A few days ago I texted a long time friend, who happens to also run a painting business, to see if I could borrow a piece of equipment. I was surprised to hear back from him that he was in Mexico on a volunteer mission to help people in need. I don't know any details about the work he is doing there, but I know that he is donating his time during peak season for his business, travelling at his expense, while leaving his young famiy at home. I shouldn't really have been surprised because my friend is involved with HeroWork and other volunteer projects in his town.

​Also this past week, I attended a talk that brought out some interesting stats about vounteering that I had never heard before. So I did a little bit of research...

Just wanted to share a couple of things I read last week that re-enforced what is becoming a repeating theme in life...

​'The primary predictor of success and happiness in life is our ability to get along with others.'
   - Simplicity Parenting, by Kim John Payne

And...

A couple of months ago I had a cancellation. As happens from time to time. You just roll with it - because really there is nothing you can do about it, and sometimes it takes the pressure off of an over-booked schedule.  

The problem is that it is very easy for a prospect to cancel a job when they haven't made a financial commitment. Unfortunately, as the contractor, you don't have the same flex going the other way. Imagine cancelling at the last minute on a customer - the bad rep you would develop, how you could totally mess up their entire project schedule and that of the other trades, etc...

A good friend of mine likes to reply to the question:

​'How are you bud?'
with
'I'm on the right side of the dirt!'

I love that response because it puts everything in perspective.  If you are alive, it can be a great day.

But these days Busy has become the new Good. 

Everyday you can hear a conversation go something like this...

'How are you Jim?'
'BUSY!'
'Really eh?'
'Oh yah, crazy busy. Can't keep up!'

or...