Hey, guys! As many of my readers know, I have been going through some challenging times lately. In many fields, people encourage you not to mix your personal life with your professional life. In my field, I have discovered through speaking with many CEO’s, business professionals, and other leaders, discussing the obstacles you have faced, are going through, and ‘fighting’ are important to discuss.
When I first began getting to know the leaders of all these huge companies, I asked, “why?” Why would you share your personal life as a professional? Isn’t that frowned upon?
The answer they gave me… “No.” The reason. People need to know, even those who are successful, do face adversity. And, although they are facing (or have faced) difficult times in their personal or professional life, those obstacles have been pushed to the side and they have continued on their path to both personal and professional success.
My Thinking… is this True?
As I thought about this, they’re right. Not everything is always perfect, and it doesn’t have to appear to be. As a leader in any industry, those who are climbing the ladder need to know they can push through too. Share your story. Share what you are going through. Share what you have overcome.
My Life: Single Mother and CEO
I am a single mother to two beautiful children. My children always come first. They are always my first priority. Everyone I work with knows this and, in many cases, they are the same way themselves. But, balancing your priorities as a parent and a CEO is important.
As a said, I am a single mother. This means I am:
- Caring for two children on my own without any help
- Cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Cleaning the house
- Washing, drying, and folding clothes
- Helping homework
And, as you know, the list of a mother goes on and on. We could literally write an article about just that. On top of being a single mother, I bought a house I am now remodeling alone.
There’s a lot to juggle in my personal life.
As a CEO, even with all of those duties above, I still make sure ALL of my projects are submitted on or before their deadline. I meet with other CEO’s (in my industry and others). I make time for professional development (taking courses to stay up-to-date, reading, etc) and I meet with my writing coach on a regular basis.
I attend seminars to network with even more professionals in my industry.
AND, I am continuously expanding my company. Just in this past week, I have gained three new clients.
PLUS, I manage employees on a regular basis. Luckily, all my employees are pretty amazing.
….and then there’s my teaching. I teach two courses on a regular basis year-round; Full Spectrum Cancer Care and Canine Ethology.
(And, shhh… I am currently writing another book)
Wrapping it Up
Wrapping it all up, I hope all of you can learn from my struggles and see, although there may be boulders in your way, you either need to push them or climb over them to move forward. Don’t neglect your priorities. Let as much negativity as you possibly can go. Drop it. Feed your mind positives. Count your blessings.
My situation has been heart wrenching but my children are happy, healthy, and have all they need plus much more. My company is continuing to expand on a regular basis. And, I am keeping my head up pushing through the waves.
Look straight into the face of your adversity and say “you WILL NOT win!”
Finally, know I am here for you. If I know, if I don’t know you, if you want to seek advice, or know my story, i’m here.
We’ll talk again soon.
Until next time.