Thanks Alice…(in Wonderland, that is),
Have you ever gotten up in the morning and had 6 impossible thoughts before breakfast, or before getting up, but they weren’t the kinds of thoughts Alice in Wonderland was speaking of?
They were 6 things you thought impossible to fix or 6 situations you thought impossible to get out of. Or even 6 things about life or the world that were impossible to wrap your mind and/or heart around?
I dare say we all have. And I readily admit I do as well…and sometimes often.
Impossible or Just Time For a Change?
Time to cocoon
This morning is a bit contemplative for me, and I know it’s a little different to write contemplative thoughts here instead of classic financial literacy thoughts, but I suppose at 52 I can write about whatever it is I want to write about in my own blog. Isn’t that the whole point of having a blog or three?
I’m at a cross-roads with this financial literacy thing. I know in my heart it’s a good thing. I know that the information that I’ve been honored to create and disseminate has helped you because so often you tell me so. I thank you for that. It has kept me going.
But I’m reaching the end of my journey here in financial education land and I am looking for the right someone to hand it off to.
But before you shake your head in disbelief, let me share myself for a few moments.
First, I have come to realize that I am not in love with business. The business part of business bores me and this is not a good thing. Even my best friend understood this about me when she told my second husband (now my ex-husband), “Just don’t ever let her get bored!”
I am in love with creating and teaching and writing and coming up with ideas. I’m the classic E-Myth Entrepreneur who has more ideas before breakfast than she could ever accomplish in 6 lifetimes, let alone one. I would prefer to spend my days coming up with ideas and teaching than figuring out the budget or the cash flow statement or developing strategies for this and systems for that.
Second, much of what I have done for the past couple of decades has involved sitting in front of this computer. Although I exercise regularly, eat well and stay moderately fit, it is hurting my body to sit now. I must begin to move again and I must begin to move soon.
Third, I realize that turning my financial education programs, products and services into a profit making venture in the ways I envisioned it is going to take a whole lot more time, energy and money than I am willing, wanting, or able, to invest right now. The potential for my financial education creations to make a tremendous, revolutionary impact on the world is huge but it isn’t matched by my desire or ability to make it so anymore.
Lastly, I am in love with empowering others to be responsible for themselves and I love helping others make a name for themselves and get what they want.
For example, in the past year I have helped my boyfriend launch a national business, my ex create a home fitness flooring website, a friend get a product online and a whole lot more. Though I haven’t been paid in dollars, I have been overpaid in the joy it brings me to help others move forward with their projects and to see them succeed.
Empowering Oneself is Often The Most Impossible Thought
I have started asking myself questions as if I were my own coach right now. Questions like…
• What would you like to do now?
• What would give you the most joy?
• What do you need to do to take better care of yourself?
• What would make you want to get up in the morning again?
I’m not getting clear answers yet about what I DO want to do but I AM getting clear answers about what I do NOT want to be doing. Running a financial education empire is creeping over to that NOT want to be doing side of the coaching scorecard.
Quitting vs. Choosing To Stop
In my adult workshops, I teach a section I call, Life’s Cafeteria Line that I learned from Keith Cunningham, an amazingly powerful businessman and coach. The cafeteria line is where we all start out in life (and with our projects) and gradually, as time goes by, action is taken, skills are learned, etc. we make it up to the actual stuff of life that we want: money, traveling, time to play and explore, etc.
The thing about the line is that if you get out of line, you end up going back to the beginning of the line. Some people think this is a bad thing. I think it’s just a thing and though I agree with it in theory, sometimes getting out of line is the best decision for you at the time. Sometimes the best things in life aren’t even IN the cafeteria!
Now, let’s explore this famous, but easily misunderstood quote, “Quitters never win and Winners next quit.” I don’t believe that this is exactly right. Why? Because I know a lot of successful people who (and remember that everyone has their own definition of success for themselves) have made a conscious choice to stop doing something because it either wasn’t working, wasn’t serving them or they just didn’t want to do it anymore. My belief is that this is just fine. After all, it IS your life and if you don’t want to be doing something, by all means, STOP DOING IT!
The Metamorphosis
Where does all of this leave us? You and me and the rest of the people whose challenge it seems to be to empower kids, teens and adults with financial skills and information to thrive in this interesting world we’re born into?
Well, I’m not going anywhere until I find the exact right person or company who can take The Money Game® and Camp Millionaire® on with the passion it needs to cause the paradigm shift I, and many others, believe it’s meant to have in the world.
If you are that person, or know of that person, please send them my way. And yes, I am serious.
The Unwritten Next Chapter
You know that question motivational speakers ask in their seminars often? The one that goes like this…
“What would you do right now if you knew you couldn’t fail?”
Well, the idea of failing has never caused me much angst. Failing has never been a bad thing to me, and that’s a good thing I have found over the decades. This has allowed me to take on things that, as Jacob Glass says, ‘don’t work out on paper’. Jacob ‘gives himself a good talking to’ every month in Santa Barbara and many of us pay to listen to his profound and funny take on life.
So, it is time for my own personification of Absalom. I’m starting to climb into my own cocoon and discover what’s next for myself. I’ll keep you updated on the progress.
