The Brutal Truth That Saved My Family: Presence Over Productivity

Have you ever had your spouse or significant other tell you a truth so eye-opening that it was hard to admit how much it helped you in that moment?

I'll never forget the end of one summer when my oldest son, around 10 years old at the time, said something that shook me: "You're never around."

This was after a summer packed with vacations and fun. I was floored because, in addition to the trips, I:

• Drove him to and from school during working hours

• Ate dinner with him every night

• Attended all his extracurricular activities

Despite all this, he couldn't see the sacrifices I was making. I was frustrated and hurt. I went to my wife, venting about how unfair his comment felt.

Her response took me from upset to downright furious. Without hesitation, she said, "He's right. You're not around."

I couldn't believe it. "What do you mean I'm not around?" I demanded.

Her answer turned my world upside down.

She explained, "You're physically present, but mentally, you're only focused on your business."

It hit me like a ton of bricks. I reflected on her words and realized:

• I often answered business calls in the middle of conversations with my son

• I checked emails at the dinner table and constantly talked about my business

• At his events, I was more focused on networking than being there for him

My son was right. I wasn't truly present.

I thought I was doing everything right, but in reality, I was failing miserably.

Can you relate?

The Moment That Changed Everything

That brutally honest feedback saved my family because, had it continued, I would've completely alienated the very people I was working so hard for—my wife and kids.

We entrepreneurs pride ourselves on our hustle, our dedication, and our ability to multitask. But what I've learned is that multitasking is often just doing multiple things poorly at once.

The truth is, when I was with my family but thinking about work, I wasn't giving either my full attention. I was shortchanging both.

This realization didn't change things overnight. It's a struggle I still work on every day, but it's made me a better leader at home and in my business.

From Owning a Job to Running a Business

The key transformation came when I stopped owning a job and started actually running a business. What's the difference?

When you own a job, your business consumes you. Every decision requires your input. Every problem needs your solution. Your mind never leaves work because without you, everything would fall apart.

Running a business means creating systems that allow the operation to function smoothly even when you're not physically present. I achieved this through:

1. Documentation: Creating clear processes for every aspect of my business

2. Delegation: Building a team I could trust and empowering them to make decisions

3. Automation: Implementing technology to handle repetitive tasks

These changes didn't just free up my time; they freed my mind.

The Payoff of True Presence

The first vacation after making these changes was revelatory. For the first time, I wasn't checking my phone every five minutes or stepping away for "quick calls." I was fully there, building sandcastles with my kids, having real conversations with my wife, and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

The irony? My business actually performed better during my absence than it had when I was micromanaging every detail. My team felt empowered, processes ran smoothly, and clients were happier with the consistent service.

At home, the change was even more profound. My son started seeking me out for advice. My wife and I reconnected on a deeper level. The tension that had been building without my awareness began to dissolve.

Your Turn to Break Free

At Digital Business Growth, our mission is to help entrepreneurs like you break free from the mental burden of bringing your business into family time—or worse, on vacation.

If you've ever struggled to:

• Detach yourself from your phone at home

• Prioritize family conversations over business calls and emails

• Be mentally present during vacations

I want you to know that there's a better way.

My goal is simple: to help you be fully present with your loved ones while feeling confident your business will flourish, even in your absence.

The truth my son and wife showed me wasn't easy to hear, but it was exactly what I needed. Sometimes the hardest feedback to receive is the feedback that changes everything.

Here's to thriving at home and in business!

To Your Success,
Marvin
Founder/Chief Executive Officer
Digital Business Growth | DigitalBusinessGrowth.com