Success: What’s love got to do with it? A lot…
As a CPA I love to see organizations and individuals loving their financial position, processes, procedures, tools, etc. and life in general. With the start of February, the month of love, I found myself reflecting on what love has to do with success as we personally define it. Earning money isn’t the same as building wealth, building the live you love, being able to provide for those you love, getting up every day to do work that brings you joy and peace and affords you experiences, having time to devote to self-care and treat yourself with love. I have seen firsthand how much resources, talent, time, etc. organizations lose and how individuals burn themselves out, etc. for not having the right insight, support, etc.
Love is everything. Love is the answer. Love is all. There are many cliques about love. I sound like the hopeless romantic who read countless romance novels and watched a gazillion novelas and soap operas in her younger days. Pleading the fifth on that. On a serious note, as a CPA who has worn many hats, who has had more jobs than Elizabeth Taylor had husbands, I have seen firsthand how love can conquer all in your career journey and in life. Love is part of the commitment to excellence and support system we need to success in our career journey.
When I asked a former manager what contributed to her success, she shared that is part it was the support that those who loved her in her personal life and career journey provided her. They supported her wholeheartedly, and helped her pursue her passions, ambitions and balance. She also seems to be into self-care and self-love. She took meticulous care of herself, made time to learn new things and have fun, dressed and accessorized in ways that made her look like a person who had executive present and style. She was a joy to work with. She loves what she did and lives her best life. She always brings things with her to work that keep balanced and remind her of what is values and likes- whether it be nice accessories, healthy snacks, pictures of her family, good books for her commute, etc.
What does love have to do with success? Everything, like when you:
- Love what you do, how you do it, the team you get to work with…
- Get to make impact in society, the wealth and legacy of your family…
- Love yourself unconditionally, take care of yourself and practice self acceptance and self-care so you can bring the best version of yourself to the table…
- Have multiple streams of income, savings, etc. that allow you to take risks and explore different paths and opportunities that arise in your career journey…
- Treat people you interact with in work related spaces with kindness and respect…
- Fall in love with all the aspects of your life…
- Make self-care non-negotiable…
How can love make you a more successful business owner and/or leader? By:
- Having self-awareness and transparency allows you to consider tasks that you should delegate, outsource, not engage in all together
- Focusing on things you are truly passionate about, you can become an expert who truly adds value and impact to clients and the world in general
- Being more patient and kind with yourself, you will in turn be more patient and kind with others and build authentic, strong relationships and partnerships
- Understanding that love is a force, you understand that you can help people meet their personal goals as they meet your organizational or departmental goals
- Remembering that the people you interact with in work related spaces are loved and have lives outside of work, offering them flexibility and resources to build great lives with their loved ones
When it comes to love, actions speak louder than words. Is love a factor in your career journey? Ask yourself:
- Do you treat others in ways they feel safe? Eager to go the extra mile? Appreciated?
- Are you emitting love when you walk into spaces throughout your career journey?
- Do you love what you do? Are you proactive about delegating, outsourcing and getting support for things that are challenging for you?
- Are you setting yourself financially to be able to engage in hobbies and activities you love?
- Do you spend quality time with loved ones?
- Is your self-talk always positive and encouraging?
As you strive towards success in your career journey, make sure love is part of the equation. Love is priceless.
Have a lovely weekend. Happy February.