Many entrepreneurs start their own business because they want to create a life which is fulfilling and satisfying – from both a financial and lifestyle perspective. Entrepreneurs (especially entrepreneurial women) are leading the way in the new world paradigm where work supports and enhances our lives and relationships; women are starting their own businesses in droves! As women, we understand that success in one area of our life does not have to come at the expense of happiness and success in other areas of our lives. In order to achieve this success, we need to answer the question: Are you and your partner in a true partnership? Are you on the same team – sharing a common vision, purpose and goal for your life together? The ability to answer this question with a resounding “yes” is imperative for you to achieve the entrepreneurial success you desire – while having the marriage and/or family life you deserve.
To get this resounding support from your spouse for your business, you must have a supportive partnership in the other areas of your marriage. If you and your husband are at odds – and competing against each other in other aspects of your relationship, you will be like Sisyphus, the Greek god who pushed a huge boulder up a hill – only to watch it roll back down for eternity – in your attempts for gaining your spouse’s emotional and sometimes financial support for your business. It will ebb and flow and your relationship runs the risk of feeling burdensome as you attempt to start and/or grow your entrepreneurial business.
How do you know if you’re in a supportive relationship? If you and your partner are a true team, you support each other even when you do not always see eye to eye on an issue. When a team wins, all players on the team win. When a team loses, all players on the team lose. Being in a relationship that is a true partnership is demonstrated by the commitment both spouses have for the greater good of the relationship. This commitment is gained utilizing effective communication skills and the ability to compromise and negotiate differences. A true partnership allows the partners to “agree to disagree” because you have clearly communicated – and agreed – upon your long-term goals. If your relationship is more of a competition, by definition, when one person wins the other person loses. And when this happens, the relationship cannot possibly come out ahead.
Therefore, before you begin your entrepreneurial venture, or as you expand your business, look at your relationship to be sure you and your partner are on the same page – sharing the same goals and vision for your life together. If you do this, your entrepreneurial success will not come at the expense of your relationship and family life! You will, indeed, create the life you want and deserve!
The Place For Relationship Tools For Success In Business and Life,
Dr. Patty Ann
www.relationshiptoolbox.com
www.relationshiptoolbox.com/blog
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