We’ve all heard…
the saying, we are human beings, not human doings. In a perfect world that would be enough said.
In the world that we live in money is the only indicator of value, and that requires doing.
It doesn’t matter if what we do, and how well we do it, adds emotional, spiritual, or mental value to those around us. Money talks.
We are inundated with articles in our news feed about other people who have made thousands from their side hustle. Maybe millions. And we wonder why can’t I do that?
When reading these stories we don’t realize the hours and years this person took to get where they are now. The hardships. The sacrifices they had to make. Instead, we focus on their supposed success evidenced by the piles of money that they have made.
We forget that money isn’t an indicator of success. Being rich is an accumulation. Success can coincide or be independent of how much money you have. Intent and purpose determine that.
Yes, money provides our basic needs. Money can afford you luxuries and experiences. But at the heart of it is that having a lot of money can take just as easily as it gives.
It’s a Gamble
One piece of advice that I give to those expressing interest in opening/starting an online anything is to find something that you enjoy doing because once the sales are coming in you will be performing that task all day every day.
You must love the process.
And if you are doing it for the money? Bad idea because it’s a “crapshoot.” That is a horrible term but it’s the best to describe such a business venture.
It’s a gamble. There is no telling if you are going to be able to retire early or have to take on a part-time job at Walmart. Success, happiness, fulfillment, and/or wealth is not an end of the road guarantee.
Money can mean freedom and choice. Or it can mean debt and the weight of responsibility.
Self-Imposed Pressure
From the moment a child is born there is so much expectation that that child will succeed in life.
Expectations that they will eventually go out on their own and do everything their parents did or better. Hope that they will want to get an education, land a career that will ensure a prosperous future, and live their own lives, independent of their parents.
And once that child is free of a parent’s expectations the now adult will immediately replace their parents’ hopes and expectations with self-imposed pressure.
Pressure to continue to do everything possible to keep that external validation coming. We gladly sacrifice ourselves for that success.
And if that never comes? More pressure.
Letting Go of What, Exactly?
Without meaning to, too much of us want to impress others. We may claim to not need approval from others, but we still hope to get it, nonetheless. Deep down we wait for validation from family, friends, and sadly, from strangers.
Why is that? Well, because we count on all of that to let us know that we are on the right track. Neglecting our inner compass in the process.
The way we think of success is too broad. Meaning that in our minds we see that goal or purpose from beginning to end and if nothing goes as planned, we question our choices.
Let go of wanting to hold on to things out of your control. Let go of expectations, any sense of entitlement. Especially, the need for approval, validation, and adoration, which will only cause you to lose focus on why you started something in the first place.
If you’re happy with what you are doing, and it’s making a positive difference in your little corner of the world, or the whole wide world, Lol, then you’ve already succeeded.
And if you’re not happy with where you are at, let that story go. Time to throw the dice again, Lol.
“What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expect generally happens.”
Benjamin Disraili
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