I’ve recently started re-listening to the book Change or Die.
Part of what the author discusses is why the healthcare system is the way that it is.
You know…Efed-up! More geared toward making money off our bad habits, as opposed to teaching us to live healthier lives.
Did you know that the majority of foks living here in the good ole USA are overindulging in one vice or another?
Too much food, too much alcohol, too much smoking, and not enough exercise.
These activities cause heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and tons of other issues.
And when diagnosed with these self-induced ailments, nine out of ten people refuse to change their behavior.
Instead, they opt for bypass surgeries, liposuction, insulin, and other invasive medical procedures.
People want quick fixes…And they DON’T want to change their bad habits.
Because…Get This… We believe our habits are the solution to our problems.
Problems of boredom, depression, stress, or lack of direction in our lives.
Kinda crazy don’t you think?
I do.
Because I believe the world is filled with opportunity and abundance
Which is why, besides helping my clients grow their businesses, I also grow tomatoes.
This was my first year of growing tomatoes from seeds I planted myself—Black Krim tomatoes, to be specific.
While investigating what was required to be successful in the tomato-growing arena, I learned that one tomato contains between 150 and 300 seeds, and each tomato plant can produce around 100 tomatoes in a season.
So, if I harvest 100 tomatoes and only take the seeds from one tomato, I can grow between 150 to 300 tomato plants next season.
This means I can harvest between 150,000 and 300,000 tomatoes next season.
Extrapolate that out a few years, and I’ll be covered up in tomatoes.
Which isn’t my plan, I just find it fascinating.
Of course, all of this requires effort.
And unfortunately, as Change Or Die illustrates, most folks don’t want the trouble.
Due to myriad factors, many would rather hop on their mobility scooters and head on down to Walmart to buy Twinkies and GMO-laden tomatoes with their EBT cards.
Instead of making one small change in the right direction, like planting a garden or going for a walk, most would rather complain about their circumstances.
Of course, I’m not suggesting you are in that camp.
You don’t believe that your habits are the solution to your problems.
Or do you?
Do you have a habit of working for the motor clubs?
Have you requested more call volume from the clubs?
Are you looking for a quick fix to your problems?
Sounds like a drug commercial parody, doesn’t it?
“I thought the motor clubs had my best interest at heart, but then a friend told me about The Tow Academy…”
All jokes aside, I get calls every day from towing company owners asking if everyone else is experiencing a decrease in motor club calls.
They tell me their motor club calls are drying up.
Not six months earlier, they were getting 40 calls per week, now they get one per day.
They ask, “Where are all the calls going?”
Answer, “To the lowest bidder.”
But, hey, I get it…it’s hard weaning yourself off motor club money.
While it’s not a lot, it’s some money. Right?
I get it.
When I was in my early 20s, I was really into sports. So much so that I published a regional sports magazine.
It was a lot of work, and at first I loved doing it.
I gained local notoriety as people loved to see their names and pictures in print.
It turned into a hobby of sorts.
Problem was, it took too much of my time.
And I wasn’t making any money.
That is until an advertising agency took notice and began paying me to run ads for Nike, Reebok, and other sports apparel companies.
Well, I thought I’d made the big time. Until I realized that what they paid only covered the cost of printing and postage.
Nothing more.
But because people loved the magazine, and my ego was still being stroked– I continued doing it for a while.
Relying on that monthly “Nut” from the advertising agency to rationalize my efforts.
But as the months passed, I realized I was just spinning my wheels.
Going nowhere.
So I eventually shut it down.
Was it a hard decision to make?
Yeah!
Because I felt like a failure.
But it was the right thing to do.
Without that hobby sucking up all my time, I was able to put my energy into growing my business.
But you know what?
After spinning my wheels with that advertising agency and relying on their monthly “Nut” to get by…I fell right into working for the motor clubs.
Seems I needed another lesson for it to really sink in.
All this to let you know that I get it.
It’s hard shifting your mindset.
But those who do have the ability to extracate themselves from the grip of the clubs come out much more profitable and happier on the other side.
I can attest to that.
And I know hundreds of other tow company owners who can as well.
How about you?
What’s your story?
Are you still working for the clubs? Or have you managed to evolve and grow your business?
Either way, I’d like to hear from you.
So please take a minute to let me know how you’re doing?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Don Archer
P.O. Box 104432
Jefferson City, MO 65110
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