“Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness” – Pearl S. Buck

I have a favorite vendor and friend who needs your help .Please read to the end of the blog post (or scan down to the last section) to provide input in comment (or privately) to set something up to generate the aid she needs.

Sadly, more people in the United States today seem to get all kinds of excited at the prospect of landing something for nothing. The get-rich-quick mindset is not only bad for business; it’s also bad for your soul. Those that spend majority time trying to figure out how to dupe someone, game the system, land an unearned windfall or scheme a verdict thinking they’ll live life on easy street with someone else covering their expenses fail to recognize what really makes life satisfying.

Passionate, successful small business owners know there are few things more satisfying than waking up to a job you relish, providing something that improves other peoples’ lives and earning a living by making a difference in society not only by giving back, but more importantly, by adding something meaningful to everyone you touch.

Do you have a job or a calling?

I never really understood the “Dilbert” mindset. While I’ve had some salaried positions over the years, most of my life has been spent as a business owner. I always designed my life to earn a living doing things I truly enjoy in a way that leaves me and my clients more satisfied than imagined.

Not so long ago, I accepted a one-year position with a client. I made the leap thinking I’d be able to design and foster change on a national level in a significant way. I was naïve. I now get the grind mentality. That’s not a place I ever want to go again.

I now have a better understanding of this concept of work as separate from life witnessing the behavior and focus of co-workers embracing a bad culture. I don’t agree, but realize how so many have come to see work as drudgery required to live a life of choice. Why anyone would want to spend majority hours punching a clock just to show up for a paycheck and benefits to allow choice in off hours befuddles me, but I can see how some easily fall victim to the allure.

If you’re motivated, willing to work hard, smart about adapting what you offer to answer the needs of your prospects/clients, savvy and dedicated on the marketing and networking front and have the patience (and income)  to allow about two years for all prior efforts see referrals that exceed your income needs, starting your own business may improve your quality of life in ways you never imagined. Of course, passion is critical too.

Legal lotteries hurt the winners more than they know     

A rabbit ear network TV access solution (lost that reach even with an antenna at the farm when digital was mandated) has given me an eye on advertising I haven’t seen in many years. Most I see are for class action suits encouraging people to join the legal lottery (dead – join anyway). How sad is it that so many are seeking income without work.

Now you get 99 weeks of unemployment for a job you quit without cause (I’m in Connecticut now) and have checks sent while you attend college in another state.

Slip with no fall lawsuits claiming lifetime disability are now being encouraged by a growing number of attorneys on contingency with the knowledge insurance companies will settle on even frivolous claims to avoid exorbitant court costs.

There’s an entitlement attitude coming from a gimme more crowd that fails to recognize how shallow their lives become as a result.

We’re a species that thrives when we’re productive. It’s so sad to see so many will never know how rich life can be with effort that results in greater returns.

There’s a short-lived rush that comes from a gambling win, a check in the mail you didn’t earn, a battle won with a verdict you didn’t deserve and a gift given by another, but it doesn’t provide long-term happiness.

We, as humans, need to feel we’re contributing to a greater good to be truly fulfilled. Living your life with your hand out (very different than asking for a hand up) reduces self-worth. I truly pity the people who spend majority hours scheming on how they’ll secure something for nothing. That lead to a shallow life.

Think you’re challenged?

My go-to graphic designer has two digits that end at her elbows. She’s also a fantastic illustrator. This is a gal who could produce all kinds of excuses to justify an unproductive life fully funded by public assistance. Instead she’s excelled in a career most fully-abled bodies find challenging, does it with style (she’s not only a creative genius, but also has wonderful people skills so I’m comfortable having her communicate directly with clients – not something I do with the majority of “artists” I’ve employed). She’s also adopted a physically challenged child from India, has a number of kids of her own and provides a home for a mentally challenged adult.

Incredibly, because she’s decided to be a productive contributor to society, she can’t get public assistance to repair or replace the van needed to transport her challenged kid.Does anyone have experience with any of these crowd funding sites that have surfaced lately? Can you help me set up a site and payment gateway to help collect and send funds directly to her to repair/replace this ageing vehicle? Jean also needs hand controls for driver operation as her legs never fully developed to reach pedals (even with prosthetics). In the 20 or so years I’ve known this gal, she’s never complained about anything – besides this recent frustrating challenge. Please help me help her.