Are You Too Jaded?

This is one I am writing for myself. You can read it if you want to, but it’s really for me. (I’m toying with starting to write all these for myself. I need a lot of counseling, so it seems like a clever and efficient way to use this time.)

Many moons ago – a phrase I find appropriate with frightening frequency – I took one year nearly off from business and made a living betting on horses . To bet horses at multiple tracks or at the big-handle New York tracks, you had to go there physically; this was before simulcast.

So, every Saturday and some weekdays I flew from Cleveland to New York in the morning, drove to Belmont or Aqueduct, bet the thoroughbreds there until I won $1,500.00, then immediately left – even if after just one race, flew home, and most nights got to Northfield in time to do the same thing there with harness races.

I did just fine, I made over $50,000.00 that year, and that was in the early 1970’s, and I was young. But it took all the fun out of it. Losses were of monumental importance because too many in a row would wipe out the bankroll, and it is impossible to make money gambling without money and the courage that comes with it.

The wins came devoid of joy or satisfaction because they were a necessity. It was a grind. Doing anything to make money – or doing anything else, for that matter – without frequent celebration makes Jack a very, very dull boy.

And I do not celebrate enough. Maybe you don’t, maybe you do, I don’t know. But I know it’s easy to start taking all your successes and achievements and victories for granted, as just what you do.

For me, making $100,000.00 delivering a speech or closing a $100,000.00 copywriting contract or contemplating taking or rejecting a proposed arrangement to conduct a coaching program for a client for $750,000.00 or seeing my book on a shelf or a bestseller list or giving somebody strategies and copy that brings in $500,000.00 from a zero start in 90 days – well, that’s just what I do.

The other night it briefly occurred to me this deserved some recognition and a toast. A few days before Bill reported on a new product promotion that topped $500,000.00. Same thing. Days later, I thought – gee, maybe that ought to be celebrated.

So, my advice is: don’t become too impressed with yourself, but don’t become too jaded either. Recognize the amazing nature of your progress and accomplishments. Celebrate your victories with whoever’s in your life that matters. Be more cognizant of others’ accomplishments and generous with recognition and praise. Celebrate good times, c’mon.

Author Info:  Dan Kennedy is internationally recognized as the 'Millionaire Maker,' helping people in just about every category of business turn their ideas into fortunes. Dan's "No B.S." approach is refreshing amidst a world of small business marketing hype and enriches those who act on his advice.