I’ve always taken pride in my business. Being a business owner and being my own boss is something I not only appreciate, I cherish. Making my own decisions became important to me early on in my life, but I knew that to have the freedom I wanted in my future, I would have to earn it. Owning a business has its rewards, but there is a price to pay.

Let me illustrate: Although it’s been twenty years since my last sailboat, I’ve owned three in my life. From a small 26-footer I moved up to a 29-footer, ending up with my dream boat – a 38-foot world cruiser. Getting my dream boat was something I had to work up to, learning more with each experience. Now I had the largest boat I could afford that would be capable of sailing anywhere in the world.

Ironically, my dream boat was what eventually separated me from the love of sailing. The larger boat had a higher cost attached to it, was harder to handle, and required a second person to help sail it. The maintenance was unending – as soon as one thing was finished, another thing would need to be done. She would self destruct just sitting in the slip. I had very little time to enjoy it, but was forced to make time to maintain it. After working on it constantly for about four years, I sold it and haven’t owned a boat since.

Sometimes the dream is far better than the reality. When you dream of being in business your dreams usually include making a lot of money and having more time than you know what to do with. Every business owner faces the reality of having less time and working harder than ever. You may make more money but you will earn every dime.

And if your dreams of owning a business don’t include making money then you are dreaming of a hobby, not a business.

A business that is making money merits all of your effort and becomes invigorating. You’ll jump out of bed each morning – anxious to get to work. When money is rolling in, nothing seems to matter – the extra hours, the hard work, the financial investment. All is good.

But a business that is losing money becomes a horrible place to be. It is very hard to get and stay motivated. It seems like you are paying some unreasonable task master for the privilege of working harder than you ever have.

A successful business needs to have integrity and make money. A shop making money regardless of the quality of work is considered a success, while the best craftsmen in the industry not making money would be considered failures.

Making money is the primary reason for owning a business. Taking pride in your work is secondary to ensuring the shop operates profitably.