill.
Sometimes it feels right around the corner. Others, it feels a million miles away.
It’s times like these when I need a little inspiration of my own.
Tune in tomorrow to read more about finding the treasure hidden in the mess.
This entry was posted on Thursday, May 31st, 2007 at 3:09 pm and is filed under Inspiration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.7 Responses to “The Financial Messiness of the Entrepreneurial Life”
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May 31st, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Wendy,
I have many of those days as well. I just read a book called “The Dip” by Seth Godin, which I will be posting about. It discusses when to quit and when to stick. You are almost there - you just need to “stick”!
May 31st, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Thanks SO much Neena - it’s always really encouraging to hear that from an outsider! I know I’m back on the upswing. It’s just frustrating when we are owed SO much money to the point that we have difficulties keeping our own expenses covered.
In fact, in the first week of June, I already have two deals done that will bring in more income than my highest month ever! So it won’t be long before I’ll be singing a different tune!
June 1st, 2007 at 11:05 am
Hang in there Wendy. I know exactly how you feel, it’s as if there’s a heavy boulder on your shoulders trying to knock you down to the ground. It’s even hard to produce a smile when things seem gloom but you’ve got to remain focused. In trying to do my own buisness dealings. I have 4 children (youngest is 8 months) I also have my neice 10 months(my sister is stationed in Iraq). Everyone needs (mom)at all times but you’ve got to make the time for youself & your buisness. A good friend of mine once told me, “Marlena, there’s gonna be days when the house is gonna be total chaotic & a mess” but it’s ok because you’ve got to do your own buisness dealings — if you don’t… you’ll always put yourself last. This was a good experience for you with the tree, I think it will give you a sense of strength and better purpose. You’ve come this far Wendy, don’t give up now. Marlena www.supernovafilms.com
June 1st, 2007 at 12:49 pm
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June 2nd, 2007 at 1:18 pm
If you only do it when it feels good, is it worth doing?
Believe me, I feel you. Parents, lovers and spouses (to say nothing of bankers and creditors) are much more focused on cashflow than profit margins.
Stick in there, kiddo.
June 12th, 2007 at 8:22 am
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October 18th, 2007 at 7:24 am
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