"Commitment is doing what you said you would do, after the feeling you said it in has passed."
<br/><span class="body-2 opacity-80">~ St. Camillus</span>
When I talk with families about the work they could (or should) do to move from a family business to a business family, I often hear sincere enthusiasm and “yes, yes, yes, that’s what we need to do”. These moments are energizing for both the family members and me as my mission is to help families go closer while building clarity and alignment around the purpose and use of their assets (i.e. a family business or a family office).
However, when it comes time to get the work done, energy wanes and commitment falters; it’s hard to sustain momentum and excitement for any project, much less one that may require difficult conversations or doesn’t necessarily provide immediate gratification.
However, this quote by St. Camillus1 is apropos. Getting your estate in order, taking the time to align your family around its purpose, mission, and values, and/or addressing family succession planning takes commitment. Recognizing the need to do something – and the accompanying energy around that recognition – is important, but what’s then required is an acknowledgment of the greater Why and the legacy you and your family are trying to create for future generations. Energy and enthusiasm will pass; the Why will not.
I have this quote from St. Camillus on the wall in my office, and while I’m no saint, God knows I can always use a reminder to keep my head down and stay committed to the work I need to do every day; I'm guessing I'm not alone.
"Commitment is an act, not a word."
<br/><span class="body-2 opacity-80" style="padding-top:0.75rem">~ Jean-Paul Sartre</span>
"Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success."
<br/><span class="body-2 opacity-80">~ Pablo Picasso</span>
If you have the enthusiasm and energy to start moving from a family business to a business family, please reach out, I’ll help you keep that commitment.
1St. Camillus was a 14th century, Italian priest and is the patron saint of the sick, hospitals, nurses, and physicians. His assistance is also invoked against gambling (which might be helpful for all of us FanDuel, DraftKings, and Twinspires fans).
