We need to be vulnerable at times to gain support. – the Wealthy Gardener
So much of personal success––and life fulfillment––depends on our daily interactions. Not only on the job, but also at home with family.
The media inundates us with stories of ambitious people who fail in family relationships. Hollywood is rife with such plots, partly because this story line resonates with the masses who watch these movies.
We know that unrestrained ambition can cause problems.
But what about ambitious individuals who care about family, and, in fact, sacrifice their free hours to protect and provide for them?
In my own life, I’ve always shared my financial fears and my hopes with my wife and kids. They knew my income, my expenses, my worries, my dreams, my plans, my wins, and my losses. I tried to express how my sacrifices would help pave a brighter future for all of us.
Because I openly shared my vulnerabilities with them ––instead of pretending I had it all figured out as an adult––my blunt honesty helped them learn what I was facing. In turn, they supported my efforts.
Spouses and children want us to succeed.
When they know we’re all on the same team, and when they understand how sacrifices help the family unit, they’ll support us almost always. When they don’t understand the sacrifices of achievement, it’s usually due to poor communication on the part of the ambitious one.
We need to be vulnerable at times to gain their support.
John,
Thank you for telling us how you handled your financial fears and goals with family and kids. I feel good after hearing your approach. I also say to my kids and wife that I am working other weekends this month to pay off credit card debt or saving for a specific home remodeling project or a vacation. My kids have started to understand that extra cash comes with beyond ordinary work hours, and these extra hours put into work allow us to improve to improve our lives. Thanks for being honest and keep sharing.
Your book changed my life and it came at the perfect time (surprise!). 15 years into building my financial future and suddenly becoming somewhat blind due to a crippling sense of entitlement, I had burnout and was starting to develop old habits again…all mental that started to bleed into the physical. Then came your book and it plugged me back into the most phenomenal power source ever… myself backed by my faith 🙂 I’ve shared your book with everyone I love, and a few have even listened- they reach out to me with gratitude for the recommendation, and I remind them to share it with ones they love, as well. I cannot express how grateful I am for your book. Thank you so much.
And I am thankful for you. Your kind words are appreciated.