I often hear people mention they don’t have the support of their spouse when starting a business. I think this is vital if you want your new venture to really thrive.
Me and Claudia with Jude on his (tiring) first birthday
Support can come in many different styles. Having your spouse onboard, doesn’t mean you check in with them on every little decision, but it does mean you are on the same page with the direction your lives are going.
It means they are, not only OK with, but excited about your new venture, even if they don’t really understand the nuts and bolts of it.
When I quit my job and we started the music school, Claudia was fully onboard. She was fully engaged, and as excited about it as I was. I realize we have a bit of a unique situation because we both truly enjoy thinking and talking business.
This, I am super thankful for! There have been many days where discouragement and frustration get the better of me. However when this happens, she’s right there to pick me up. If we didn’t have this in our relationship, I know we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Question: If you’re married, is your spouse excited about what you’re doing? Leave your response in the comments of the post.
I am supremely blessed to have a husband who supports and encourages whatever I do (and I hope he feels I do the same for him). Before I even began the certification course for my health coaching I discussed it with him and with our children. I value and respect their opinions and they know me better than anyone so their input means a lot. Alex has consistently told me he wants me to focus on my business and encouraged me to quit my part time job. So I can say that even though he isn’t involved in the details – he is my biggest supporter.
That’s great, Ann. And I think that is key. Even if they’re not involved, the are supportive and take a genuine interest.
The Queen is very supportive of almost everything I do, even thoughts of business endeavors. Maybe that’s because I support her in her desires as well. Funny how that works.
Imagine that. We have to give sometimes and not take, take, take. Blessings to you and your wife!
Yes, she is excited for me and for us and where all of this is going. She trusts my vision and that puts a lot of pressure but at the same time it encourages me to move forward. But don’t worry, we have our moments and have had our moments where times got hard and questions started to perk up like, “Are we doing the right thing?” — But hey, that’s life and its all part of the growth process. 🙂
That’s awesome that you guys are on the same page, Rob. And, I hear you! We’ve had those moments too where we asked if we’re doing the right thing.
I can’t imagine not having your spouse on board. While the whole triathlon thing is primarily Steve’s interest, we were able to find ways that my interests and gifts could be used, so I would feel fulfilled in the company, especially since I left my teaching job to help grow 90 Revolutions. Interviewing triathletes this summer was my idea. I love stories. So as we traveled and Steve captured cycling footage for the training software, I sought out people to interview. It ended up being a great way to personally stretch ourselves out of our comfort zone while meeting wonderful new people.
I think that’s great, Jody. It seems like you and Steve are able to balance this very well. By the way, I enjoyed watching the interview with Austin Perez. Great story! I think the interviews will be a great way to spread the word of 90 Revolutions.
Cool! Jody that is awesome how you and Steve found ways to weave your separate interests together. It sounds like Josh and Steve would like to talk cycling and you and I would like to talk stories. 🙂
Yes, something I admire about both of you is that I can tell you fully support one another. I think it’s great that you have a similar vision! Josh and I are both intrigued by this new way of life – by following and living out our passions. I feel like we are both still at the early stages in this journey, but we enjoy discussing the possibilities of what lies ahead. Josh has been incredibly supportive as I move forward in my career coaching business. He believed in me even before I did!
I think although we are moving in a similar direction, we still have our separate interests. I could talk about personality styles all day long, while Josh could talk about cycling all day long. 🙂 I appreciate that we have separate interests, yet the common goal to live our best lives.
Alana,
That’s great to hear that you and Josh are on the same page with things. I think this really makes all the difference. And, I’d say that it’s pretty normal to have different interests, but it’s awesome that you have the same vision for your lives.
What’s so great about what you do with your coaching is you help people understand and relate to those around them, including spouses. It was huge for Claudia and me when we took the DISC profile close to 2 years ago now. Understanding how we relate to those around us helps us better support them in what they’re doing.