I work and hustle for success. Am I being irresponsible?

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions for Life” comes from Bryan S.

Neagle Code Question

Dear David,

I have been passionate about building my business. I invest, I work hard, and do my best to provide for my family. And yet, I overhear people talking about how I’m being irresponsible…

I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Am I really being irresponsible to want to build a successful business?

Neagle Code Answer

Hi Bryan.

The short answer is:

No, you’re not irresponsible.

Let me explain.

The definition of responsibility is the ability to respond. If you are investing AND willing to do what it takes to respond and pay back those debts, you are absolutely NOT acting irresponsibly. Now if you were to go down to the local Wal-Mart and spend your life savings on a bunch of TVs and Doritos without any thought of how you were going to pay for it, THAT would be irresponsible.

What’s really happening is this:

When you change and grow, you force the people in your life to adapt to your changes. Your growth highlights where they are not growing and makes them very uncomfortable.

This in turn translates to one of two things.

Either they support your growth.

OR

They don’t support your growth.

It sounds like the people in your life who are calling you irresponsible are uncomfortable with your growth and passion.

You may want to re-evaluate your relationship with them, accept them for who THEY are, and make a choice based on what you want for your life.

It’s not a myth that you are a product of the 5 closest people in your life.

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4 comments

  1. David
    This really hit home for me. Sometimes to be misunderstood has its advantages. Thank you for the clear explanation.

    Nikki Curry

    • It sure does Nikki, and the more time you spend trying to explain yourself to those around you the more it will tend to infiltrate your subconscious mind. Those who are ‘for you’ will be that way regardless, and those who aren’t simply never will. It’s difficult, but remember it can be as good as you want it to be or as bad as you don’t want it to be. I appreciate your post.

  2. He mentions providing for his family, but I’m wondering if he spends time with his family or spends all of his time on the business. No family time could lead to accusations of irresponsibility (and to divorce).

    • Not knowing Bryan, I can’t assume anything regarding that Beverly. I think the bigger question here is what caused that particular piece to jump out at you? Remember, those around us and in our awareness are a mirror for something in our life that we may need to look more closely at. Business is not always easy, and there will be times when sacrifice is necessary be it spending time with the family or others around us. I still remember when I was growing my business and attending my son’s baseball games while still taking sales calls right there in the bleachers. Was it convenient? No, but success rarely is. You have to carve it out where you can, all while keeping your goals and big vision top of mind. Thanks for the post.