BET ON YOURSELF BY ROSLYN ROZBRUCH (FOOD FOR THOUGHT)
Are you a person who likes to gamble? Do you like Las Vegas and have a favorite game you like to bet on? Personally, I don’t like to gamble. I feel a physical discomfort putting money in a slot machine or down on a table. But over five years ago, Michael and I bet the house on us. We literally bet our house on us. For the record, I have no judgment for those who like gambling. I like to play mahjong, although bets are a quarter. For Michael, when he walks through a casino, he feels the “pull” to play poker and blackjack. He even joked when we sold our house that we should take the money from it and go to Vegas and wager a large sum on the roulette wheel saying, “Maybe we could double our money!” But I had a different idea. I wanted to bet on Michael and me, and that’s what we did. When we initially launched Roz Strategies over six years ago, even though Michael had over 16 years in tax resolution and helping others who owed the IRS, he didn’t have the experience of helping practitioners have successful businesses. For a couple of years, the idea swirled in his brain, and he shared it with me. It was like a shadow — he could see it, but it wasn’t a definite vision. I think we’ve all been in the position of wanting to do something but not willing to gamble on the idea that you want to pursue. Let’s face it, not every dream should be pursued. Then again, some risks are worth taking. Without going into all the details, because that’s another story, it was time for Michael to leave his company that he built from scratch. I kept telling Michael, “Let’s do it, let’s pursue your dream. We can sell our house and start all over! I’ll be your business partner. Won’t that be fun?” Michael did not think that was a fun idea at the time. I don’t know why, but for some reason, selling our home and starting over from scratch was empowering to me. Maybe it was partly because I believed so much in what Michael’s vision was, albeit a little vague. We had the money to start over, but there would be a risk. But isn’t everything a risk? Even not making a decision is a decision. And even though we were taking a risk, I’m still a sensible gal, so I put away enough money for another home when the time came to buy again. I knew I wanted to own a home again one day, but to have our kids grown and out of the house, not have the upkeep of a house, and focus 100% on our company was freeing
Michael and Roslyn in front of their new house.
for me. Until the pandemic hit, and California went into lockdown in March 2020, Michael and I traveled all over the country two to three times a month either learning from seminars, conferences, mastermind groups, or Michael speaking at his or other people’s events. The past six years have been a lot of work, time, and energy but also the best years of our life. What an adventure we’ve had! We’ve learned so much and met so many wonderful people along the way, including many of you reading this column! And even though Michael was hesitant to sell the house and gamble on us, he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him. And best of all, a few months ago, we finally bought our dream house and are homeowners again.
So, my question to you is this: What do you want to bet on for yourself? I’m not telling you to sell your home and start over, but I’m telling you to have faith in yourself and your dreams. Invest and bet on yourself because you’re worth the gamble to a better life, whatever that vision is. –Roslyn Rozbruch
2 • www.rozstrategies.com
888.670.0303 • 3
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs