So the last time we discussed financial literacy we discussed having a vision. I received a lot of questions concerning that article and I’m glad! #1 it means you’re listening and secondly, it provides opportunity for discussion. Having a vision is the most powerful motivation one can have and believe it or not, everyone doesn’t have one! To simply say, “I want enough money to pay my bills isn’t vision.” That’s a goal and a very simple goal at that. After all, who makes the bills that you have to pay? You! So you can have no bills if you don’t buy houses, cars etc… That’s another article for another time. A vision is large, bold, and in most cases seems crazy. A vision is something one cannot do by his or herself, although it always begins alone. A vision includes multiple projects, ideas and sometimes businesses. To bring a vision to fruition; means having long-term goals, short-term goals, tenacity to sticking to those goals and so much more.
Your vision is motivation and that motivation will drive one to seek information, to step up to challenges and overcome situations and circumstances to bring it to pass! A visionary is a thinker! He or she is a dreamer and the passion that drives one to dream doesn’t fade quickly. When a person lacks vision, it is easier for him or her to back down from a challenge. So much like the young man or woman, I met that seemed to have success but would rather give it up or let go than to step up to the plate and move to the next level; a visionary is prepared for the next level. He or she is expecting it, looking for it. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not to say that nothing will happen that he or she isn’t prepared for, but the visionary is ready for the fight! Visionaries expect fights and challenges. The power, thought, concept, idea to bring the vision to light surpasses the fear of moving to another level! That’s the difference. As I mentioned before, this is not to be negative toward the young man or woman that isn’t ready for the next level. In fact, I would be lying if I didn’t say I was a bit envious. To me, it would appear that this person had the success I desired, but was afraid to lay hold of it. Later as I thought about it, I realized that a blessing can overtake you! Nothing wrong with being afraid of reaching a goal or being surprised by success! Nothing at all and maybe my first impression was incorrect. Either way, it prompt thought, perspective and a great discussion as I thought to myself; “Will I know what success looks like for me when I reach it?”
That thought goes back to vision! In your vision, have you thought about all the scenarios, timelines? Do you have a picture of what success looks like for you? Without a vision that makes it impossible for you to sleep at night, you can walk away from challenges. I understand that inviting professionals into the management of your money isn’t an easy thing. Most people, are intimidated by the way that they handle money. Many believe that the bookkeeper will judge or not understand. Some people do not want to be told that their method is wrong or that they must do things a certain way. That’s why many of them secure a CPA that they see once a year, drop off information and hope that he or she works a miracle with their taxes. They don’t slow down enough to understand how they can change their situation nor do they meet with them for tax planning and preparation. Do you know how many times I hear; I don’t want to pay taxes like the rich people? Guess what? The rich people spend money all year having someone count, structure and management their money so that they can take advantage of all tax deductions and breaks. You cannot manage what you don’t know! Waiting all year to know exactly what you made and where you spent that money isn’t good business. It’s not business at all.
Businesses require and thrive in structure, systems and processes. When you are the sole owner of a business, you can do it all in your head but you will greatly limit how large that company can and will grow! Additionally the legacy you plan to leave will stop with you! It’s like a recipe from grandmother not passed down, lost and dead! As painful, embarrassing, irritating as it can be, it is better to rise to a challenge than to walk away. Once you begin walking away, it never stops until you step up to a challenge.
Bookkeeping is that next level. It’s the money one invests into his or her vision so that the vision can continue to grow and thrive. It’s the all year system of counting, structuring and managing money.
RISE UP VISIONARIES, GROW, TAKE THAT STEP TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
NO JUDGMENT
JUST GROWTH
#DOBUSINESSBETTER
