The Tug-of-War Between Family and Business

ByJowi Witt

Every time I sit down to work I feel a little pull.
​I wish I could be with my family.
There is so much that I would like to do with them, but I need to get my work done.

On the other end, there is the problem too.
When I’m with my family, I’m checking my phone,
looking at what has been happening in the business.

I’m getting pulled between my business and my family.

I imagine you’re experiencing the same inner tug-of-war.

When we’re doing business things, we feel like we’re not there for the family.
When we’re doing family things, we feel like we’re neglecting the business.

What I found over the years is that your child also wants your attention,
sometimes just as much as your toddler.

It all comes down to presence.

You want to be fully present for your family,
yet you also need to provide.
You want to make profit from your business,
yet that means to also be present for your clients.

What I found is that the tug war can be changed.
​Stopped.

Since they are not enemies, they are just opposite sides of the Present Provider Coin.

When you lay a coin flat on the table, you’ll only see one side.
This is the time you spend with your family, fully being present.

When you flip it over, you will be fully present for your business.

Honoring your family is right there on the other side.​
This is how I become more present and more effective.

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