You’ve built success through sacrifice. But when you’re so worn out that you have nothing left to give those who matter most, what life is that really?
Thriving Business - At What Cost?
Business owners are some of the most passionate, driven people you’ll ever meet. You’ve worked tirelessly to build something meaningful, often at the expense of time, energy, and family moments. Those sacrifices deserve respect. But here’s the question every business owner should ask:
When you’re so worn out that you have nothing left to give those who matter most, what life is that really?
I ask myself this often as a business owner and a mother. Do I attend that conference that takes me away for two weeks? Or do I pause and reflect on why I started this journey in the first place? These decisions aren’t easy, but they’re essential.
What Is an Intentional Legacy?
An intentional legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind, it’s about how you live today. It means aligning your business, your wealth, and your life with the values that matter most. It can answers questions like:
o What do I want to be remembered for?
o Am I living in alignment with my values or just chasing the next dollar?
o How do my financial decisions support the life I want now and in the future?
Why It Matters for Business Owners
Owning a business can come with unique challenges:
o Sacrifices and trade-offs: Long hours, missed family time, constant decisions.
o Alignment gaps: You value family, but work 90 hours a week. How are you really showing up at home?
o Financial complexity: Business expenses can mask true cash flow needs, and selling a business often creates a windfall that requires careful planning.
Without intentional planning, these challenges can lead to regrets later. Successful business owners eventually reach a point where the next marginal dollar doesn’t add meaning, unless it’s tied to purpose.
The Risks of “Unintentional” Planning
What happens if you get hit by a truck? One client’s spouse asked repeatedly: “What happens to the business if something happens to you?” Without a contingency plan, families can be left scrambling, missing the chance to grieve while trying to manage financial chaos.
Other risks include:
o Succession gaps: No clear Plan B for family or business continuity.
o Tax strategy misses: Each year can offer unique opportunities and you don’t leave money on the table.
o Exit planning mistakes: Selling a business for $12M sounds great until you realize most of that wealth was locked in the business and you have no strategy for what’s next.
Our Approach: Values First, Strategy Second
We start by helping you identify your top values through guided exercises. Then we:
1. Pause and reflect: Why do you work? What’s the purpose?
2. Check alignment: Where are the gaps between your values and your reality?
3. Plan intentionally: Align financial decisions with what matters most.
This process isn’t just financial, it’s deeply personal. It’s about making sure your wealth creates impact and meaning, not just numbers on a statement.
Beyond Investments: Coaching for Life
Many clients are surprised to learn we offer more than investment management strategies. Our practice dives deeper into behavioral finance, life event triggers, and advising . Think of us like a personal trainer: having the facts doesn’t equal having guidance. This advising aspect will help grow in importance over the next decade.
Ready to start building your intentional legacy? Let’s explore how your business, your wealth, and your values can work together to create the future you want for yourself, your family, and your community. Schedule your Intentional Legacy Session today.
Schedule your Intentional Legacy Session today.Ready to learn more? Get started by
requesting a complimentary initial consultation whenever it’s convenient for you.
Read more articles by Morgan Nichols