What Does Success Look Like w/ Entrepreneur Chris Flugstad

Old Fashion Dad Podcast

This week we are joined by an old friend of Christian H.'s, who is a successful entrepreneur who shares part of his story with us, full of ups and downs, as we discuss what it means to be "successful" in business/work, as men and followers of Christ.

NOTES:

• This Weeks Whiskey:
• • Japanese: The Kurayoshi Malt Whiskey (12 year)
  • Scotch: Bruichladdich - The Classic Laddie Scottish Barley (unpeated Islay single malt scotch whisky)
  • American: Old Grand-dad 114 (Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey)
• This Weeks Cigars: MyCigarPack.com + Padrone 7,000
• Show Notes:
• • Guest: Chris Flugstad - https://www.facebook.com/topher.flugstad
  • Chris "retired" at 37, after selling off his business, becoming a 15 year "overnight success".
  • He was told he had to go to college, get a job and after he retired, he could try one of his ideas... but he ignored that advise and took the risk and it paid off.
  • Is success just limited to how much money you make.
  • As Christian's, we should be focused on working and creating to make the world a better place, not just focused on making lots of money.
  • • Follow through on your commitments
    • Take care of your employees and always make payroll
    • There success was changing the expectations of the consumer
  • Start with Why book by Simon Symek
  • • Chris was working out of his "why" before he even consciously knew what it was & many entrepreneurs are driven by their why / vision, not by becoming rich.
  • Christian B.'s entrepreneurial vision was to start his own Christian counseling practice (not just "Biblical Counseling" or Counseling with Christian convictions not impacting the counseling).
  • God lays out a foundational standard for "success" for us in loving our family well, loving those around us well and being receptive to His specific calling to us individually... whether making minimum wage and just getting by or being a millionaire... if we are reliant on God and obeying him, that is success and will make an impact on those God has put in our lives.
  • When we receive criticism in life, it's only those "below us" who are jealous of what we are doing or don't get it... it's never those who have more "success" above us trying to tear us down.
  • Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work hartely, as for the Lord"
  • 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "... so whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God"
  • Most people will only have a local influence in their life (with our family and neighbors) and won't be a massive "influencer" on the world stage... and both are equally valuable and significant, if it's the calling God is calling us too. We are called to be faithful to God.
  • We can always "do more" in life but we are only responsible for what God calls us to. If we do more than God calls us to and burn out or neglect our family and other priorities, that is not bringing glory to God because we aren't being obedient... even if God still uses it.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "Give thanks to God in all your circumstances, for it is the will of God through Christ Jesus for you"
  • The products and services we create and deliver, will never change hearts... but the WAY we conduct our business, work and personal relationships in the midst of doing our work can make the larger impact that God is calling us to.
  • Envy (wanting what others have) is a joy killer and why God made it one of the 10 commandments. God has given me a journey and story and I while other's stories can be inspiring... we shouldn't try to emulate and strive for what they have, especially if it isn't what God's calling is for us. Contrast this with our current cultural time, where we are encouraged to want what others have (entitlement to other peoples stuff, socialist tendencies for "free stuff" and demonizing people who have more than us / "the rich").
  • • Everything belongs to God and we are simply stewards of what He has entrusted to us. He is generous to us... SO THAT we can be generous to others.
  • Having financial success is not evil... just like being poor is not evil, or a virtual in and of itself. The heart behind why you live your life, if you are following God's calling on your life and living your life the way He that glorifies Himself and blesses others.
  • What we spend our money on, is a good indicator about what is most important to you (we spend money on the things we care most about)
  • Most of us don't think about ourselves as being "rich"... and so most of us define someone being "wealthy" as those who have more money than me, which is an ever-changing, never-arriving mindset.

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