The 12% Who Thrive: Finding Fulfillment Beyond the Grind
In the United States, 14% of the population possesses a unique kind of strength and resilience. This group is made up of the 33.2 million business owners and the 13.4 million salespeople who shape the nation’s economy. What sets them apart is that their livelihoods depend not on guaranteed income but on results. Among salespeople, around 50%—about 6.7 million individuals—are compensated based on commission, which means their income is tied directly to their performance, adding to the pressures they face. That leaves us with 12% of the US population who can only thrive if they look beyond the grind for lasting fulfillment.
One of the blessings of being a parent and growing older is witnessing your children become amazing people. I love cheering them on as they conquer obstacles and I also appreciate every opportunity I get to pour into them from my experiences to hopefully help them navigate and avoid some of the walls and pitfalls. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my daughters about why even great opportunities sometimes don’t feel fulfilling. We talked about motivation, or the lack of it, and how, as business owners and salespeople, we face unique challenges that can stop our momentum.
The highlight of the challenges is rejection. It is a constant companion in sales and business ownership. We are personally dealing with or are coaching others that are getting hung up on, having doors slammed in our face, and being avoided every day. It’s emotionally draining, and staying motivated isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
While the average person may feel unmotivated, especially when working for someone else, many simply coast through the week, counting down to Friday and dreading Monday. But for business owners and commission-based salespeople, this option doesn’t exist. Their income is directly proportional to the effort and success they achieve, which means they can’t afford to “go through the motions.” They must face their lack of motivation and push forward with a sense of urgency every day.
This is why so much emphasis is placed on loving what you do. The grind of entrepreneurship and sales is intense, and unless you are passionate about your work, it can quickly become overwhelming. To sustain the relentless demands, you need something more than the promise of money. Purpose and passion are what fuel resilience, allowing people to overcome the daily challenges that come with creating their own success.
The question is …
What gives us that purpose and creates that passion?
The people that have answered that question and have gained that purpose and passion for the longterm, standout from the rest. The answer came to me early in my career and then again in the last decade. The answer came in the form of 2 quotes from 2 legendary authors and speakers. The 1st from legendary author and speaker Zig Ziglar:
“You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
The second is from leadership expert John Maxwell:
“We can get temporarily motivated by money, but fulfillment is only attained by making a difference—and that’s about the people and the impact you make.”
These quotes set the foundation for a heart-centered objective. When you focus on how you can positively impact others, your work takes on new meaning. Yes, money can provide short-term excitement, but true fulfillment comes from making a difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re solving a problem, meeting a need, or improving someone’s day, it’s this sense of purpose that sustains long-term success.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about closing deals or hitting sales targets. It’s about the relationships you build, the lives you touch, and the impact you make. As Maxwell wisely says,
“Success is about me, significance is about others.” Read more ...
Over a lifetime, a reminder of what creates signficance and fulfillment in our lives, is required. Because of the consistency of the challenges that are faced by this group of people, the attacks on their motivation never ceases. As someone who has mentored and coached many business owners and salespeople, I’ve seen time and again how surprised they are when their motivation wanes. They question whether the grind is really worth it. But the key is always to reconnect with the “why.” Once they remember that their work is about serving people, they rediscover the true reward: the fulfillment of making a difference.
Thousands of years ago, Jesus of Nazareth lived by this principle. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life for others. He once said, “Everyone will know you are my disciples if you love and show unselfish concern for one another.” While many things have changed over time, the fundamental truth remains: we find happiness and fulfillment in serving others. This has been true since the beginning of time and continues to be the key to a meaningful life.
Conclusion:
Money may be a motivator, but it’s fleeting. True fulfillment comes from impact and service. When your work is centered on people, your success takes on new dimensions that last far beyond a paycheck. If you are a follower of Jesus, the path is clear: love and serve your fellow man. That is the true key to lasting happiness and fulfillment.
Expect to Win!
