The One Thing Entrepreneurs Forget When They’re Chasing Success
Hey, it’s your boy Mark Evans DM, and today I’m going to hit you with some real talk that you might not want to hear—but trust me, it’s something you NEED to hear.
We’ve all been there. We’re grinding, hustling, working those late nights, and telling everyone, “I’m doing this for my family.” But let’s pause for a second. Who are you really doing it for?
The Harsh Truth: Are You Really Doing It for Them?
Here’s the thing. You keep saying you’re working hard “for the family”—but are you actually showing up for them? When’s the last time you made it to your kid’s soccer game? When did you drop them off at school, sit down for dinner, or just be there?
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with hustling. I get it—I'm a hustler too. But let’s not confuse building a legacy with missing out on your life. Kids grow up fast, and they don’t care how big your business is or how many zeros are in your bank account. They care about YOU—the time, attention, and love you give them right now.
It’s Not Just About You
Deep down, that hustle? It's about you. It's about your dream, your success, your business empire. And there’s nothing wrong with that… unless you’re losing sight of what truly matters along the way.
Think about this: What’s going to matter more when you’re old and gray? The millions in the bank, or the relationships you’ve built along the way—especially the ones with your family? The late-night deals you’re grinding on right now won’t hold you in your final moments. It’ll be your family, your loved ones, the people you should be showing up for today.
Work-Life Balance? Let’s Call It Work-Life Integration
A lot of people talk about “work-life balance” like it’s some kind of magic formula. But if you’re an entrepreneur, balance doesn’t always exist in the traditional sense. What does exist, though, is work-life integration.
The goal isn’t necessarily to clock out at 5 PM every day and ignore your business. It’s about making sure your business serves you—not the other way around. You want to build a life where you can be present for your family and crush it in business. That’s possible, but only if you’re intentional about it.
Here are a few tips that have helped me integrate work and life without letting either fall apart:
Block Family Time in Your Calendar: Treat your family like they’re your most important clients—because they are. Block off time for them like you would for a big business deal. No meetings, no phone calls, no work distractions. Show up fully.
Involve Your Family in Your Success: Talk to your kids and spouse about your goals. Let them see the bigger picture so they understand why you’re hustling. But at the same time, get their input on how you can show up for them more. Make them part of the journey.
Set Boundaries: Look, no business deal is worth missing your kid’s first steps or an important family event. Set clear boundaries. For example, no phones at the dinner table, or no working on Sundays. Whatever works for your family—stick to it.
The Power of Presence
Being physically present doesn’t always mean you’re emotionally present. You can be sitting at the dinner table, but if your mind’s on that deal you’re trying to close, you’re not really there. Your kids and spouse notice when you’re checked out, and over time, that disconnect can grow.
So, here’s a challenge for you: The next time you’re with your family, be fully present. Put the phone down, leave the business talk at the office, and focus 100% on them. That’s where the magic happens.
Don’t Let Time Slip Away
Here’s what I know from personal experience—if you’re not careful, one day you’re going to wake up and realize you missed it. You missed the moments that actually matter. And let me tell you, money can’t buy back time. It can’t rewind the clock so you can go back and see your kid’s first soccer goal or hear them read their first words.
So stop telling yourself that this grind is “all for them.” Because if you’re not showing up for them now, the grind won’t matter.
Closing Thoughts
It’s time to be real. Your kids don’t care about the business deals you’re working on, but they will care if you miss the important moments. Build a life where you can win in business and be present for your family. It’s possible, but it takes intention and commitment.
Focus on what really matters and make sure you’re not just building a business—you’re building a legacy that includes being there for the people who mean the most to you.
Mark Evans DM