compromising for money
When you have a clear vision of the authentic life you are meant to pursue, the Universe will eventually test your commitment to your vision.
Sometimes, the test will come in the form of a challenge or obstacle.
Sometimes, the test will come in the form of a “failure,” which we know by now is not really a failure.
Sometimes, the test will come in the form of a “competitor” popping up, which we also know by now is not really competition.
One of the most challenging tests comes in the form of a financial opportunity.
You’ve decided to serve a specific audience or niche going forward, let’s say clothing exclusively for young boys. As you begin to gain momentum in your business, your audience and customer base begin to grow, and you’re seeing your vision come to life, you find your Self presented with a great financial opportunity, but it doesn’t align with your vision.
A very high-demand brand wants you to start carrying its girls’ line because of the success you’re having with its boys’ line.
You know the girls’ line will do well, will increase your sales, and have better margins than the boys’ clothes you carry in your store. Financially, this opportunity is a no-brainer and may even open up the opportunity to expand your business into becoming a children’s boutique instead of just a boys’ boutique.
What do you do?
Adding the girls’ line would not be a bad decision, especially since it will help your business's sales and profits, which are among the most important aspects of running a business.
However, if your vision and authentic life have led you to serve families with boys, and you are having success and enjoying your business and did not desire to carry girls’ clothing prior to the opportunity being brought to you, then maybe compromising your vision for money is not the right decision.
This is a real scenario I witnessed play out with my wife. She is the owner of the first all-boys clothing boutique. In the early days of her business, she had this opportunity, but she chose to stay true to the vision of her store, which ended up being a very good decision.
Chasing money when it does not align with your authentic life often leads you away from where you are supposed to be. The financial opportunity in front of you is a test to see how committed you are to your vision. It may seem like a great move initially, but the longer-term impact is often not worth the additional money you receive at first.
Now, if the additional money is aligned with your authentic life, then it’s probably the right move to pursue it, and the Universe is telling you to keep going. The key is the alignment with your authentic life.
Sometimes, it won't be that clear--maybe you are interpreting the financial opportunity as a sign to pivot and go down a new path; it very well might be that. I think you'll know at that moment whether you are compromising or receiving a sign to change direction.
But, how will you know for sure?
Listen to your intuition.
See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,
JC
