Day 7: The Price of Your Success

Welcome to Day 7 of the 25 Day Success Challenge

Did you try to do one extra set of press-ups this morning?

Doing your Incantations might take some getting used to, but they are very powerful if you put all of your heart and soul into them.

Today I want to talk to you about friendships you have as an entrepreneur.

This is one area I believe a lot of business owners were not expecting. So please keep reading to see if this applies to you.

There are plenty of whingers in this world who claim life isn’t fair.

Claim they’re never lucky.

Criticize others when they achieve success.

Heck, even your supposed friends won’t be happy for you when you start achieving some level of success.

It’s happened to me before.

It’s a fact of life, I guess.

Even friends you grew up with.

Friends you thought would stand by you in any circumstance.

But when it came down to it, were not there for you.

Jealousy is an ugly trait.

I believe deep down that envy is really just self-criticism.

They would love to have your level of success, but they are just not committed enough to go and grab it for themselves.

So be prepared for it.

Many of the friends you have now might fall by the wayside once you start getting some results with your business.

But don’t worry.

The good thing is, you’ll find new friends.

Better friends.

Friends more suited to helping you achieve more.

Perhaps a good benchmark of losing a few old friends here and there is a sign of your growing success. Let’s face it, you are just growing apart.

All people develop different characters as they go through life, not just entrepreneurs.

But as a business owner, you will need to give up certain things in return for your success. And one of them will probably be that you can’t make those Friday and Saturday dinner dates and parties anymore.

Over the last 15 years I know I’ve had to choose my business success before some really fantastic friends.

You guys know who you are.

And I’m sorry for that.

But my drive for success was burning too strongly and I had to chase my dreams.

And now I have tasted a certain level of success, I am glad I was committed to my success over boozing and partying.

So today’s lesson comes down to this…

If you truly want Success, you’re going to have to commit to your business. And if that means losing a few friends along the way, and missing out when everyone is partying and having fun…

Then that’s just the way it’s got to be.

That’s the Price of Your Success.

Final Thoughts On The Price of Your Success

Ok, it’s time to finish off this post as the final Test Match of the Ashes Series is starting soon…

Let me just finish with a summary, and I’ll add a few tips to help you navigate this issue…

The journey to entrepreneurial success is often romanticized, but beneath the surface of accolades and achievements, there lies a less spoken about reality – the potential strain on personal relationships, particularly friendships.

It’s a hard pill to swallow, but one that is, unfortunately, more common than we’d like to believe.

As you ascend the ladder of success, you might find some friends gradually fade into the background. Here are some reasons why:

Shifting Priorities:

In your quest for business success, your priorities will inevitably shift. You will need to invest more time in honing your skills, networking, and scaling your business. This can result in less time for social activities, leading to a drift in friendships. While this doesn’t mean you value your friends any less, it’s a natural outcome of your evolving commitments.

Misunderstanding and Miscommunication:

Success in business can lead to a change in lifestyle, and with it, a shift in perspectives. This can sometimes result in miscommunication and misunderstanding between you and your friends. They might feel left out of your new world, and you might feel they don’t comprehend the pressures and responsibilities that come with your success.

Jealousy:

As harsh as it sounds, jealousy is a part of human nature. Even the best of friends can harbor feelings of envy when they see you succeeding, especially if they themselves are struggling with their goals. This can result in negative energy and tension in your friendship, making it difficult to maintain.

Fear of Change:

People inherently fear change, and when they see a close friend transforming and moving up in the world, it can invoke a sense of fear and insecurity. This fear can drive them to distance themselves or even sabotage the friendship.

However, it’s crucial to remember that these dynamics are not a reflection of your success being a negative factor. Instead, they are often indicative of personal insecurities and the human tendency to resist change.

As you navigate these changing tides, here are a few tips to help you manage and understand the situation better:

1. Keep Communication Open:

Be open about your new responsibilities and the changes in your life. Honest and transparent communication can help reduce misunderstandings and show your friends that your success doesn’t change your value for them.

2. Show Empathy:

Try to empathize with your friends’ feelings and understand their perspective. Their negative reactions could stem from their own personal struggles or insecurities.

3. Foster New Connections:

As your lifestyle changes, you will likely meet new people who share similar responsibilities and ambitions. These new connections can evolve into meaningful friendships, helping you feel understood and supported in your journey.

4. Evaluate Your Relationships:

Finally, it’s essential to periodically evaluate your relationships. Not all friendships are meant to last a lifetime. If a friendship is causing you more harm than good, it might be time to let it go.

In conclusion, as you stride toward your business goals, you might face the harsh reality of losing some friends along the way.

It’s a bittersweet part of the journey, but one that shapes you and often leads to building stronger, more supportive relationships.

Remember, as you grow and evolve, so will your circle.

Embrace this change as a part of your path to success, understanding that every experience and interaction is a stepping stone in your personal and professional growth.

See you again tomorrow…

Dedicated to your success,

Greg Noland