Let’s face it, owning a small business adds an extra challenge to being married. Some of us are savers, others spenders. Some need a sense of security around having a "regular job", and some feel restricted if they don’t get to "call the shots" with their own business!
My mentor Howard taught me an exercise that helped us with this. He calls it the ‘perfect day’ exercise. Take five minutes, you and your significant other separately write down what your perfect day looks like. Your only restrictions are your imagination and the natural laws of the universe (no time travel, etc.)
Add as much detail as you can think of, from what you have for breakfast down to what time your private jet lands in the Bahamas. Write a day that really gets you excited, then you and your partner share what you wrote.
You might find you have a lot of similar scenarios in your story. For instance, maybe you both want to travel more. What if you could put your dream days together and use them to create a vision for your future? Maybe even a shorter term goal, like a vacation you want to take together?
Now when you tell your spouse you have to work late and need their support, you can remind them of that perfect day you’re working toward. Or when you need to buy that expensive tool that's going to make productivity skyrocket, or sock some money away in the bank instead of buying that new car, you'll be doing it for a bigger future payoff. You may just find it puts you on the same page faster than you have been in a long time.
For my wife and I, having goals in common is motivating, and it helps us push through those times when business just isn't any fun. Always have the next goal you are working towards, individually and as a couple. Zig Ziglar was an expert at goal setting. We have an extremely effective tool to help you identify those spots that need a little extra boost in your business. Sign up for our free business resources, and look for the free business assessment.
To your success,
Jeremy & Stefanie Overturf