i'm so glad you've received great feedback from my audio comment. had i known you would air the WHOLE THING, i might have better prepared, but it think it's a good example of just hitting record and letting it roll, i think you're starting to rub off on me.

i'm really thrilled for you and for the outreach of the community and promise to spend more time in the gspn.tv community, you have a lot of support cliff!

Can't believe it took this long to realize it.

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Looking forward to hearing more about this in future episodes and to seeing how this evolves your business and life!

I can understand why you wouldn't be able to sleep after hearing David's call. I pray a few times a week, that God will continue to bless your Ministry through your business.

Thanks for sharing this late-night podcast episode of PABL.

Good point on the perspective of where my responsibility ends. I do desire to see people make use of the services they pay for. But you make a very good point!

Does an exercise equipment company lose sleep when hundreds of customers buy their treadmills and elipticals, only to let them sit in their closet gathering dust? Probably not. They, like you, run a business. Your responsibility ends once you've delivered the product/service. So you shouldn't feel bad that he hasn't done anything with all the help you've given him. I can understand why you'd be a little disappointed though. And yeah, his e-mail response was completely out of line.

I am glad that it helped to inspire you!

Cliff

that comment “WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!” was freaking hilarious!

Best PABL episode ever! You mentioned sooooo many things that I struggle with too and had the exact same experience with nearly every problem you had. But, just like you I too am not going to let myself fail and actually pick things up exactly where I left them and will get back on track loosing weight, walking for an hour or more and count those cal. again.

See you on the other side my friend!

This is in response to your blog comment

You said that it would be nice to here an episode where I would share some of the lows of starting out. As you can see, the episode you just listened to is episode 425 of Pursuing A Balanced Life. With the number of episodes that have been released, you might imagine that I’ve SHARED A LOT of my experience in the step by step process of doing this new career.

I’ve made an effort to not only share the “good times’ but ALSO THE BAD! There have been MANY episodes where I shared my struggles with getting this business off the ground.

In fact, I just looked in the archives and I easily found an episode titled “When Doubt Sets In.” This episode was only released to our gspn.tv Plus Members, but I’m providing the link to this episode here for you. Simply right-click the link below and save it to your computer.

http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-52775/TS-49675.mp3

And trust me, there are many more episodes that I have recorded that share the struggles I went through starting this business. In fact, I’m certain that there are at least two episodes that I broke down into tears in while recording.

(Please note: The episode linked above was recorded in 2008. Back then my rates were $50 per hour. As of November 1st, 2009, my rates are $150 per hour.

I know what you feel about trying to do too much up front. I’ve been there.

I know what you mean by feeling rather discouraged… I’ve been there! In fact, there were nights that I was so overcome with anxiety that I thought I was having a heart attack.

Feeling Burnt Out? Yep.. I’ve done that as well. When I first started this… I was working 12 to 18 hours a day, seven days a week. It was CRAZY!

But over time, I decided to lean on my faith and eventually came to the point where I decided to not work on Sundays anymore. When I did that, I actually became even more productive.

Realizing that you are doing things in the business that you don’t like to do? OH YEAH!!! For me, it’s accounting! Keeping track of Quarterly tax deposits, payroll, invoicing clients, etc, etc, etc… I can’t begin to tell you how many things I had to learn and didn’t have the best of teachers to help me! There were many frustrating things that I had to endure in the learning process.

I know what you mean that it makes sense to delegate many things to people who are skilled and do those things better but not being able to afford it at this time and taking it on yourself. I WAS THERE! In fact, there are still SEVERAL THINGS that I’m doing that I really need to hire someone else to do. I’m a control freak! And while things are looking good financially right now, it’s not at the point where I can afford to hire the help I need yet.

Yes indeed. I did a LOT of episodes of http://AlmostDailyDevotional.com where I share what God was teaching me through this process.

You asked a few questions…..

You wrote.. “I You nailed what you need to do this on the head. Can what you lack be learned?”

I believe that you must have a natural raw talent for what it is that the focus of your business is. You can grow in that area, but there should be raw talent there. In any area that is not directly a part of your area of focus, you can either learn the skills or hire someone to carry out those things.

