Chelsea Logan is an enterprising college student who runs a thriving business, Luxe Innovations, (now Satissimi). There is no place Chelsea would rather be than flexing her creative muscles building her business. The freedom of being her own boss feels great.
“I feel like a sponge absorbing information when I’m listening to a teleseminar that relates to my business,” she describes.
Then there’s college. With one more year left of coursework school feels more like a burden and a distraction than a ticket to a brighter future.
“My business school professors are outdated. School feels like a big waste of time. It’s really annoying,” she says. When she’d rather be designing, networking, and growing her business she’s stuck in a classroom that doesn’t feel relevant. Plus, the combination of school and work leaves Chelsea with little time to rest and take care of herself.
The Desire- To quit or postpone school and focus 110% on her business.
The Conflict- Chelsea lives at home with her mom. Chelsea’s mom expects her to do well in school and to finish college. Chelsea very much values her relationship with her mother, and quitting school would create a big rift.
The Choice- To stay in school and finish up. To recognize her mom’s support and love, even if it’s not exactly the way she would want it.
The Takeaways- It can be tempting, and sometimes appropriate, to throw caution to the wind and follow your heart come what may. At the same time, sometimes choosing a short term compromise, like finishing up school or working a day job, can be equally appropriate when weighed against the possible consequences, like hurting a valued relationship or not being able to pay the bills.
Are you making any compromises in your life? If so consider trying what Chelsea did:
1) Watch your language
Chelsea is fully in the driver’s seat of her life, making the choice of whether to stay or leave college. Acknowledging that choice in her mind and in her language is empowering. So instead of “I have to go to school” it becomes “I am choosing to go to school”.
2) Take a long-term perspective
Sometimes a compromise viewed in the short-term may feel like forever. “Geez, another snooze-inducing lecture! When is it going to be my time?” In the context of the rest of Chelsea’s working life one year of sacrifice is a drop in the bucket. It won’t last forever.
Knowing what you want is fundamental to creating a life that you love. Knowing how to get there can mean making compromises. Keep your sights on the stars and recognize that jumping through a hoop here and there does not mean that you’re selling out. It’s just one part of the journey on the path to achieving your dreams. Embrace it.
Give Chelsea some love by visiting her at Satissimi!
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