Scariest Part About Quitting

There I sat, 27 years old, with my newborn child, my wife, and a dream (Sounds like the beginning of a Hallmark movie lol). Just days after my last day ever at a desk job. Obviously, my wife and I had numerous conversations about the idea of me quitting my 9-5 job, but it almost became a surreal moment for me when the day finally came. How was I going to support my family? What do I do now? What does my daily routine look like? These and millions more questions ran through my head every second of every day. One thing I realized was, in a sense I had been conditioned to believe that a steady paycheck meant I was supporting my family and I was a good husband/father. I was wrong.

To start, without my wife, I would be in trouble and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. She has been the MVP of our family since day 1 and I have never been more right in my life when saying that. Leaving the comfort of a paycheck every other Friday takes a toll on a man who has believed that that is what you need to do to support your family. The confidence my wife has in me to succeed has been paramount to all that I have done and will do. The scariest part of quitting my job a day before my daughter was born has been the 6 inches between my ears.

I, like I would imagine many of you, am very goal driven. My biggest fear in life is telling someone I am going to do something and not doing it. When I set my mind to something I move like hell to make it happen. A few things I have told people that I was going to do is, be a great husband, father, friend, person. That has always been my number one personal priority, but business wise I have told people that I will start a Real Estate Investment Company that purchases apartment buildings. Clearly that is a massive goal, coupled with the fear of not following through on my promises, has put me in overdrive since day one. Risky? Too unrealistic of a goal? Unnecessary pressure? Maybe… but I guess we will find out won't we.

The constant question that runs through my mind every waking moment, which was the scariest part about leaving my job is: Am I doing enough today to reach my goals? The answer every single time is: I have no clue. So what do you do with a massive goal and no idea what it will take to get there? Research, learn, talk to people, ask questions, become an expert, take action, don't stop.

Playing sports growing up has helped me understand a couple of things that have paid dividends in business. First, Teamwork. You will get nowhere fast if you try to do everything on your own and I have made it my goal to get into rooms and work with people smarter than me. Assembling the best team and executing great teamwork is priority number 1 always. Second, Hard Work. I am no stranger to pulling up my sleeves and working hard. If you don’t know how to achieve a goal, consistent hard work in the direction of that goal certainly won’t hurt. Last, Accountability. When something needs to be done, you do it. When a mistake is made, don’t point the finger, just fix it. When you say you’re going to do something, do it.

These 3 concepts have pulled me through any and every situation. There is a constant fear and anxiety around starting a business and being successful. I still don’t know if what I am doing every day is going to get me to my goals. What I do know is that leaning on my team, working my butt off, and taking accountability for everything will guide me until I do know how to get there.