September 19, 2006

Let Your Passion Shine Through as Entrepreneurs

A friend of mine sent me a great story which illustrates something very important to remember as Entrepreneurs. It’s all about enthusiasm, attitude and passion.

It’s a really great story and I’m so excited to share this with you.

Are you ready?

Let’s go…

The Elder Carpenter

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer, a building contractor, of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.

His employer was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but it was easy to see that his heart was no longer in his work. He had lost his enthusiasm and had resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and his boss came to inspect the new house, the contractor handed the front door key to the carpenter, “This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you.” What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built for ourselves. If we had realized, we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.

The plaque on the wall says, “Life is a do-it-yourself project.” Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of today.

~ Author Unknown ~

Whether you have a J. O. B. or you’re an Entrepreneur it is critical to always put your best foot forward no matter what. The energy and quality of the work you do will come back to you in some way shape or form. That is why it is important to always do your best.

If you have lost your enthusiasm or passion for what you are doing maybe it’s time for a change in either career or attitude. If you love what you do but you have been doing it for so long and you are now getting bored with it, you must change your attitude.

Your attitude will determine your altitude. More so, your attitude will ultimately determine your level of happiness.

Just remember the carpenter.

Do you want to end up like him?

Follow your passion and keep up a good attitude.

To Your Success,
Andy Fuehl