Achieving balance

Ultimately there is no choice between “family” or “work”.

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Balancing family life and work life can be challenging, but it’s essential to create a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Living life as if it were some kind of ‘Faustian bargain’ is not living at all. One approach to achieving balance is to establish clear boundaries between work and family time. It’s important to set realistic expectations for your workload and prioritize your tasks, so you’re not constantly overwhelmed by work.

The key is closer to self-actualization. As you may recall from college, self-actualization is the what Maslow defined as the process of becoming the best version of oneself by fulfilling one’s potential. In a world of rampant consumerism, where material possessions and status symbols are highly valued, achieving self-actualization can be challenging. The constant bombardment of advertising and societal pressures can make it difficult to focus on what truly matters and to define one’s own values and goals.

Consumerism promotes the idea that happiness and fulfillment come from external sources such as money, possessions, and social status. However, research has shown that material possessions have a limited impact on our overall well-being and happiness. In fact, excessive materialism can lead to feelings of anxiety, dissatisfaction, and even depression. Therefore, to achieve self-actualization, it is crucial to shift our focus from external sources to internal ones.

Self-actualization involves the pursuit of meaningful and fulfilling experiences, personal growth, and self-awareness. It requires a deep understanding of one’s own values, interests, and strengths, as well as the willingness to take risks and step outside of one’s comfort zone. In a world of consumerism, it can be tempting to conform to societal expectations and pursue material possessions at the expense of our own growth and fulfillment. However, true self-actualization requires authenticity and the courage to follow our own path.

To achieve self-actualization in a world of consumerism, we must prioritize our own needs and values over external pressures. This involves developing a strong sense of self-awareness and defining our own goals and aspirations. It also requires a willingness to let go of societal expectations and to embrace our unique strengths and talents. By focusing on personal growth and meaningful experiences, we can find fulfillment and happiness that transcends material possessions.

While self-actualization is a vital component of a fulfilling and meaningful life, it can be challenging to prioritize our own needs and values over external pressures. However, by focusing on personal growth and meaningful experiences, we can achieve self-actualization and find fulfillment that transcends material possessions. It is up to each of us to define our own path and to pursue it with authenticity and courage.

Scheduling regular family time and sticking to it can help ensure that you’re present and engaged with your loved ones. It’s also crucial to communicate openly with your family and employer about your needs and limitations. Finally, taking care of yourself through regular exercise, meditation, and self-care practices can help you maintain balance and reduce stress. Remember, finding balance is an ongoing process, and it requires effort, flexibility, and patience.


What really matters?

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Everyone wrestles with this question, and the answer is unique to everyone.

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Let’s start off by saying that the answer isn’t “42” as Douglas Adams would say. It’s a little more complicated than that. Figuring out what is most important in life can be a deeply personal and subjective process, as everyone’s values, priorities, and life circumstances are different. However, here are some steps you can take to help you identify what is most important to you:

  1. Reflect on your values: Start by thinking about what values are most important to you. Consider things like honesty, kindness, family, friendship, health, financial security, personal growth, and spirituality. Make a list of your top values and think about how they impact your life.
  2. Identify your priorities: Next, think about the things that you prioritize in your life, such as your relationships, career, hobbies, or personal goals. Consider how much time and energy you devote to each of these areas, and whether they align with your values.
  3. Reflect on your goals: Think about your short-term and long-term goals, and consider whether they align with your values and priorities. If you’re not sure what your goals are, take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve in your life.
  4. Consider your life circumstances: Your life circumstances can also play a role in determining what is most important to you. For example, if you have children, your family may be a top priority. If you’re dealing with a health issue, your health may be a top priority.
  5. Prioritize self-reflection: Finally, make time for self-reflection on a regular basis. Check in with yourself and ask yourself whether your actions and decisions align with what is most important to you. If they don’t, consider making changes to your life that will help you align your priorities with your values and goals.

Remember, that the answer to this question isn’t the same for everyone. (It might be 39, 41, or even 43 for you!) You are different from everyone else – and likewise your goals and priorities are different too. Just remember to take your time.

This isn’t a race and there is no ‘right answer.’


Time to start?

Some say “there’s no time like the present” when starting a company, but the reality is often more complicated than that.

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Starting your own company can offer a variety of benefits, both personally and professionally. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider starting your own company:

  1. Pursue your passion: Starting your own company allows you to pursue your passions and turn them into a viable business. If you’re passionate about something, starting a company around that passion can be a great way to turn it into a career.
  2. Be your own boss: As the founder of your own company, you’ll be able to make your own decisions and be your own boss. You’ll have the freedom to create your own schedule, choose your own projects, and make decisions about the direction of your company.
  3. Build something meaningful: Starting your own company allows you to create something meaningful and impactful. Whether you’re creating a product or service that solves a problem or makes people’s lives better, starting your own company can be a way to make a positive impact on the world.
  4. Financial potential: Starting your own company can provide you with significant financial rewards if your business is successful. As the owner of the company, you’ll have the potential to earn more money than you would as an employee.
  5. Personal growth: Starting your own company can be a challenging and rewarding experience that can help you grow both personally and professionally. You’ll learn new skills, take on new challenges, and develop a deeper understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses.

Ultimately, starting your own company is a big decision that requires careful consideration. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and challenges before making a decision.


A rare breed

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What makes a great entrepreneur?

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There are several traits and characteristics that make a good entrepreneur. Here are some of the most important ones:

  1. Passion: A good entrepreneur is passionate about their business idea and is willing to put in the time and effort required to turn that idea into a successful business.
  2. Perseverance: Starting a business is not easy, and setbacks and challenges are inevitable. A good entrepreneur is persistent and able to persevere through difficult times.
  3. Flexibility: Successful entrepreneurs are able to adapt to changing circumstances and pivot their business when necessary.
  4. Creativity: Entrepreneurs often need to think outside the box to come up with new and innovative solutions to problems.
  5. Risk-Taking: Starting a business involves taking risks, and successful entrepreneurs are comfortable with taking calculated risks.
  6. Strong Work Ethic: Running a business is hard work, and entrepreneurs need to be willing to put in long hours and hard work to succeed.
  7. Communication Skills: Entrepreneurs need to be able to communicate their ideas and vision to others, including investors, employees, and customers.
  8. Financial Acumen : Successful entrepreneurs need to be able to manage their finances effectively and make smart financial decisions for their business.
  9. Leadership: Entrepreneurs need to be able to inspire and motivate their employees, and to provide direction and guidance to their team.
  10. Market Knowledge: Good entrepreneurs have a deep understanding of their market and their customers, and are able to identify opportunities and trends in their industry.


A simple goal

Driven. Committed. Reliable.

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We’ve been in your shoes and know what it is like; we’re your partner during good times and bad.

In difficult times, being a good business partner can make all the difference. Whether it’s a global pandemic, economic recession, or other unforeseen challenges, the ability to work collaboratively and support each other is essential for business success. A good business partner is someone who is reliable, communicative, and empathetic, and who is willing to adapt to changing circumstances.

We want to be that partner for you. Kickstand is committed to creating long-term value for our partners and co-investors. We believe that building a strong relationship with you is key to achieving this goal.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We value your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.