As always, just something to think about…
Maybe you aren’t done, but need a new lease. Perhaps it means giving up somethings, but adding emphasis to others. I recall when I first heard of you. I called and we talked. I was still a senior state government executive and wasn’t able to carry forward some of my dreams that we talked about. One of those dreams was to write legislation that would enhance financial education in the middle and high schools of our nation. And then prepare the text, curriculum, workbooks, etc. for these state’s public schools. You said it yourself, you love to write. Let’s prepare and take a legislative package to every state legislature that doesn’t already have such a program, find the sponsors and make financial education the standard instead of the option in our public schools. Yes, find that other person to take over your main line of business, and find a new course to travel. fpl
Frank…thanks for reply. We’re never really done until we’re really done. I learned long ago not to hang my hat on what I was doing at the time. I do love writing and The Money Game could literally change the face of financial education as we know it today.
I don’t think that the legislature is the way to go. Too slow. Too bogged down. The key is to find a national (international) company who wants to set up Money Game Days all over America. THAT is when we could really make a difference. There has to be a financial company that would do this. I just don’t have the energy to find them. I keep thinking that American Express or Citi or even Ameritrade or INGDirect would be perfect.
Perhaps what I need is a partner who can find THIS entity.
Again, thanks so much. Your words mean a ton to me! E
Elisabeth,
You are the bomb! You inspire me with your honesty, perseverance, and humility. I am so excited about the Creative Wealth Chats you have begun with us and I know I have so much more to learn from you. No matter what the next step is on your path I know it has to be teaching grand concepts, ideas, and ideals. We are given, in this life, a gift to share with the world, our soul purpose. I’m keeping my eyes on you to see how many different ways you manifest your soul purpose for all the world to experience. I just love you!
Kathy…thank you for your sweet words. I only know how to be what and who I’m being at the time. No one taught me how to be anyone else. I guess my mom just always accepted me as is which made it fine to just be who I was. That was the first gift I think I ever really experienced.
She (mom) had another expression I loved…’it takes one to know one.’ I say that back to you…ILY2
WOW! That’s a lot to take in for me, who just made my 1st trip to YOUR blog:-) I just gave my 22 yr old sister your address so she can stop by and try to volunteer sometime. She just headed back down there to start her Fall semester and wants something to get her out of her head. My 7&5 yr olds are waiting for me to finish your UA book so we can set up their jars:} I fully agree that this world we live on NEEDS something to empower our childrens beautiful minds with their natural creativity! Their Hi-Tech generation is going to be a force to be reckoned with. I believe that without financial literacy for these young ones, there WILL BE lots of kids who wake up in their 20’s or 30’s and still asking “What’s for Dinner?” It’s a scary thought for us?? We’re raising our kids in a “Both parents have to work” generation. I woke up 3yrs ago at the age of 33 when I read “Rich Dad Poor Dad”. I’ve read every one of their books since and am happy to be able to teach my children what I was never taught. My children are SO EXCITED when we play “CashFlow”. I was really thinking of asking you about Branching out up here in Sacto, CA. It’s ALL about the kids for me. That was one of those 6 thoughts before breakfast one day:-} I’m on my FOCUS plan right now, Follow One Course Until Successful. I’ve been working on my Business of the 21st Century as “Rich Dad” calls it. I’m helping people start online home businesses and changing peoples lives with Great Nutrition. The homelife site above is just one of 3 for me:} I’m doing it though and it’s empowering people and changing lives! It surely is rewarding! One of the best parts is that my children are excited about the people WE are helping! I love it! Thank you for everything! You have no idea what inspiration you bring to others. Happy Thoughts to You. Just FOCUS. Pick something and go for it! You have nothing but Growth Experiences ahead of you, for you and everyone around you. Here’s to Health & Wealth!
DY
Dan, I agree with all of it! Very well said. How about you take The Money Game and branch out for me up in your neck of the woods. I just had one man email saying he taught his first Money Game day to 21 kids (ages 9-17 and 4 adults) in his church and it was awesome. It’s easier to do than the whole Camp Millionaire and the way I have it structured, the monthly program gives you all of the activites eventually anyway. Please do check it out and I’d love to have your sister volunteer. We always have stuff to do here in the office and like I said, I’m not going anywhere until the right person steps up to the plate…and then I’ll continue in a writing capacity. I just need a strong business person to take this thing I’ve birthed to a new level. Thanks so much for taking the time to write and did you get a copy of the ebook I wrote on The Money Jars? If not, yell and I’ll shoot you over a copy on me. E
Hi Elisabeth,
Nicely said and certainly something to think about.
First, I want to thank you for all your work and contribution to financial education. I imagine there will be times when you will share your skills in the area again, and I know the people you’ve taught and trained will reap benefits long into the future.
Kudos for the courage to explore change and deal with the ups and downs, of the what and how (not to mention the when, where and how much). My life has been made up of beginnings and ending and … transitions. They are usually not sharp edges and come with many ups and downs, it is only with the perspective of time that I get a clear picture of why?
I wish you ups, and safe gentle passage to something that excites your passions and talents.
