The Easy Way Out
My prayer journal entry from February 17th, 2021
We always seek the easy way out, don’t we? Even if we dug the hole ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, the pandemic definitely changed the direction of just about everyone’s path, but when I look back, the mistakes I made along the way as the leader of our business got us to this point. Specifically… falling into the worldly trap of debt.
The easy way out? Sell it all and hit reset.
[Added notes and elaboration are italicized…]
Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 8:24a NS4L Office
Dear Jesus,
I signed the papers last night with Colliers [GNV Commercial Advisors at Colliers International] and we will do a “call for offers” on the property to see what happens. I pray that a positively surprising offer comes in. I feel like my family and I (me, specifically) need a major reset. What a blessing it would be to pay off liabilities, our home, the money to [friends that invested in our media company, Repaint The Wall], complete freedom. May your will be done in all of this. [With that said, however, (lol)] My desire is to be out of the scooter business as the operator, 100% debt free personally a professionally, and free to work on what is next.
[I wanted a reset badly. I’m glad the Lord allowed me to go through this challenge. There is no doubt I am stronger because of it and if we would have sold, wiped out all the debt, and “started over,” I don’t think I would have learned anything. I’ll share more in the future, but the entire way I did business shifted because I went through this trial.
Also… I believe I talked about it before, but I had acquired $200,000 for 20% of the media company from some friends that really believed in me and what we were doing with Repaint the Wall (our media “un”-agency). I know I didn’t have to do this, but due to all of the unforeseen circumstances, I told them that I would take back ownership of the company and transfer the $200,000 from an investment to a loan. Personally, I could never leave a young family that believed in me $200,000 in the hole even if many of the circumstances were beyond my control. This is one of the very large debts I would now be responsible for paying off.
And yes, I wanted to be out of New Scooters 4 Less as the operator. The easy way would have been to sell it or close it during this time, but neither happened thankfully. Today, I work toward having as much freedom as possible. I love working on New Scooters 4 Less, but I want the freedom to work on other things (like serving as an elder at my church, for example), to work on new companies and ideas. I want to be able to leave during the day for business meetings. I want to be able to take a vacation with my family. I seek freedom.
I know I need to keep surrendering it all to God, seeking Him in all things I do, and allowing Him to guide my path.]
Guide my heart. I’m speaking with the team on Friday morning and I ask for your power and your words in that conversation. A fear is that many will start searching for new jobs and leave. So, I’ll trust and ask for your guidance.
[This was probably my least favorite of all team meetings throughout my entrepreneurial career. I’ve always been really transparent with just about everyone, but preparing to tell your team that “we’re running out of money, we’re trying to sell the business and/or property, and I’m burnt out and not mentally ‘in the business’ anymore” isn’t going to be the most pleasant of conversations. Lol.]
I told [team member] yesterday and it seemed to go well. I know he has other things on his mind. LORD, thank you for putting [same team member] in my life. He’s been a special part to all of this. I pray for healing of his kidney cancer. God - you have the ultimate power. You can heal him instantly. Place your hand on my friend and heal him, Jesus. Please. I love you.
[I told one of my team members that had been with me the longest and who was a close friend before I told the others. He was also hitting retirement age and battling cancer, so I sat down with him to let him know that now was the time to retire. He is still one of my best friends. We meet every Friday morning for coffee and talk about life and Jesus. Praise the Lord, he’s also now CANCER FREE.]
Collin
[P.S.] Take care of [another great friend] please God. His mom passed from COVID.
Today’s final thoughts
Set emotions aside and use caution if you see an easy way out. If I would have let my emotions get the best of me, I would have sold the company and/or property for a lot less than what they were worth. Don’t ever make major decisions when flooded with emotion.
As another example, I’ve heard countless stories of people making life-altering financial mistakes (if left an inheritance, life insurance policy, etc.) after the death of a loved one. Instead, don’t do anything, take the time to mourn, and once the fog clears (often months down the road), seek godly wisdom and take the next steps.
Finally, if there seems to be an easy way out, ask yourself, “What would I be learning if I do this?” I’ve learned that the easy way out could be the toughest lesson learned.
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