In the hustle and grind of real estate investing, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of profits, flipping houses, and managing rental properties. But if we’re not careful, we may forget about the most important asset we have: family.
This week, on the Grab the Map podcast, John Crutchfield took a moment to remind us of the importance of balancing work and family, especially for those of us in the demanding world of real estate. And who better to help drive that point home than his son, JC?
John sat down with JC to discuss not only his future ambitions but also the valuable life lessons he’s already picking up from his dad’s journey. The conversation was filled with wisdom and a little bit of fun (thanks to JC’s love of Madden video games!). Here’s what we can all learn from their chat about family, business, and the lessons we pass down to the next generation.
Hopes and Dreams: Setting Big Goals
JC may still be a young man, but he’s already dreaming big. His goal? To play in the NFL. When John asked him about his plans to make that dream a reality, JC admitted he didn’t have a detailed plan yet—but he’s taking action. He practices, he studies animals (another passion of his), and he’s already thinking about what it will take to get to the next level.
This moment was a reminder that it’s never too early to set goals. Whether you’re dreaming of playing professional football or building a real estate empire, it all starts with believing in yourself and taking small steps every day to work towards those big dreams.
Spare Time: Making the Most of Every Moment
We all know how busy life can get, especially when you’re juggling a career, family, and other commitments. JC’s daily routine might look a little different from most adults—his schedule includes waking up, brushing his teeth, playing Madden, and even tossing the football around with his dad. But the key takeaway here is the value of spare time.
John encourages JC to make the most of those moments by using his free time not just for fun but also for activities that will get him closer to his goals. Whether it’s spending more time practicing football, researching his favorite animals, or working on his business ideas (like starting a zoo!), every minute counts. It’s about using time wisely to create a future you want to build.
Business Lessons: Assets vs. Liabilities
One of the most valuable lessons John has taught JC is the difference between assets and liabilities. According to JC, assets are things you buy that make you money, while liabilities are fun things that don’t. It’s a simple yet powerful concept. John explains that we need assets to fund our liabilities—like cool cars or a boat for fishing.
But here’s the real gem: you can’t just buy things for fun and hope for the best. To have the life you want, you need to make sure your assets (like rental properties or investments) are working for you. Use them to generate the income you need to pay for the things that bring you joy, like a trip to the zoo or a new Madden game.
The Family Connection: Teaching the Next Generation
The underlying theme of this podcast episode is that family matters. As John puts it, he doesn’t want to build a business empire only to have no one to pass it on to. It’s not just about leaving a financial legacy; it’s about passing down knowledge, values, and life lessons.
For John, that means teaching JC about real estate, business, and the importance of financial freedom. But it’s also about spending time together, learning together, and supporting each other’s dreams. JC’s goal of owning a zoo, practicing football, and even learning about the business side of life is proof that he’s already learning the ropes.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Forget What Matters
In the end, the most important thing we can take away from this conversation is the importance of family. As we chase our business dreams and work towards financial freedom, let’s not forget the people who matter most. Take the time to teach your kids, share your dreams, and most importantly, enjoy the moments you have together.
As John says, “We don’t just look at it; we grab the map.” And with family by our side, we can grab hold of all our dreams, both in business and in life.
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