I am the owner of Future Productions. I have a small client base and I enjoy the fact that I am "technically" my own boss. I provide a service to my customers, bill them, and collect. Unfortunately, with this type of employment, there are no medical benefits, overtime pay, or other advantages. When I earn too little, I have to sacrifice. When I earn well, I have to save for a rainy day, or invest in business expenses.
The freedom and joy of business ownership is second to none. But, this requires a strong desire and commitment to succeed. Sometimes I have had to take jobs or cash gigs to cover immediate expenses. I am struggling with finding a place to live which I can afford. The obstacles I am facing today are obvious consequences of not having a back up plan. I have never blamed another for my situation, and I will not start today.
My brother asked me how I felt last night (September 1, Labor Day 2014.) After a long pause, I was unable to come up with a word, or any words to answer him. Finally, I responded with "not frustrated." I added, "I am not frustrated, but it is something similar to that." I do not know the word to describe being in my situation when I know it is my own fault. I have no regrets, I needed to learn by my mistakes. I am not frustrated, I know I can overcome and succeed. Today, I have decided how I feel. I need a back up plan!
I can no longer depend on what I have been doing. I must take additional steps to ensure my livelihood and be able to provide for those who depend on me. I would also like to help people who do not depend on me. Many of my friends and family have been able and willing to help me in my time of need. I would also like to be able to do this for my friends and family. The only way for this to occur is for me to progress.
It is difficult to change, to try a different approach. But it is not the change or approach that is difficult, it is changing our habits and routines that is hard to do. The actual actions required to improve are not actually "difficult" or "complicated", but changing ourselves, and keeping new resolutions is the challenging part.
So, here is my idea for what should become the new Current Event. All of us should strive to have a plan b for everything, a way to make sure that our needs are met, and our success is inevitable. In my situation, this will include searching for new clients as I once did when I first began running my business. Not wasting money on hobbies or over spending on groceries and other needed supplies. I will have to re-focus my actions and press forth with my business plan as I once envisioned it. Distractions must go, focus must return, and responsibility again met!
So, how do I feel? Motivated. I am actually grateful for even realizing that great success is still possible for me. I am proud to say that I was not overwhelmed by the countless negative situations I HAVE CAUSED MYSELF. I am extremely blessed to still have awareness, patience, intelligence, and my business Future Productions.
So, moving forward, there can be no more stalling or procrastination. There will be no more waiting for one check, or one customer to pay their bill so I can move forward. I will continue to earn new business so that no one client can either make or break my bottom line. The health of my children, my living situation, and my ability to build a successful company will never rely on a single plan or customer again. I will be prepared, in more than one way, and able to solve "last minute" emergencies and expenses which I encounter. And I urge all of you to take this progressive step with me.
Determine your Back Up Plan and commit to it.
Do not allow any one situation or obstacle to hinder your entire life.
Earn more than enough to cover your expenses, even if it means taking on extra part-time work.
Let us think of solutions, and not excuses.
We are the final stop to our own problems, no one else.
