Measuring the Real Cost

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W11 Blog Post: This week in BUS110, the focus was on “measuring the cost” not just the obvious financial costs, but the emotional, relational, and even spiritual ones that come with the choices we make as entrepreneurs and future business owners. One thing that stuck with me from the mini-case assignment was how often we’re put in situations where both options have a cost. Sometimes it’s not a matter of right or wrong, but deciding which sacrifice we’re willing to live with.

 

That idea really hit me as I thought about balancing business with family life. In one of the cases, the entrepreneur had to choose between being at his daughter’s dance recital or closing a big deal with a client. That’s the kind of decision that’s not just about money, it’s about values, priorities, and what kind of life you’re building. I know in my own life, time with my family is something I can’t get back once it’s gone. It made me ask myself, “What kind of entrepreneur do I want to be, and what will I consider a cost too high?”

 

Stephen Gibson’s talk Attitude on Money added a powerful layer to that. He talked about how we all see money through filters shaped by our upbringing, experiences, and beliefs. I realized my own filters around money have shifted a lot over the years. I used to think not talking about money meant I was being humble. But now I see that avoiding financial conversations can actually keep us from becoming self-reliant and even from helping others.

 

One quote from Brother Gibson that stuck with me was about how money reveals the kind of person you are. That’s a little humbling. It reminded me that money itself isn’t good or bad, it’s just a tool. What matters is what we do with it. Whether it’s helping someone in need like the Good Samaritan or funding education programs like the Academy for Creating Enterprise, money has the potential to be a powerful force for good if we’re intentional about how we use it.

 

This week reminded me that being financially successful isn’t just about earning more. It’s about knowing what really matters to me and being wise with the resources I’ve been given. The real cost of anything, whether it’s a job, a business decision, or even just swiping a credit card isn’t always written on a receipt. It shows up in how we spend our time, how we treat people, and whether we stay true to the kind of life we’re trying to build.

 

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