Hi Jesse!

> Far too often, business is looked upon as a
> "necessary evil," and people see
> it as 'cold-hearted' and not conducive to
> positive developments.

Jesse, I know what you mean.... I actually used to have a similar kind of misperception, once upon a time, many moons ago....

But, then I realized, if you go back a few hundred years, EVERYONE was in business in some way. The farmer was in business, growing crops or livestock. The shoemaker was in business, making or mending shoes. The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, all in business. Almost everyone was in business....

I think our modern ways, where most people are in employed work, might date from the Industrial Revolution.... That is, in the history of humanity, it's a pretty recent thing.

So, going into business, being self-sufficient, is like going back to our human roots.... :)

At least that's how I like to look at it!

> It is also similar to money in the respect
> that it is stereotypically associated by
> many with negative emotions.

Yes, it's true, money causes great emotional reactions in people. I think it was Robert Kiyosaki who said that money can be like an ADDICTION! Some people really are addicted to money -- which isn't a good thing, because it clouds your judgement....

It's taken me a while, but to me now money is basically numbers on my balance sheet. Because of this, I'm able to make money-decisions without my emotions coming into it very much.... It's become a game, where the goal is to increase the numbers every week.... I'm not sure if this is how others approach it, but it seems to work for me, at least when it comes to making decisions.... (Sometimes, carrying those decisions through takes a bit more work. :) )

> Business, however, has had a PROFOUND effect
> upon my life, and continues to do so on a
> daily basis.

> What I boil it all down to is that business
> equals freedom. It's what allows me to be
> based out of Huntington Beach, CA, yet be
> typing this to you from Virginia, where I
> just returned from the wedding of one of my
> dearest high school friends. And knowing
> that this is the front end of a two week
> east coast swing that will also include
> Massachussetts and New York.

> Now I know that the traveling I do is far
> from revolutionary, as many people travel,
> regardless of their professional situation.
> But where I consider myself blessed is the
> total and complete control, flexibility, and
> freedom that I have over my life.

> Oh, don't get me wrong. I've taken my laptop
> with me (as you can see), and still check in
> here and there to oversee certain things.
> But it's not because I have to -- it's
> because I want to. It's because I sincerely
> love what I do. Call me crazy, but I get a
> genuine rush out of helping people achieve
> breakthroughs in their business!

Thanks Jesse! You're an inspiration to me, I believe business is probably the only path to true freedom that we have....

I'm not against people having jobs, as it suits some people well, but for some people it's like shackles chaining you in place. A nice thing about going into business is that you survive on your own merits -- it's not some boss who decides (sometimes arbitrarily) whether you're going to be promoted or get canned.... I like the idea that my own destiny is in my own hands....

> And on a more philosophical level, to me,
> business begets so much of what is positive
> in this world. Things like creativity.
> Problem solving. Give and take. Drive.
> Persistence. And most of all, the unlimited
> opportunity to fulfill a dream.

Yes Jesse, what you're saying really strikes a chord with me!

> I realize that business is not always smooth
> sailing. I've sure as heck made my share of
> mistakes and had numerous bumps in the road!
> And I realize that not everyone you
> encounter will be positive. But the Law of
> Attraction has a strange way of drawing
> like-minded people to you if you emanate
> positive energy.

That's one of the coolest things about it.... :)

> I can truly say that starting my own
> business was far and away one of the most
> rewarding decisions that I have ever made.
> And overcoming the initial 'fear factor' and
> climbing over the necessary hurdles was
> among the most enlightening personal growth
> experiences that I have ever had, or could
> possibly ask for.

> I, for one, give thanks for the wonder of
> business. And I'd love to hear your own
> tales of all that it has bestowed upon you!

Wow, thanks Jesse! Thank you for sharing your feelings about business....

In my case, I was feeling stifled in a job, even in academia, where there's more freedom than in most traditional jobs. I tend to be quite independent-minded, and I really didn't like the idea of having my future decided on the whims of one or two other people.... I savored the opportunity to create my own destiny. I believed in myself and believed that I could do it....

I'm still making the dream happen, but I've already gone a long way. Life isn't bad, and I'm enjoying every minute of it! Sometimes it's hard work, but there is nothing that can replace the situation of being your own boss, and guiding YOUR OWN future.... :)

Thanks again Jesse, I found your post very inspirational! :)

- Dien Rice