TWO PAYCHEQUES

You know how there are certain author's you look forward to reading all their books...well I think Steven Pressfield's non-fiction books are up there for me. His very popular book The War of Art made a big impact on me and it is essential reading for anyone creating something new that they care about deeply - a business, a book, a work of art, etc.

Since then I've read several other books of his that expand on the concepts in The War of Art. Just finished Turning Pro and I wanted to share one of my big take-aways that relates to running a business...

In it he talks about a 'sergeant who, when his young Marines complain about their pay, explains that they get two salaries: A financial salary and a psychological salary.' And he goes on to talk about how artists and entrepreneurs get two salaries as well.

So at the end of each project, when you get your final draw, perhaps there are times when you wonder if all the effort is worth the returns? How much money are we really making after everything we invested? Is it worth it?

If your business is anything like mine, there will be plenty of times where the answer, from a financial analysis will be no. Far too many times there is no profit left for the business after a long job. Far too many times we, as the owner, make as much as - or less - than our workers. Far too many times there are too many demands and not enough resources to satisfy them.

So the question I often ask myself is...is this worth it?? Sometimes, financially, the answer is barely.

But when considered from the perspective of fuzzier metrics - personal growth, job satisfaction, resilience and resourcefulness, skills learned, character developed, relationships cultivated...the answer is most often Yes. 

So let's get busy and appreciate our double pay-cheques!!