Better Than I Deserve…
Thursday, January 5th, 2012Business got cranked back up this week after a two week vacation with family over the Christmas Holiday. We hit what seemed like the entire East Coast with stops in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina in our 14 day road trip. One of the best Christmas vacations in recent memory. After our hectic schedule working double time 6 weeks prior – it was a welcome and much need opportunity to just unplug – get away and enjoy ourselves.
While getting back into work mode this week, I was out visiting customers yesterday. I asked if Santa was good to them. One response really struck a chord with me.
“Better than I deserve.”
Aside from being one of the most unique answers I think I’ve ever heard – I loved this response because of its optimism. We hear so much “doom and gloom” and how everyone is struggling with “the poor economy” from the media, it was really refreshing to hear about someone who had a grand Christmas.
I can certainly relate in several ways and I asked if I could use the phrase – I’d even give them credit. The response was once again classic comedy and something Ron Head always kids about as well.
“Just give me credit the first three times. After that – feel free to use it as your own.”
In 2011, it felt like Santa was around all year long. We got the house painted, two new cars, brand new stainless steal appliances in the kitchen and personal trainers to help take our personal fitness to a whole new level. Christmas day wasn’t too shabby either. I’ll be doing a review in a week or so about one of the nicest presents I’ve ever gotten for Christmas. It wasn’t from Santa, but from my wife, who has once again managed to fulfill another dream of mine.
Thing is – we were able to do all this in 2011 because we have several vehicles that are firing on all cylinders right now. And no, I’m not talking about the two new Chryslers sitting out in our garage. I’m talking about business vehicles that gave us the opportunity to purchase both new rides.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is that we create our own reality. In other words, it’s our own thoughts and actions that produce the results that actually show up in our lives at the present time. If you don’t like what’s happening right now, something you’re doing needs to change in order for it to change. The best way to do that is by making a small improvements or adjustments on a daily basis. Brian Tracy tells us that just a small 1% improvement each day can create dramatic effects over time. I can tell you from my own experience, that’s more true than most realize.
If things are cooking and life is really good like it is for us right now – what are the most important thoughts and activities of value that you’re doing to ensure that you keep the good times rolling? As a business owner you need to remember what Jim Rohn taught us – you don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour. The more value you bring to the table, the more income you’ll realize at the end of the day.
And there’s no cap or ceiling. Nobody actually dictates what you’re actually worth “per hour” other than you.
I still see close friends and neighbors who’ve been laid off or downsized that continue to look for another “job”. Why? Because they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that a “job” equates to “security”. Two of those neighbors here in the neighborhood lost their homes in 2011 because they were waiting for that steady – secure “job”. Every time I drive past both homes, I think to myself what could have happened if I opened up my mouth and told them what I was really thinking when they told me they where looking for that “steady income” and “security”.
More than likely it would have ticked them off because they’ve been brain washed into thinking another way. It also would have been seen as cruel and mean – but sometimes the truth can be cruel. I know, I’ve been there. I spent three years bouncing from one “secure job” to another. I got downsized by one company. I got locked by another by another company who got caught cooking the books and reported false earnings to the SEC. I got closed down by yet another company who decided to go they way of big box retailers. And the final straw was the one who filed for bankruptcy. All in the period of about 3 years.
That’s not security. That’s insanity.
I deserved better.
It wasn’t until YTB came along back in 2005 that I actually found something that provided the tools, the information, the leadership and the support system to not only change my thinking, but change my habits and work ethic to be self sufficient. It gave me a sexy product to market that I was passionate about and provided true leaders and mentors who could actually walk the walk – not just talk the talk. I simply took a little from “this” Founder, a little from “that” Director and made my own way to real security. So much security that by the time all the false claims and attacks that where thrown at YTB in 2007 and 2008 – I was more than capable and diversified enough to weather any outcome.
Of course, I was also intelligent enough, with enough business savvy at the time to distinguish between what was real – and what was mere perception.
Today, the false claims and the frivolous lawsuits seem like a distant memory when I look at my YTB business and booking engine today. All the fear mongering and wild speculation that went along with it by a few dysfunctional, self serving loud mouths who thought they had it all figured out. My how time has a way of dishing out some true reality.
Truth is – I deserved better a far better outcome, and that’s exactly what I got.
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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812 |
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They’re unlike any CEO – President or Executive I’ve ever seen. You take one look at them on the street and you’d never know their net worth. They look – act – and befriend you just like anyone else. Average people at best.