I hired a CPA even before I could afford it. But I couldn’t do my business without his service. So there were many months that I paid him but didn’t pay myself.

You asked “Will it be worth it?”
That’s something that you have to answer for yourself. With my wife and I, we decided that even if we lost our home, it would be worth it. We knew that I NEEDED to do what I’m doing today. We were willing to sacrifice anything short of our faith, our marriage, and our children’s health and wellness. Outside of that, we would deal with any other circumstances that came our way.

When do you know that it’s time to call it quits?
Another question that depends on the individual. Again, for my wife and I, we were willing to give up A LOT to make this happen. I was COMPLETELY SOLD OUT to the idea that I HAD TO MAKE THIS WORK.

However, if things are not moving then it may be time to turn to some friends and wise business people for advice.

Is it worth going into debt to make it happen?
My personal answer is no debt. Now my first year of doing business, I had to actually withdraw $14,000.00 to pay myself for a few months in 2008. It actually COST ME MONEY to do business that first year. This wasn’t “debt.” I actually decided that I’d rather pay 20 to 25 percent in penalties and taxes to take the money from my pension rather than borrow money from a bank.

I do believe that business debt is slightly different than business debt. But I have strong personal convictions about ANY DEBT.

You wrote… “What do you do when you doubt the calling? ”
This is something I’ve NEVER DEALT WITH.. I doubted whether or not we were going to be able to put food on the table. I had never experienced more financial difficulties than I had after launching my business. But I NEVER doubted if this was what I was CALLED to do with my life. That certainty is what got us through all the difficult times.

You wrote… “Those are some of the topics you should dig deeper in with this.”
As I said, there are well over 400 episodes of this podcast available to our Plus Members. These episodes cover EVERY SINGLE STEP in my journey, even back to 2006 when I was podcasting as a hobby. All the questions you pose, all the thoughts you mentioned… All of that AND SO MUCH MORE have been covered in this podcast.

Have a listen to that episode I linked above and you’ll get a feel for the type of stuff I’ve shared…

I’ll be praying for you and Mike. Thank you so much for listening and I look forward to seeing you succeed in what God has planned for you!

In Christ,

Cliff

Good stuff. It would be nice to hear one on the lows of starting out. You really don’t hear people talking about the negatives, and the pain, stress and lack of income when you first start out. You really only hear about the highs and the positives. I realize you want to share the positives, and stay connected to positive people…BUT…for those of us that start to wonder if we made a mistake…it is good to hear from those who have made it, and to intimately share some of the struggles they went through up front.

We have been working at this business for a few months…probably trying to do too much up front. So, we feel rather discouraged, and burnt out.

But…on the same side, I know this is what we love to do, and want to make it work in my heart. Would like to see some money coming in.

You mention anxiety attacks…yup…having them! We are realizing I am doing things in this business start up that I don’t like to do…not my strengths or passion. But not able to pay someone to do some of the necessary up front tasks, we have to do them ourselves now.
I do see that I worry too much…and try to take control of things…so I have to give it to God and trust Him. It is a process.

Okay, I’m rambling…sorry.

You nailed what you need to do this on the head. Can what you lack be learned? Will it be worth it? When do you know that it’s time to call it quits? Is it worth going into debt to make it happen? What do you do when you doubt the calling? Those are some of the topics you should dig deeper in with this.

Good stuff though. Right on. Thanks for the encouragement…we will keep on keeping on.

Currently at work some of the guys decided to do a biggest loser like challenge between last week and the end of the year. I figured it was time and have set my weight loss goal at 20 pounds by the end of the year. I know this is a tough goal, but I am really tired of feeling ashamed of pictures of myself on Facebook. (Everyone threw in 25 bucks and the winner takes home like $500 too so that’s some pretty good motivation as well)

I wanted to thank you for the comment on the Pursuing A Balanced Life site. I agree, living simply is a process indeed. My wife and I did a series a while back called “De-cluttering Your Heart and Home” on our Family From The Heart Podcast. We could not agree with you more!

Thanks again for the comment and I hope to see you around online!

