Finding My Purpose

I had no idea that the next phone call would change my life forever.

It was almost Christmas and the Friday before I had just finished moving my family into our new home. My seven year old was off at school and my twins were due to be born in another month. My wife was in the dining room unpacking. The consummate planner… I had it all figured out.

…Except for one thing. The money.

I had made big decisions based on a promise and I was about to find out that promise had been broken.

Failure

I’ll never forget how quickly the instant feeling of failure succumbed me as I sat there in shock. I had just hung up with my attorney and the harsh reality of our conversation immediately hit home. I remember thinking,

“What am I going to do?

For the first time in my life I might not be able to support my family. What now?”

I had failed. I had failed big time.

Facing Adversity

I often recall and tell the story of how my grandfather single handedly saved a life at the boat ramp in his younger days. Faced with no other option he lifted with one hand while using his free hand to pull the pinned person to safety.

Did he have superhuman strength? No. He tapped into an inner strength when faced with no other option.

Not to compare my situation to saving a life but when your family of three, soon to be five, stands to lose everything; that counts as pretty dire circumstances in my book. Suffice it to say I made an instant decision just like my grandfather had done so many years before.

He went all-in and saved a life. I was about to go all-in to save my family.

And Then…

This leads me to the next part of my journey which started a few short seconds later.

I got out of my desk chair and took the long walk (about ten steps) to where my wife was unpacking in our dining room. It was time to break the bad news. I gave her a briefing of the call and explained we were in big trouble and could lose everything. Then I swallowed my pride and told her I might have to get a job.

Bear in mind it was almost 2016 and I had collected my last paycheck years earlier in 2008. Four months after that paycheck Katie had resigned from her job as well to become a Stay-at-Home Mom. I knew if I took a job again in my field, our dreams and lifestyle would be shattered.

At that point I looked my wife in the eye and we exchanged one of those looks where you don’t need to say anything. That look was all the motivation I needed.

I made my way back to my office, pulled out a legal pad, and starting writing. About ten seconds later I stopped and went back to the dining room. I didn’t realize it at the time but I had just completed my first Ten Second Test. Ten minutes later I was back at it moving on to my Ten Minute Dream Statement. In hindsight I’m not sure how I managed, but I went back to my day. That night I revisited and expanded on my thoughts; in the process completing my first Ten Hour Reflection.

These three steps now kick off my 10 Factor Success Blueprint.

The Harsh Reality

I’ve learned a lot in the last couple years but one of the most important lessons I’ve taken away is many people really are not truly happy. Everyone has a purpose but for one reason or another most of us let life get in the way. In simplistic terms this means we never give ourselves the chance to live out our real purpose and see our vision through. Then we end up sick or on our death bed saying, “I wish…”.

That was me too for the longest time. I did what I was supposed to do following the typical path. Even though I hated it, I ignored the little voices in my head telling me, “You are in the wrong space!”. Instead I took a decent job and worked hard. Then I started a business and continued to work hard. I was winning a lot but I wasn’t winning in alignment with my purpose.

This Time Would be Different

So when faced with the thought of failing my family and losing everything I decided to pivot. Completely. It was time for me to step up and fulfill my vision. Fast forward to 2018 and my life has changed forever. I have completely reinvented myself and now work daily with purpose.

I now can proudly say I am the creator, bestselling author, and podcast host of The 10 Factor: From Struggling to Thriving Business in Ten Months.

As My Purpose Clarified My Vision Grew

You know how busy entrepreneurs struggle to find balance between spending time with their family and making money. As a result they lay in bed feeling frustrated and stressed that they are missing out on their kids growing up.

I help these struggling entrepreneurs actually make more money in less time. A big part of the reason I wrote my book and started the podcast was to reach and impact more people than I thought I could just reaching out one by one.

… So these avenues gave me a way to get my message out en masse.

But Why?

Looking back I’m not sure why things unfolded in this way but I do often fall back to my faith. My faith tells me sometimes the answers aren’t clear. Things just happen for a reason. Failing is a given but it’s how we react to the failures that really define who we are and how far we are able to go.

My plan has worked thus far as the feedback continues to roll in but this is just the beginning. I am humbled and honored to regularly receive stories of impacting people who not long ago I didn’t know and who didn’t know me. I’ve learned working with my purpose carries a whole new moral responsibility to serve but I am up for that challenge.

I’ve also learned when you serve, many people will not like what you have to say. In fact, many will think you shouldn’t say anything. I’ll never forget the negative reaction from the first person outside of my family when I told them, “I’m going to write a book.”.

I didn’t take their advice and proceeded to write anyway. And I’m proud to say my book hit #1 Bestseller in each of weeks one, two, and four; and Amazon listed The 10 Factor as #1 New Release for 27 straight days from February 27, 2018 through March 25, 2018.

What’s Next?

It’s counterintuitive, but the negative feedback hasn’t stopped; which for me validates I am on the right track. As I write this I’m smiling because my mentors constantly remind me, if everyone is happy your message is no good. The bulletproof mindset they insisted I build is paying huge dividends now. This solid foundation is built on rock solid confidence and complete clarity. I insist my clients do the same to build their foundation.

Looking back I could have felt sorry for myself and given up. My journey has been hard but I know the battle wounds I received will allow me to do a better job helping others. Again, my faith tells me this is the way it is supposed to be when you serve.

I continue to make sacrifices. I work hard. In fact I work darn hard; but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Before I let you go I’d appreciate a small favor. Please take some time to share this with anyone you think could benefit by hearing it. Tell them to visit TimMeuchel.com and reach out to me if they want to learn more.

Let them know for many years I made the mistake of going at it alone; disregarding the need for professional mentorship and coaching. I didn’t even know what a mastermind was, much less the power of getting involved in the right one.

I’ll be the first to tell you the entrepreneur life isn’t easy, and I’ll tell you it isn’t for everyone. I will also tell you if you commit to go all-in, surround yourself with the right people, challenge your comfort zone, and follow a proven path, this life can be incredible. I’ll also tell you now matters and tomorrow is too long to wait. Life can change in an instant. Live your life now and savor every minute.

Published April 16, 2018 by Tim Meuchel, bestselling author & podcast host of The 10 Factor