But if you've been around me any length of time, then you know I call it like I see it.
So here goes...
How come so many people who say you want to make money don't want to do the work to actually make money?
And then when you fail, you get all angry or defensive?
And then when I challenge you on what action you actually took, you act offended?
Did I miss something? Or are you still looking for that magic, non-existent get-rich-quick-in-your-sleep-with-no-effort-kinda-business?
Personally, I think that's exactly what you are looking for. Because it seems that we have become somewhat "entitled." And that is not a good thing.
In this era of instant gratification, have we forgotten how to work for what we want? Work first. Then reward. That's how it is...or at least how it used to be. If I wanted good grades in school, I studied and did my homework and took my tests. There was no "extra credit" to help me pass if I was failing due to lack of work. (On the other hand, there was always help available for those who were putting in their best effort and still having problems).
If I wanted my allowance, I was expected to do my chores. At the end of the week, I was rewarded with some money. When I was 14, I got my first "real" job. And I noticed it was the same way there. I was expected to complete my work. At the end of the work week I was rewarded with a paycheck.
When I decided I wanted to try out for sports, or choir, or orchestra, I had to perfect my skills (practice! More work!). If I did, I was rewarded with a place on the team. And if I wasn't good enough, I was told "Sorry, you didn't make it." And I survived. If it was something I really wanted like music or academics, I went back and practiced more and harder so I could try again. And sometimes I just had to admit that athletics is just not my thing.
It's still the same today. When I decided to launch my own business, I studied with other successful entrepreneurs. I did what they told me I should do. Occasionally, I found something they suggested didn't work for me. But I discovered that if I just kept putting in the effort and learning all I could, eventually everything clicked! And I was making money!
I know this probably sounds very old-fashioned. I am officially classified as a "senior citizen" now. But if just seems to me that there are more and more people expecting someone to just hand them success without them ever having to put in the work.
I see more and more of the ads like these:
"Make 6-figures in 90 days with no selling, no product, no website, no list." Seriously? What business is this?
"Join today and we'll build your team for your!" Really? Do you really want a team filled with people who are expecting someone else to do the work?
And it's not just business...
"Eat all you want, eat what you want, and still lose weight!" What kind of drug do you have to take for that to happen? And what are the side effects?
"Does something bother you? We have a pill (or a lawyer) for that!" Don't get me wrong. Sometimes pills and lawyers can be good things. I can definitely vouch for that! But it seems to have gotten a bit excessive.
I have a suggestion for all of you "would-be entrepreneurs" who are busily blaming it on the industry, their coach, the government, their lack of family or friends support, their age, their gender, their education, or all the other excuses for your failure. Why don't you just try doing the work!
Now that I've ruffled more than a few feathers, I'm sure...I'd love to hear your thoughts!
And then when you fail, you get all angry or defensive?
And then when I challenge you on what action you actually took, you act offended?
Did I miss something? Or are you still looking for that magic, non-existent get-rich-quick-in-your-sleep-with-no-effort-kinda-business?
Personally, I think that's exactly what you are looking for. Because it seems that we have become somewhat "entitled." And that is not a good thing.
In this era of instant gratification, have we forgotten how to work for what we want? Work first. Then reward. That's how it is...or at least how it used to be. If I wanted good grades in school, I studied and did my homework and took my tests. There was no "extra credit" to help me pass if I was failing due to lack of work. (On the other hand, there was always help available for those who were putting in their best effort and still having problems).
If I wanted my allowance, I was expected to do my chores. At the end of the week, I was rewarded with some money. When I was 14, I got my first "real" job. And I noticed it was the same way there. I was expected to complete my work. At the end of the work week I was rewarded with a paycheck.
When I decided I wanted to try out for sports, or choir, or orchestra, I had to perfect my skills (practice! More work!). If I did, I was rewarded with a place on the team. And if I wasn't good enough, I was told "Sorry, you didn't make it." And I survived. If it was something I really wanted like music or academics, I went back and practiced more and harder so I could try again. And sometimes I just had to admit that athletics is just not my thing.
It's still the same today. When I decided to launch my own business, I studied with other successful entrepreneurs. I did what they told me I should do. Occasionally, I found something they suggested didn't work for me. But I discovered that if I just kept putting in the effort and learning all I could, eventually everything clicked! And I was making money!
I know this probably sounds very old-fashioned. I am officially classified as a "senior citizen" now. But if just seems to me that there are more and more people expecting someone to just hand them success without them ever having to put in the work.
I see more and more of the ads like these:
"Make 6-figures in 90 days with no selling, no product, no website, no list." Seriously? What business is this?
"Join today and we'll build your team for your!" Really? Do you really want a team filled with people who are expecting someone else to do the work?
And it's not just business...
"Eat all you want, eat what you want, and still lose weight!" What kind of drug do you have to take for that to happen? And what are the side effects?
"Does something bother you? We have a pill (or a lawyer) for that!" Don't get me wrong. Sometimes pills and lawyers can be good things. I can definitely vouch for that! But it seems to have gotten a bit excessive.
I have a suggestion for all of you "would-be entrepreneurs" who are busily blaming it on the industry, their coach, the government, their lack of family or friends support, their age, their gender, their education, or all the other excuses for your failure. Why don't you just try doing the work!
Now that I've ruffled more than a few feathers, I'm sure...I'd love to hear your thoughts!
