A few weeks ago, I wrote about a coach’s motivation for positively influencing kids. It’s congruent with our desire to serve guests at Lone Oak. Projects like dishwashing, mowing, weed trimming, sweeping, mopping, fixing and repairing may seem like “no fun,” when actually, they become MORE fun when you know that the end result may leave a legacy. 

Since my last blog was written, I’ve had a few conversations about why money isn’t more important to me. (It actually is important.) Some have encouraged me to make money more of a priority. Their intention was good. I’m confident they want the best for me. And it may be that if I made money more of a priority, I would have more of it. I suppose that would be a good thing, right?!?!?!

It reminded me of a conversation I had a year ago with a former staff member when he asked, very respectfully, “Brian, what’s your relationship with money?” I assume he was asking because of how, and on what, I spend money. Some say I can squeeze blood out of a turnip. I’ve never been successful at it. God knows I’ve tried.

I’ve given this question some thought. 

Two concepts motivate my spending habits. One, money is a priority. It's just not “the” priority. I wonder how much more value could be created if money wasn't “the” only motivator? And two, I don’t have a “relationship” with dollars. Dollars are no different to me than paper, rocks or tree bark. The relationship I strive to obtain with people, can and has many times, been enhanced with money. Things and experiences that having money can accomplish is where value is created. Not in the dollar bills themselves. So the relationship is what I’m after. At times, money can help build it.

It’s interesting that the cave we can fall into, many times, has a dollar at the bottom of it. 

Why does “the good job” always seem to be connected to the job that pays more? 

I’m encouraging my own kids to ask the following question in a job interview, “How many people will you allow me to help, and in the most meaningful way possible, at your company each day?” Wouldn’t that raise an eyebrow in lieu of the standard question, “What’s it pay?”

Bottom line, I’m most interested in the experience and gratitude felt by serving others, deeply. This becomes the motivator. The pay for a job well done is only one great result…a pretty bow on an already remarkable gift. 

Writing, speaking, serving food, cleaning rooms, weed trimming, or making sales calls are all jobs I will do this month and find every one of them as enjoyable as any other. Why? Because…

I know these things will help others achieve a greater life experience, deepened relationships, improved self worth, happier marriages, more enjoyable parenting and added joy.

That’s enough of a motivator to keep me rolling early each morning.

Unfortunately, world labor statistics share that only a little more than half of those working actually enjoy their jobs. And nearly half of our working population “wouldn’t wish their job on their worst enemy.”  (https://fortune.com/2022/11/15/american-workers-hate-their-jobs/) 

I promise you. I’ll never come close to holding that title, regardless of “how much that job pays.” 

Remain encouraged and connect with me at any time.
- Brian

(more about our family)