How do you get money or time to do what you love?
How do you get money or time to do what you love?
The answer is, you don’t.
What you have to do is to position yourself to be successful with a new outlook on time and money.
Do you want to go back to school?
Do you have the desire to start a business?
Do you want to have more for your family?
Do you want to obtain a certification?
Do you want to lose weight?
If you there is something you desire, you have to make the decision that it’s something you’re willing to work your ass off to get. Oftentimes, if you love something enough, you have to sacrifice to get it.
What Does Sacrifice Look Like?
Sacrifice looks different for everyone. It could be that you get up earlier in the morning, before you wake the kids for school. Or, you come home from work, make dinner, help with homework, kiss your husband and then you go to work.
You have a goal; stop watching “The Bachelorette,” “Big Brother,” and “The Voice” (I know Blake and Adam are so cute!) and get focused on your achievement.
If you want a better job, a different career, more money, a better marriage, or to weigh less- you have to work hard to get it.
Just remember, your sacrifices may not be the same as someone else’s sacrifices.
How Have I Traveled the Path of “Sacrifice?”
I decided I wanted a different career, in which I could make more money. At the time, I had a baby less than a year old. The career path I chose required me to go back to school and do a full-time, unpaid internship. I didn’t have the money or time to do this. But my husband and I figured it out.
Later in my life, I felt the need to get my MBA. I believed it would help me grow in my career and my income. I had three kids and worked full-time. Again, no time or money. But, I did it!
Figure it out!
I am not saying this is easy. Honestly, for me, it was hard. But I wanted it so badly- I made it happen.
I can hear you saying, “Melissa – you are different. You are hard-wired to go after what you want.” But let me tell you, when I am in these moments, I have to really evaluate why I am doing what I am doing.
When I am exhausted or having a bad day, I think back to a couple of dark moments in my life.
One dark moment in my life was when my husband and I struggled financially. We were in low-wage jobs working our butts off, yet living on very little. His company went on strike. We had very little saved for this life event. I remember wondering how I would buy groceries and pay bills. Thinking of this moment makes me want more for my family. This is why I changed careers.
In another point of my life when I was more established, I lost it all again.
I lost my business and savings in one moment due to a disaster. That is why I chose to get my MBA and build upon my career.
These situations have put money into perspective for me. I know that in one moment it can all change. I strive to provide security for my family and am always working on figuring it out.
You have to decide whether or not you will do more than those around you in order to rise above and achieve what you want.
I think it was Elizabeth Gilbert who said to Oprah during a “Super Soul Sunday” episode, “you have to be willing to eat the shit sandwich and enjoy it more than everyone else.”
What she meant is that it is not glorious to work hard, stay up late, get up early, not go to the party and not watch Adam and Blake each week, but when you dive in, it is worth it.
Decide There Is NO Excuse
Think of who you want to be and decide how you are going to get there. Map out your days, your months and your year to achieve success.
I am just starting my business with a blog, podcast, video, training and products. I work full-time with three kids. I map out my week to achieve my goals. It is amazing how much time I find in my schedule. I wake up early and get an hour of work done. I get home and spend time with my family, then I get to work focusing another three hours on my business. I then have the weekend, in which I get two full days of eight to ten hours each.
If I waited for the time to focus on this, I would never do it.
Deciding what you want and doing it in spite of everything else will bring you success and happiness. Figure it out by mapping it out and working your ass off.
Share what you would like to do if you had the money and time in the comments below.
I appreciate you sharing with the amazing women in this community. It is important we are sharing ideas as we support one another in our growth.
Cheers!
Melissa
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Jacqui Broering
Thanks Melissa. I am looking forward to listening to, talking with other like minded women. I feel as though I am on an island most days. A mother of 4, business owner, & wife make it very difficult to keep it all going without losing my mind most days. I never will be mother of the year. I think you and I do share many things in common, including a friend, Stacey Bougher. :).
Keep it up. I am going to keep reading.
Melissa Smalley
Thanks for sharing Jacqui! I am so glad you connected with me. Mother of the Year- I am not! Keeping it all straight- very tough! But it is great to share our struggles and victories as we walk hand in hand!!
Diana Datres
MELISSA, I always look forward to listening to you. I have known you being in management through Lakefront, through Breakaway, and in a nursing home. When I was demoted over nothing I did but restructuring, that was an emotional roller coaster ride and a nightmare. I questioned who I was, my self worth. You are right about the shit sandwich! But my strength of my family helped me realize, that did not define me. Being in management with lots of decisions, to suddenly none, was challenging. I just kept moving forward, always staying true to my self. And it must of showed, because each and every member of management came to me, in their own time to say I was their inspiration. I inspired them! To come from 30 some years of management to not and to pick myself up with dignity and grace, and to stay positive, that inspired them. I’m not going lie it was damn hard. But now I’m ready for another adventure, I am going to breed my English Golden Retreiver. And my goal is to provide the best Golden Retriever puppies . From best bloodlines, best temperament, best hips , eyes, heart. Whether the choice is to show or just to have the best lovable dog ever! So I need your inspiration, I need the MELISSA cheerleader to keep it going in the right direction. So I look forward to all of your recordings. Thank you for all you do because you inspire me❤️ Thank you , Diana Datres
Melissa Smalley
Thanks so much for sharing your story Diana! This is amazing! I will be there teaching, coaching and cheering you on. You got this!
Diana Datres
MELISSA, I always look forward to listening to you. I have known you being in management through Lakefront, through Breakaway, and in a nursing home. When I was demoted over nothing I did but restructuring, that was an emotional roller coaster ride and a nightmare. I questioned who I was, my self worth. You are right about the shit sandwich! But my strength of my family helped me realize, that did not define me. Being in management with lots of decisions, to suddenly none, was challenging. I just kept moving forward, always staying true to my self. And it must of showed, because each and every member of management came to me, in their own time to say I was their inspiration. I inspired them! To come from 30 some years of management to not and to pick myself up with dignity and grace, and to stay positive, that inspired them. I’m not going lie it was damn hard. But now I’m ready for another adventure, I am going to breed my English Golden Retreiver. And my goal is to provide the best Golden Retriever puppies . From best bloodlines, best temperament, best hips , eyes, heart. Whether the choice is to show or just to have the best lovable dog ever! So I need your inspiration, I need the MELISSA cheerleader to keep it going in the right direction. So I look forward to all of your recordings. Thank you for all you do because you inspire me❤️ Thank you , Diana Datres
Darla J Cost
I would love to hear what u have to say each week
Melissa Smalley
Thanks Darla! I am so glad you are enjoying it!
Melissa