Beyond the Bottom Line: I Need More
“Most people just laugh when they hear that the secret to success is giving. Then again, most people are nowhere near as successful as they wish they were.”
— The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann (Click the link to see the book)
What motivates you?
Why do you get up every day?
Why do you work so hard?
Are you more excited about getting—or giving? Are you driven by opportunities to receive—or to serve?
When someone asks, “Why are you here today?” would your answer be, “To make money?”
For many, the pursuit of income is a proud declaration. We work to earn a living, support our families, and meet our obligations. That drive pushes us to excel. But is money alone enough to sustain your motivation over time?
Imagine a typical sales meeting. The manager asks, “Why are you here today?” and the room replies in unison, “To make money!” The meeting wraps up, and the team heads out—phones in hand, ready to make calls, study new products, record client videos, and hit the road for face-to-face meetings.
Yet, what happens when that initial burst of energy fades? Consider these realities:
• Rejection: After a string of rejections, even the strongest drive can waver.
• Silence: When calls go unanswered—ten in a row—it’s hard to keep your enthusiasm.
• Rudeness: Facing dismissive or downright rude responses can chip away at your spirit.
• Loss: After investing time and expertise, a potential client might choose another provider, sometimes leaving you ghosted for weeks.
In business—and in life—negativity is inevitable. The world isn’t always kind, and sometimes conflict is met with hostility. So, can the lure of money alone keep you going?
The Deeper Motivation: Service Over Self
After more than 40 years in business, I can say this: while I’ve been blessed with a good income, money by itself wasn’t enough to see me through the relentless challenges. What kept me going was something far deeper—service.
Consider these examples:
• A 20-year-old college student in Haiti: Spending spring break helping build shelters and install clean water systems for refugees isn’t about comfort. The heat is oppressive, resources are scarce, and danger is real. Yet, he keeps going because he knows his work is providing shelter, clean water, and hope.
• A 50-year-old Meals on Wheels volunteer: She battles traffic, navigates tricky apartment complexes, and confronts uncertainty in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Despite the challenges, she delivers meals because she understands that for some people, she might be the only reason they get a meal that day.
They aren’t merely checking a box—they are making a difference. And so is the salesperson who truly believes that their product or service can improve lives, solve problems, or meet essential needs.
Keeping the Flame Alive
As Zig Ziglar famously said, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.” You can check out Zig's book that contains this quote here.
To maintain that inner drive, you need a daily routine that reinforces your purpose. Here’s what works:
• Read inspirational material: Engage with supportive and educational content every day.
• Listen and watch motivational messages: Refresh your perspective with daily doses of inspiration.
• Commit to mastering your craft: Dedicate time each day to enhance your skills.
• Make a daily impact: Strive to leave a positive mark—whether at work or in your community.
My own morning routine is a mix of study and inspiration:
1. I begin with some time in the Bible.
2. I dive into “YouTube University” for instant insights and education.
3. I read, study, and share thoughts about my business.
4. I post inspirational content and send out at least one uplifting message.
In Conclusion
Ask yourself:
• What gets you out of bed every day?
• Why do you work so hard?
• Are you more excited about receiving—or giving?
The answers to these questions don’t just determine your success; they define your satisfaction in life.
Real success isn’t measured by what you accumulate—it’s about what you give.
Expect to Win!
#xp2win