Have Fun,
Jim
Jim, thank you. That was sweet of you to take the time to write. Like I said, I’m not going anywhere real fast. Just need to transition a few things for myself. You can’t NOT teach this stuff once you’ve been steeped in it! And I will always write on it because I love that part! And I’m OK with downs as well. It’s all one big wave as far as I’m concerned. You just have to learn how to ride them gracefully:-)
Hey E, thank you. I’ll definitly check out Money Game. Sounds AWESOME! I’ll also let my little sis know that you’re aware of her too;-] Money Jars e-book??? Pleasepleaseplease send it to me!!!! I’m going to check out those coloring books too. Gotta go! Been laid off for 9weeks and it’s time to start DINNER!!!TTYL
How’s the book? I’m trying to decide whether to sell it or give it away when people buy sets of jars! 🙂
Elisabeth,
I first heard about “Camp Millionaire” about 4 or 5 years ago and have been following you and the program ever since. I bought the Ultimate Allowance Workbook for my kids. You have sent me e-mails a couple of times asking me if I have put the program into practice and how it’s going and I STILL haven’t back to you – it’s always in the back of my mind and on my very long “to do” list…I have put it into practice; I’ll send you an e-mail concerning that tomorrow…
I live in Florida and I have always wanted to take your program and put it into practice in local schools and things like Scout Troops, etc. Unfortunately I work part-time, my husband travels a lot for work, and my kids are still relatively young, so trying to fit something new into the schedule is a challenge to say the least.
I agree with you about trying to do something legislatively. If anyone went to the state of Florida and tried to mandate something else in schools they would get laughed out of here. There is no money (well, there is, it’s just been wasted) and there are already too many mandates…
Why don’t you consider franchising? If you franchise then your franchisees can sell the program to local schools, hire and train the teachers, etc, etc. The program could take the shape of an after-school enrichment and also continue to be a summer camp. As it is there are franchises that specialize in one academic area, Mad Science is one that I can think of, and they do after-school enrichments, summer camps, work at “Family Science Night” and go to local pre-schools during the day.
There are other financial education websites and programs out there, but apparently nobody thinks there is enough of an ROI on education to take it on as part of their business. They are also in “hunker-down” mode right now with the economy.
If you franchised, you could still control the content and method of delivery and you would still be spreading the message. You could work on the creative part of it in the background..
Also, you could probably find ambitious, passionate people that would be more willing to take the plunge into a venture like this if they knew they had the support structure in place…
It’s something to ponder and I’m sure that with your vast network of contacts you could find someone that could help you with franchising…
I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do.
Chris
Hi Chris…thanks so much. I will always find it utterly amazing why money isn’t taught in school. It boggles every cell in my being.
We do license the program already and I have no desire really to become a franchise. It’s just too big for me. The Money Game is going to be the answer to what we’ve been trying to accomplish though so stay tuned. THIS you could easily bring to Florida!
Hello Elizabeth,
Yes, the “financial literacy thing” is more than a “good thing,” it is a greatly needed thing. Having spent 22 years in banking in SB, all I can say is how much it is needed by youth and many adults. I had a fantastic class in high school called “The Nitty Gritty Life Class.” I use things from that class much more in everyday life, than anything from any advanced math class I took. We learned life skills such as basic sewing & cooking skills, basic home repairs, how to change a tire, (which I am proud to say, I have done more than once!) and how to keep track of our money and balance a checkbook. Unfortunately, it was considered a “fluff” class & wasn’t offered long. I can’t tell you how many college students have ended up at my desk without a clue as to how they were $200 or more overdrawn!
Having been laid off twice from banking, I am looking for a new career road, but one of my favorite things in banking was educating my customers.
In regards to the sitting in front of a computer and your current need to “move again and to move again soon,” I am the same age so I know what you are saying! With that in mind I am looking into teaching a class based on ballet exercises but gentler, for those of us “no longer in our 20’s.” Should this be someting you are interested in exploring, please, do let me know. I too am going through a metamorphosis with this second lay-off. It is the opportunity for change that I need.
All the best to you on your new road.
Diana…thanks so much for taking the time to respond to my cocooning…I agree…educating is my favorite thing!
Miss Elisabeth,
You are an amazing gift to the world of financial literacy. You have caused me to change my life in so many ways, one is being a better teacher while using the accelerated teaching techniques I learned from you. Thank you. Another big contribution I’ve received is being able to teach high schoolers about money management in a fun and interactive way. The Money Game has been easy to do because of all the hard work you have done. The way in which you have created this tool deserves it “to go platinum” and beyond if it were an album. The company that buys it will definetely profit many time over. I wish you continued daydreaming + energy so you can continue to have success at creating. Great minds like yours deserve many kisses (I’m kissing your brain right now and forever.) Change is the only constant in life. May you find the change you seek and godspeed on the journey. I will continue to teach Camp Millionaire/Money Game as long as I can to whomever will receive this knowledge. Thank you a “million” times or as we say in Spanish “Un millon de gracias.”
Lola, I am touched by your words. Thank you so much. So many emails and letters. I am honored. I’ll email you separately about our first 1 day Money Game Certification day Oct. 23rd because I want you to help me with this! E