“Never Thought You Would Chase Money”

Posted on May 3, 2008
Filed Under Entrepreneurship |

This is not the blog post I had intended to write and post today, but after trying to write a different one, my thoughts have kept coming back to needing to write this post.

Last night my mom said to me “I never thought you would be the type of person that would chase money” – I let out a loud heart felt laugh in reply. My poor worrying mother - she doesn’t understand entrepreneurship. That is one of the first thing someone who doesn’t understand entrepreneurship will say.

On the other hand, any real entrepreneur will tell you that there’s no way in hell they would put themselves through this torturous (and fabulous) lifestyle only for the money.

Entrepreneurs see the world differently…we see opportunities everywhere we look. We ache to solve problems and to fill gaps. We can’t fight our urges to make the world a better place. We don’t sit around talking about how to make the world a better place we jump in and DO IT. We can’t follow the crowd.

Success in the eyes of an entrepreneur isn’t money – success is seeing their vision work – seeing their vision applied and making a difference. The money is the bi-product and entrepreneurs deserve every dollar they make and even with that said – most entrepreneurs turn around and reinvest their money in bigger and better potential. Not to make more money but to make a bigger difference.

After my laughter, I told my mom that she can rest assure she didn’t raise a greedy kid but she has indeed raised a kid that aims to make the world a better place. I can’t deny who I am and what I aim to accomplish. Not matter how painful the process is, it makes me extremely happy and I can’t lead my life any other way. It brings me a real sense of purpose and challenges that in turn bring me satisfaction, joy, and growth.

I know what my life is about - once you come realize that - money is simply a resource needed to facilitate following your purpose.

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get my mom to understand who I am and why I do what I do. Unfortunately, her lack of understanding becomes part of the adversity that’s part of being an entrepreneur.

It’s all part of the journey – my life is on steroids so whatever buttons I’m going to push I seem to be pushing them with increased frequency and intensity.

@Trula Sent this quote over twitter right after I posted my post - pretty fitting: “Why do so many…settle for so little? I don’t understand why they’re not greedy for what’s inside them” -Jack Gilbert

Comments

6 Responses to ““Never Thought You Would Chase Money””

  1. Wayne Smallman on May 3rd, 2008 3:08 pm

    Ann, how will / might the call-up affect all of this?

    When you first mentioned this, that’s the first thing that came to mind.

  2. Dean Dreaming on May 3rd, 2008 3:31 pm

    Very well articulated, Ann. Most non-entrepreneurs just don’t get it. No matter how hard you try to explain it, they just don’t.

    That’s why entrepreneurs love hanging out with other entrepreneurs because we “get” each other.

    Thanks.
    Dean

  3. admin on May 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm

    Wayne,

    Serving a year back in the USMC doesn’t impact my entrepreneurial endeavors. Still going to commit to it the same exact way - I just need to have some income to be able to keep going. It’s just another addition to the journey and what you have to do to make your dreams happen.

    Dean,

    Thank you. Thank god for other entrepreneurs and the support we all provide each other. That’s something else I mentioned to her - that I was surrounded by other amazing people who are extremely supportive, encouraging and understanding. It’s a wonderful family of like-minded, driven and crazy people!!

  4. Richard Bernard Jr on May 4th, 2008 9:07 pm

    My dear sister, you are absolutely right, money is the byproduct of every successful entrepreneur. When you do something you love and fulfill the needs of you customer, they will make you rich and happy. Our family has always seen me as a money hungry person. Far from it, like you said money is just a commodity to reach an end. MAKE no MISTAKE money will never bring you joy.

    I hope the marines bring you back to your center.

  5. Joseph Bernard on May 5th, 2008 11:03 am

    Hi Ann,

    I don’t think we are related but our thoughts may cross paths.

    I wrote about the questions we need to ask to make the world a better place today and I thought you might appreciate them.

    This is my first visit your blog. I saw it at digg. Keep up the good work.

    Joseph
    http://www.explorelifeblog.com
    http://www.peace-together.com

  6. just dirty on May 10th, 2008 6:46 pm

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