Today during my moment of meditation (just after morning prayer) I began to realize that I have a issue and it’s a self-centered one. My issue: Being told what to do. You see I believe that I am a hard worker and I’ve even been told that “I work “too” hard,” but there’s another problem. I’m also a very stubborn individual. Combining those two attributes makes me a very passionate person, and when it comes to how I spend my time, all I want is to do things MY way.
Just over 19 months ago I left Corporate America because I was tired of being told what to do and when to do it. Furthermore, most of what I was being told to do I didn’t agree with making me feel like a puppet and knowing that my opinion didn’t matter much. Therefore when a business partner/friend/entrepreneurial colleague tells (not ask) me what to do OR makes a decision that affects me without my input, I become rebellious and defensive. Now you’re probably thinking, “Justin what a childish and immature thing to say and do.” Well my response to you is 3 fold. First of all I realize that it’s not a very mature thing to say, but in my desire to live my life bucking the “system” I realize that a little immaturity and “free” thought is necessary. Secondly it’s “my” time (rather the time God let me have) so who are you to dictate how, when and why I use the little time I have (life is short). Lastly, if you want to be the boss go find some employees, otherwise understand that we are partners and therefore I require the respect of such. Delegation is cool and I understand the need to get things done, but seriously I DON’T LIKE being told what to do. This is especially true if you can’t do what I can do and you’re not positively contributing to my way of life (ex: writing me a check, cooking my meals, paying my bills, funding my childrens’ college fund, washing my clothes, etc.). As partners, colleagues or whatever you want to call it, it’s important to understand that I view our business relationship as a mutual understanding that we are going to do whatever is necessary to get the job done, and to get it done right. Also in this mutual understanding I expect for my thoughts or opinions to mean something and be considered when deciding how we do business. If this is not what you’re thinking then you can feel free to; a. contribute positively toward my way of life (see above) OR b. find someone who is willing to do what you want, when you say you want it. To simplify it a bit, if I wanted to be told what to do I’d simply go back to work in Corporate America. It’s as simple as that.
Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest let me say this and I’m done. I am still working hard on me. I’m learning how to submit to a greater cause (in business and life) in hopes of taking things less personal and being more productive. However having said all of this and knowing what you know of me do you think I’m going down without a fight? So yea… I’m still working on me — I’m still under construction.