Herman School of Business
Gambling with the Dreams of Others...
We accumulate other people as we go through life. As kids the only person hurt when we climb a tree and fall is ourselves. OK, Mom might suffer a little too. But for the most part we learn to try things for our own benefit. And, at our own risk.
The friends who surround us as kids become the catalyst many times for the adventures we try. I used to see how far I could balance myself walking on top of the chain link fence around Tommy Fox’s yard. The long top post and the chain link that went along the fence made a nice little “foothold” for a small kids foot and I could make it all the way around the yard from the gate and back to the other side of the gate. Falling was often at first but earning the cheers from the other kids spurred me on to climb back up and do it again.
In sports as a young person you learn the value of your team mates. They help you and you help them. But in the end you are alone, win or lose.
Usually next comes a girl friend or boy friend and your time is now changed. You have to consider the other person even if work or a project is important to you, or you will lose that person. At some point there is a spouse…and soon kids. But, you want to try new challenges. Or, to start that new business. To change jobs and gamble on the new gig being more exciting or more profitable than the one you already have. But you must always remember that you are not alone.
The people all around you are gambling with you. The money you invest and could lose will be less money and more stress to them. Is that your children’s college fund you are gambling with? Does your spouse mind the amount of time alone because you are chasing your dream. TALK TO THEM. Share why you are doing what you are doing. Be prepared for some negativity, because the dream you are chasing is yours, and not chasing their dreams might be paying for it.
- Posted: 15 April 2008
- Comments: 0
- Category: Business success
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