Cliff

I think that it is important for people to remember that it is a gradual changing of habits that allows one to live simply. If the underlaying reasons why we accumulated and desired many possessions and large houses is not addressed then there can be no enjoyment or sustained happiness in living a more simplified life – it may seem like a hardship instead of a conscious choice

Simple lives are more joyous and less stressful.

And Jenn, you should definitely take photos of your journey! TRUST ME!!!

Great Work !

I have to totally agree here that Cliff is an amazing guy, interesting, lovely, trustworthy… Cliff, you are amazing and although I am not a man of religion, I think you have been blessed beyond words my friend!

So 418 x 40 = 16,720 Minutes or about 279 Hours. If one were to listen back to back, non-stop, without sleep, they could listen to all episodes in just under 12 full days.

LOL

Cliff

You did high on some of the ones that I’m also listening to.

Cliff

I think you meant “Managing the Gray” instead of “Managing the Gay”.

Thanks again!

You’re almost there!

I haven’t told anyone how much my credit cards balance were, but let’s just say I could have bought a new Honda Civic for that amount.

you’ve inspired me to ask the question “Why am I here?” of myself more often.

Congratulations on living a more balanced life… and tipping a lighter “Balance” on the scale of body weight. Keep up the good work!

best,

-Gordon

I too hate the word diet, other than as a technical term to mean “what food you eat”. If I were to say “so and so is ‘dieting’” I would mean they are CHANGING THEIR DIET. We are all eating food, so we are all “dieting” at all times! I would rather refer to any changes in the food I eat as changes in my diet – the food I eat, and the manner I eat it.

Ultimately the cheat day thing is stupid, because you may excuse tons of things in one day, that can ruin any progress you have made the entire rest of the week! It’s better to manage your calories like a budget, and know when you have discretionary (money) calories to spend a little extra here and there.

However, I do think to some degree that it is human nature to want something we don’t have, especially if it’s something we have had access previously – in this case, certain types of food.

I’m sure almost everyone has at one time been hungry and made many trips to the fridge in hope that the food we want to eat will miraculously appear, even though we know it won’t. So why do we keep going back and opening that door? If the food we were after was in the fridge, chances are it would sit there for a week before we gave it a second glance and consider eating it.

So for me, what it really comes down to is the MIND, and our willpower. The body can go on if it doesn’t have that Big Mac or block of chocolate, it’s your mind that is dreaming of eating those things. For someone on a “diet” which is strict and not allowing anything “bad”, those that have a stronger willpower can resist eating the “bad” foods and stick to eating healthy all the time, where as the rest don’t have the strength to say “no” and fall off the wagon eventually, because all the mind can think about is eating the “bad” foods.

Having said all that, you have the right idea about it Cliff. If you want to have some (chocolate, chips, icecream, insert food item here) on occasion, then have it. Of course being sensible about how often this happens and the amount you consume is a given.

With the rest of your food choices being much more healthy than previously, you will probably find you will start to not enjoy the taste of these “bad” foods as much, so a few bites will satisfy you. Once again, it’s down to the mind – it may remember things tasting good, so that’s why you wanted it in the first place, but your body and it’s changed palette will show that the certain food isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

i agree with you, cliff. “cheat” days are not a good option – it’s important to structure a lifestyle choice where “cheating” is not an issue!

BTW, my parents became vegetarians many years ago, which I thought was a drastic move, especially for my dad. As it turns out, they are in better health than many people their age, and they don’t regret that choice. I’m not saying it’s right for everyone, especially since I am not a vegetarian myself, but they have taught me about healthy food choices and I am making them more often.

Thanks for writing about a topic that is at the top of my mind (obviously), and even more so with vacation coming up next week! Keep up the great work.

It’s an honor to be invited in to hear your inner-workings and how you got to the place you are today…and the ponderings of where you’re headed. You absolutely do encourage others through Cliff–I mean, CHRIST

I appreciate your transparency and your humble and generous nature and am thrilled to be virtually walking along your & Stephanie’s path. You two make a wonderful team and offer great models for others who desire more, but just need to take that leap of faith. Yes, we all need to do the due diligence before jumping, but I just love that you took the risk and that it’s working in your favor.

