It has been over a month since I last posted a blog. To say that I’ve been busy is an understatement. Most of my readers know that I gave up the Chick-fil-A franchise at Macland Crossing for an opportunity to open a brand new Chick-fil-A in Rockmart, Ga. I am excited to say that Chick-fil-A of Rockmart will open this Thursday, September 14th. Most people think I’m crazy to give up an established business in Marietta with a solid staff and customer base. (That’s before they find out that Rockmart is projected to do 40% less than Macland, then they think I’m insane!) Whether I’m insane or not is yet to be determined, but what I do know is that I don’t think like most people I know. Ultimately, I’ve decided to chase my dreams instead of other people’s approval. Here’s a window inside my head of the thoughts that led to this decision.
- I want to “be more” rather than “do more” or “have more”
- I’m a risk-taker, I’m willing to take short-term losses for long-term gains, Quality of life is more important than money.
- Self-care and self-leadership are never a selfish act.
“Be More”
So many people miss the opportunity to “be more” because they get stuck in their own little comfort zone. They get so caught up in “doing more” or the pursuit of “having more” that they let opportunities to “be more” pass by. I recently read a Washington Post article about how “doing more” has become the new status symbol. “‘I’m just so busy,’ has taken on the feel of an overused humblebrag, a self-deprecating yet showy effort to tout one’s own importance, value and desirability at work or among friends.” (link to article) The opportunity to “be more” often requires you to “step down” instead of “stepping up.”
“Risk-taking”
Another reason people miss the opportunity to “be more” is because of fear. Taking on this new venture in Rockmart means I could go 3-6 months with absolutely no income, maybe longer. Honestly, I’m afraid of the worst, but I allow my hope for the best to overrule my fears. I’ve never been one to allow fear to stop me, I used to jump out of perfectly good airplanes for a living! The way I see it is that the long term gains may not always be financial, but the overall quality of life will be worth the short term financial loss in the end.
“Self-Care”
“Self-care is never a selfish act, it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.” Parker Palmer
The choice to apply for re-location was more about self-care than anything else, because self-care is what allows me to help others. I was tired of driving an hour (one-way) to Macland every day. I did the math and I was spending up to 626 hours (26 days!) behind the wheel of a car each year. Now I have to admit, I made the most of it and I did use this time wisely, I listened to a lot of books and podcasts that have helped me grow as a leader. I will still make time to listen to podcasts, but now I can read since I won’t be behind the wheel of a car. Several years ago my friend and mentor Andy Christiansen reminded me of how the airlines tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before trying to help others.
So now I will begin anew, not focused on building something for myself, but using my influence and platform to make a difference in the lives of others, truly caring for those under my authority. What will you do to BE MORE?
Here’s to your unmitigated success in Rockmart. Polk County needs some positive growth and success for a change. Best of Luck to You.