A question from a new member:
“Robin, I know you’re rich…but are you happy?”
This is a question I’ve been asked repeatedly over the years, always by someone who is not rich (truth…I’ve never had a rich peer ask this or even discuss “happiness”). I suspect some people ask this because they are wrestling with a lot of unhappiness, stress and anxiety stemming from trying to grow a business, coupled with not making a lot of money at present, and asking themselves if it’s worth it to keep going.
Another group who ask this are bitter and looking for validation that their choice of playing small and not making a lot of money was the right path to a fulfilled life, wanting to believe that entrepreneurial ambition, achievement and wealth MUST bring great unhappiness. These folks frequently say they would rather be “happy” than rich, but if they are being honest, they are neither. Not all. But many.
So, before I answer this question about my personal situation, I think you need to understand that happiness with your life really has nothing to do with how much money you have or make. Money is only one factor in this equation.
If you’re working your tail off and WINNING, which is defined by productive, measurable progress toward a meaningful goal you’ve set, profitable growth, doing good work for appreciative clients and making MONEY, it’s a lot easier to tolerate the long days, constant stress, aggravation and general “unhappiness” all of that brings.
But if you’re grinding it out, hate the work, hate the clients and don’t have a bigger vision of what you’re creating, you’ll also be miserable no matter how much money you’re making.
A canceled member became extremely offended when we suggested he seek employment instead of trying to run an MSP. He was a solo guy, struggling to make ends meet, going through a TON of personal problems and drowning in debt. SERIOUSLY unhappy. Our advice was to consider taking a job as an engineer for a period of time until he could get his personal life and finances more stable, and THEN try again. He got extremely angry and gave us a nice one-star review insisting the program didn’t work. Nice.
Now, back to your question. Am I happy?
Well, like every high-achieving, driven individual I’ve ever met, I’m almost daily frustrated and stressed, frequently overwhelmed and occasionally, seriously unhappy. I have to remind myself daily that there are a LOT of people who would trade their situation for mine, problems and workload included. Elon said in an interview that people who wish they had his brilliance and success would quickly wish for something else. His mind is a constant storm. Does that make him unhappy? Who knows.
We all have to remember that in life, it’s all about the choices we make. If you choose to start a business with a goal of growing it, you’re simultaneously choosing not to have a simple 9-to-5, low-stress job. The entrepreneur rarely, if ever, puts business entirely out of their mind, so there’s no such thing as work-life balance. That’s a choice. But once you make that choice, you need to be at peace with it, not constantly walking around angry, upset and UNHAPPY about the way things are. Much of the unhappiness comes from thinking you should be able to make a 7-figure net profit AND have all weekends and evenings free. Maybe you can figure that out, and if you do, good for you. Truly.
But if you want to be in the top 1% of earners, you have to be willing to do what 99% of people won’t do. Come in early, work late. Own it. Forgo hobbies, parties and “me” time. Start 12 balls rolling downhill and breathlessly chase them all. Take on the bad hires, the dysfunctional clients and the crappy economy and deal with multiple flaming turds landing on your desk simultaneously by noon on a daily basis.
Keanu Reeves once said: It doesn’t matter if my heart is breaking. If grief is weighing me down or if exhaustion makes even the smallest task feel impossible. Life keeps going. The world doesn’t slow down to give me time to heal. Responsibilities do not disappear just because I need a moment to breathe. So, I keep moving forward, even when every part of me is begging to rest.
I know a LOT of you will be extremely upset about the above statement and will violently disagree. I respect that. But I also know that being willing to take on the weight of responsibility in the service of others (which is what I believe Keanu is talking about) is a worthwhile goal that brings more than just happiness. It brings meaning and purpose.
And THAT makes me happy.
Most people struggling in business assume that wealth and success automatically lead to happiness. The truth? It depends on how you build it. If you’re grinding endlessly without seeing the rewards, it’s time to change your approach. At IT Sales & Marketing Boot Camp, you’ll learn how top MSPs create businesses that are not just profitable, but sustainable and fulfilling. Stop struggling—start winning. Join us at robinsbigseminar.com.
