3/14/2019
What causes reluctance? Reluctance isn’t always just cautionary, it is sometimes driven by fear. Fear of loss or fear of ridicule. Fear of going “against the grain.” (I’m pretty sure I could come up with some other reasons for reluctance.) I think what brings about the difference in an entrepreneur’s mindset and a non-entrepreneur is one of the above reason’s, don’t you? Take the caution side: during the 1930s, a pessimist would say, “better not invest in this or that, we’ve got this depression going on.” Then, in the next boom, the pessimist would say, “better not invest in this or that, we can’t trust this boom to last forever! Remember that depression we had?”
But, the entrepreneur in the 30s would say, “Wow! prices will never be cheaper, now’s a great time to invest!” and later, in the boom, he would say, “Wow! what a great time to invest heavier, let’s take advantage of the boom!”
In a strictly cash-driven society such as we had in America during the first half of the last century, I suppose it took both kinds of capitalization. Some saved and hoarded their worth; others would seek loans and delve into new ventures because “the timing was so right.”
How does your mindset fit into the above explanation? Do you think, “let’s do it!” Or, do you think, “better not”? It isn’t a contest, not even necessary to tell anyone how your thinking goes, just a practice in rhetoric. It is, however, important to know where you are along these lines.
Today, those who operate with credit cards and debit cards represent about half of all moneys spent. Hopefully, that stat is weighted toward debit cards. At least, that means they have the money in their bank accounts. I haven’t heard for a few years now, whether the CC debt is still rising or going down. I’m betting it is a little less per capita since unemployment is lower now.
New start-ups are on the rise, according to my sources, in less than $100,000 investments. That means it is a good climate for small “mom and pop” style businesses. Probably why Blue Jug stores have been being built in this past year. Our (the wholesale supplier) side of this is under a more stringent challenge: become the good wholesale provider we need to be and as we intend for our stores. All it takes is “let’s do it!”
On another note:
In recent days, Barb and I have both had conversations with people who are suffering or are close to someone suffering from harsh diseases such as might make death imminent. Spiritually, we pray for the opportunity to speak with these folks about peace with God, coming to know their eternal life is in Christ by having the opportunity to speak the gospel of Christ unto them, to make them see the great fellowship (of the mystery) which we have in Christ; remembering, Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised again for our justification. Believe that.
But, physically, we seek the opportunity to tell these folks about how they can help themselves without being totally dependent upon chemical drugs (pharmaceuticals.) There are so many natural things to add to the regimen of making our lives (or even in the dying process) easier. Or, perhaps a grand aid in the healing process. We’re aware of both aspects of illness in people and we desire to be beneficial with our words, our prayers, and our suggestions. Pray for the ill, pray for us.
Thanks for reading, the Elder
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