Each and every one of us has the same desire: to love and to be loved.
But, in our rapidly changing world, there’s also a greater desire for security. We, of course, want financial security, but we also want to be secure within our relationships.
Most people view these two desires like a coin toss: It’s heads or tails; love or money; one or the other. But, having both is impossible, right?
Well, not quite.
Let’s set one thing straight: Relationships aren’t easy, and neither is a starting a business or pursuing a lofty professional goal. Anything worthwhile comes with a price tag, but the two are not mutually exclusive.
The myth of “one or the other” couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, if you marry the two, you will reap financial and emotional rewards beyond your wildest expectations.
Here are just a few:
Perspective
In life, you’re either the hammer or the anvil. You either strike out with force, or you learn to take it. But in business, you need to get comfortable with both.
Eventually, this process will take a toll on you. You’ll be rejected and denied, and you’ll be doubted and dismissed.
Promised things will fall through and you’ll worry about a lot of things that never crossed your mind before. It’s taxing.
This is when a relationship is so important. When you have a person you’re comfortable to share your wins, losses and doubts with, he or she can provide outside perspective and clear advice.
You may be acting like an ass about something without realizing it (as you’re too wrapped up in the situation) and it is critical to have a partner who is willing to let you know and call you out on it.
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Operations
The road to financial freedom isn’t paved, lit or policed. There will be bumps, dark spots and people who will seek to take advantage of you.
Thus, it’s a road best traveled with a partner who has your best interests in mind. Some might disagree with me on this, but a significant other can be a huge help with all sorts of business tasks, especially if your partner’s strengths are your weaknesses.
You can focus on strategy, marketing and sales while your partner oversees operations, fulfillment, HR and customer service.
If you’ve been through conflict before and made it out, there’s no one better equipped to travel the road with you. Why? Because eventually, things will get bad. It’s inevitable. What matters is how you recover from it.
If you can handle the ups and downs of a relationship, a business together can be just as lucrative.
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Foundation
There’s no getting around this one.
The largest structure in the world couldn’t stand for long with a weak foundation, and the same is true of you. The higher you go, the greater the fall and the more resources you’ll need to keep you going.
The constant growth will wear away at you, and it will make you question yourself and your goals. At the end of the day, it will change you.
A strong partner will be the foundation that keeps you whole and ensures your change is a good one.
It’s a part of human nature to seek out companionship. A reaffirmation that you (and all the work you’re putting in) matter — even if it’s just from one other person — will make all the difference.
People who say they don’t need anyone else are just trying to save face or play the “ruthless” CEO role.
Sure, you can try to do it alone, but you’ll only be measured against the material goals you’re striving for.
Material things are all good and fine, but you can’t be measured as a complete human unless there is a sympathetic relationship somewhere in your life.
Remember: There’s no such thing as a “personal life” and a “professional life.” There’s just your life.