God bless you for putting your before/after photo up…what a way to hold one’s self accountable. I ain’t there yet , but am impressed with the strides you’ve taken and the results you’re achieving.

You, GO, Cliff!!

You and Steph have been a subtle source of “if they can do it I can do it” and I am grateful you’ve lived this out loud.

Something special has happened in your life in the past month, which has propelled you from 3rd gear to 4th gear!

Congratulations on getting being as balanced in all areas in life that you already are, and I wish you continued success in achieving an even better balance.

The rebranding of MCL to Pursuing A Balanced Life podcast, and the #PABL hashtag use on Twitter, all help round it all out!

I think I know WHY I’m here, and am working towards those things in business, family, Worship and Church involvement, and so forth. However, I am still working on the HOW to achieve it. Stay tuned….

Have a blessed week Cliff!

Wayne Henderson
MediaVoiceOvers.com

I can totally understand what you mean and I have to admit I really envy your life right now.

You not only have what I always wanted, like a family and podcasting successfully, but you have a lovely wife who supports you, healthy kids and have time to enjoy your life with them when ever you want.

Sure http://GSPN.tv is your business , but its also something I always wanted ever since I saw Leo start his TWIT network in 2004.

All I can say is hats off to you, and hope you can live your life like this for a very long time my friend!

with respect,
-Lee Andrew

CGI & SFX Artist / Network Admin / Sound Designer / Podcaster

Email: lee@leeandrew.eu
Follow Me On Twitter: http://twitter.com/leeandrew
My Personal Blog: http://leeandrew.eu
Skype: lee.andrew

Thanks for the comment. I do plan on incorporating all the things you mentioned. One step at a time… (no pun intended)…

Are you taking your measurements as well? You may find after a while the weight loss isn’t as dramatic but you may still be loosing inches.

I know you are just starting out again but I suggest once you have lost a bit more that you should do some weights or resistance work. You don’t have to go pump iron and become a muscle man or anything but increasing muscle mass can aid in weightloss.

Even simple exercises such as lunges, squats, dips, pushups, situps can help and don’t even require any equipment.

You don’t want to become ’skinny’ fat – where you are in a healthy weight range but when you look at the muscle/fat ratio your body has a high proportion of fat, which isn’t good for you (despite being ’skinny’ and appear to be healthy).

I’ve been thinking about this change towards pursing a balanced life, and there is another word that describes this too, wisdom. In the Bible, wisdom is so much more than knowledge. It’s the know-how about how to do life in God’s world. I think that’s exactly what you’re doing. And the promises are many about blessings for those who seek wisdom.
I know you know the first two verses here, but savor what comes after:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones. (proverbs 3:5-8, ESV)

Actually, all of chapter 3 is filled with promises about wisdom. And thank you for teaching me and the others in our community.

God bless,
Amanda

I think this is a good thing.

I will continue to use #PABL in any Twitter post I make that’s related to:
* My goals of better diet and exercise.
* My hopes of getting more rest and relaxation.
* And things that come up that may related to being more “balanced”.

Thanks again for all that you do Cliff. I really feel that the Pursuing A Balanced Life podcast, #PABL hashtag, and the overall concept, will all help to inspire me to be more balanced myself. In addition, if the #PABL Twitter hashtag really catches on with the GSPN.tv Community, we can all inspire each other!

I am british, but was born in Germany and will be moving back there pretty soon due to job offers.

Just want to say I am ever so grateful for the podcasts you produce and just want to say, keep up the great work!

Please keep me updated… Things got crazy and I’ve not yet called the doctor yet. I’m anxious to hear what you learn… Please keep me posted.

Cliff

i hope your visit at the doc’s goes well, and i’ll pray for you re: the needle thing!
-k

I’m glad to hear about your weight loss!

Thanks for the encouragement!

Cliff

You’re absolutely right that you should heed the warning signs of diabetes. The good news is that many people see those symptoms disappear once they get to a healthier weight. Keep up the good work!

Take your time getting back into things. I am sure that everyone that matters will agree that your health is most important.