Doing Hard Things Pay Dividends - Sometimes Forever

Last month, I hit you with a challenge—job cost the next 75 jobs and LB/NT ‘em (Like Best/Next Time). (Check out that video here!) Why? Because let’s face it—business ownership is tough. You may as well be as profitable as possible while creating a valuable asset for yourself and your family. Your business is going to have its challenges regardless. But here’s the thing: working on the areas of your business that can make a positive financial impact will actually make everything else easier.

There’s so much value in doing hard stuff. Think about it: if profitability is an issue for you, is it hard being unprofitable or way less profitable than you know you can be? Absolutely. Will it be hard to learn and find the discipline to overcome that challenge? You bet. But here’s the key question: which “hard” do you want? Because you’re going to face one or the other.

Check out this quote:

“. . . let me make a general observation—the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald

I love this because early on in my restoration business, I held two opposing ideas:

1. This is hopeless—I'll never figure out how to make money with a team. I’ve got to do this myself.
2. There IS a way to be successful—others have done it, and so can I.

The truth is, goal setting is about choosing your "hard." It’s about picking the right challenges and pushing through them to reach the success you’re after. Setting meaningful goals gives you a clear direction to follow, and a roadmap to overcome those obstacles. If you’re ready to do the hard stuff, I promise—it will pay off in the long run.

So, what’s next? Set the goal, face the challenge, and let’s get to work. It’s time to choose your “hard.” Which one will it be?