EFG Consulting, LLC

I talked with 2 women on the same day last week.  They were in very similar situations.  Both owned their own businesses in very similar fields.  Both were in their 50’s.  Both women enjoyed what they did.  But there the similarity ended.

One woman had, despite suffering an extremely debilitating injury,  an air of joy and peace about her that was almost palpable.  She loved what she did and it showed.  It was a joy to talk and be with her.  And it was clear that this was the experience for her staff as well.  She had loyal employees who acted as her hands when she couldn’t do something.  They had been with her a while.  They clearly enjoyed working in her business.  Business was good, even in this economy.

The second woman was clearly resentful, unhappy and unpleasant to be around.   She spent most of the time complaining and the word I heard most often was “should.”  “I shouldn’t have to tell her that.”  She didn’t feel comfortable delegating to anyone and consequently was overloaded.    Her business, despite having a good base, was not anywhere near thriving.  She also wasn’t doing the things she needed to do to grow the business.  Staff turnover was one of her biggest issues.

The main difference between the two:  Responsibility!   The first woman clearly took responsibility for her choices and saw the possibilities.  She  did not let circumstances stop her.   She just adjusted how she worked.   The second saw herself as  a victim of her business and her staff instead of empowering herself.   She let her circumstances control her decisions and consequently couldn’t get ahead.  She let herself become a victim to her fear.

Which one would you rather be?  The choice is yours.