Ever felt like burning it all down after a tough investment call? You're not alone — but here's the kicker: what if that "failure" is the exact thing that prepares you for the future you’re building? In this episode, I get real about the gut-wrenching lessons that come with taking risks, investing, and trusting the wrong people — and how to flip the coin and claim the power on the other side.

This is your tough love pep talk. Your emotional financial therapy. Your reminder that the dream life you're building is on the other side of that rickety rope bridge — and every busted wooden slat is just a lesson, not a life sentence.

• Every situation has a good side and a bad side. You choose which side you focus on.

• A painful financial mistake today can be your superpower tomorrow—if you learn the lesson.

• Traumatic investment losses often create smarter, stronger, more diligent investors.

• Investing is risky, but not every risk is worth taking. Due diligence is non-negotiable.

• Pre-build property deals carry hidden risks—your capital is tied up, the property isn’t yours yet, and external factors (like hurricanes or legislative delays) can derail everything.

1. Flip the coin.
   Whenever you're stuck in disappointment, ask yourself: What's the good in this? What did this teach me?

2. Set boundaries with your generosity.
   Helping loved ones? Get clear on your terms. Protect your credit and your peace.

3. Pre-build investments? Proceed with caution.
   Understand what you don’t control — and always plan for delays and disruption.

4. Write your lessons down.
   Seriously — keep an “Investor’s Journal.” Catalog what went right, what went wrong, and what you’ll do differently.

5. Hold the vision.
   When fear tells you to run, remind yourself why you started. Your dream life is still on the other side.

• 💸 Tardus Wealth Strategies – Learn more about the Income Snowball Strategy I teach in my coaching.
  👉 Tardus Wealth Strategies

If you’ve ever questioned your decision-making, felt scared to take another risk, or been shaken by a loss — this episode is the breath of audacious air you need. I’m sharing stories from real clients (names changed), the real emotions behind big financial moves, and the very real growth that happens when you choose to step forward anyway.

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In this compelling episode, Melissa Manning—entrepreneur, speaker, and passionate founder—dives deep into a question every aspiring business owner must confront: Should you build a business based on passion or profit?

Melissa explores both sides of the coin with honesty and practical wisdom, drawing from personal experience and entrepreneurial insight. Whether you’re launching your first startup or pivoting your current business, this conversation will help you align your decisions with long-term fulfillment and success.

• Short-term mindset: Without passion, it’s tough to push through the hard days.

• Burnout risk: If you’re not energized by your business, the work becomes draining.

• Transactional thinking: Focus stays on input vs. output instead of long-term value or impact.

• Disconnection: When there’s no greater mission, it's harder to resonate with your audience or build loyalty.

• Solution: If you’ve already started profit-first, try to find meaning within the business—or bring in someone who cares about the mission.

• Sustained Motivation & Resilience: Passion fuels your ability to persist through setbacks and long hours.

• Intrinsic Drive: Work feels fulfilling, not just task-driven.

• Authenticity Attracts: Investors, customers, and employees feel your enthusiasm and believe in your mission.

• Creativity & Problem-Solving: You’ll go the extra mile to find solutions and stay curious.

• Customer Loyalty: When you care, they care. People buy with their emotions.

• Fulfillment: A values-aligned business offers long-term satisfaction and a sense of purpose.

1. Audit Your Why: Ask yourself—why did I start this business? Is it aligned with something I truly care about?

2. Reconnect to Your Mission: If you’re losing interest, identify parts of the business that still give you energy.

3. Infuse Passion: Even in a profit-driven model, you can introduce a mission, a cause, or a value system to reignite your spark.

4. Hire for Heart: Bring in team members who believe in what you’re building—they’ll help keep the flame alive.

5. Strategize Passionately: Combine your purpose with intentional planning. Passion + Strategy = Sustainable Growth.

Ask yourself today — are you building your business for passion or profit? Take a moment to reconnect with your why. If you're feeling burnout, distracted, or disconnected, don’t ignore it — realign your business with your values and long-term vision.

Because when passion meets strategy, your growth becomes exponential.

👉 Reflect on your current path.
👉 Find meaning in your mission.
👉 And if needed, bring in support who believes in the vision too.

Your passion is your power — let it lead the way.