When bad things happen, Dale Partridge no longer questions them. Instead, he thinks: "What will I learn from this moment?"

After numerous pivots, failures and unmanageable businesses growth early in his career, Dale began "to hold less tight to things. I'm more open-handed because of these moments."  

At one point his business was so successful, he couldn't grow fast enough to sustain it. On the outside he was successful and everyone was cheering him on. On the inside, he and his wife were experiencing panic attacks and a failing marriage. They knew they needed a change. 

He was asked to step down - and he now sees it is the best thing that could have happened. He and his wife moved from city life in California to a farm in Oregon. They've healed their marriage, grown their family and Dale has re-established a thriving, sustainable business.

You will get so much from the vulnerability with which Dales shares about his personal, professional and faith walk. My main take aways:

• Sometimes, a company can grow faster than people can.
• You can tell someone's priorities by how they spend their time and money.
• 'Normal' & 'common' aren't the same. It's common to: Work 60 hours, have mediocre marriages and relationships with kids & eventually get a divorce because of these things. But it's not normal.
• Act with honor. We need more people who can say "follow my example."
• We look at division as a bad thing. Bringing people back to the truth is never bad.
• We're all leaders at some level. It's okay to not be a massive leader, to be a follower and embrace who you were made to be.
• Respect doesn't come from the job you have or the money you make it comes from the family and the life you build.
• Don't be so concerned with a house, a dream, that career. Focus on health, getting out of debt & building relationships that matter.
• On your deathbed, you'll think 'I wish I'd spent more time with my wife, had more kids, went on another vacation, not about work or money.'
• Whatever you are doing, wherever you are, remember time & relationship are what matter. Invest where you are going to get your best return.
• Sometimes it takes making money to realize you don't need it. Once your basic needs are met, money doesn't increase happiness. 
• When we learn that maturity and growth are totally backwards, everything starts to make sense.
• Embarrassment is an incredible teacher.
• Stop talking & start listening: The fastest way to connect & show respect.
• Fix your thinking and you can fix anything.
• Learn more about Dale, his books, Startup Camp on his website.
• Follow Dale on Twitter & Facebook.
• Listen to John's interview on Dale's Startup Camp Podcast here.

DALE PARTRIDGE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Biographies about John Adams and David McCullough. I love biographies, they teach so much more than books about a topic. 

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? There are charities we love, so some money would go there. Real estate seems to be the smartest decision (for investment). It buys you time. Then, as the opportunities roll in through life, you'll be able to say yes.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? I'm super nostaligic. I'd grab photos. I really value memory. 

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? John Adam. William Wilberforce. Abe Lincoln. I've read these folks biographies; they are people who paid a price for leadership.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? From a placard my grandmother had. I have it on a mantel at my house now. Never get too busy making a living that you forget to make a life. 

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Be slow to speak and quick to listen.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? If you think wrong you'll never live strong.

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I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook & Twitter and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning