I don’t love showing up as “inspiration guy” all the time.
But when something sparks a fire in me, I want to share it—especially if it might help you, too.
There’s a quote, often attributed to Ben Franklin, that’s been rattling around in my head lately:
“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing.”
It hits hard, right? It made me stop and ask myself:
- Am I writing things worth reading?
- Am I doing things worth writing about?
- Or…am I just checking boxes and trying to get paid?
The Trap of Just “Making Donuts”
For small business owners, the first rule is clear: make money, make a profit, feed the family, pay the mortgage. All true. But if we’re not careful, this can become a trap.
When every day becomes a grind of “just getting it done,” we lose that extra 25% of effort that pushes us toward what’s possible. That’s where burnout happens—when our days blend into a monotonous loop of doing the same thing over and over.
It’s the “time to make the donuts” mentality. You show up in March, and then it’s April, and then it’s May…and nothing really changes. You’re not growing; you’re just maintaining.
The Spark of Curiosity
That’s why this quote matters. It’s a reminder to check in with yourself:
- Where are you following your curiosity?
- Where are you stepping out of your comfort zone?
- Where are you taking a risk?
- Where are you challenging the way you’ve always done things?
This isn’t just about money. Sure, making money is crucial—trust me, I could stand to focus more on that part myself. But what really drives me (and maybe you, too) is the idea of building something that matters. Something that breaks the rules and challenges the status quo.
I’m not here to play small. I want to create things that genuinely serve you and push the boundaries of what’s possible. And yeah, sometimes that means ignoring the “right” way to do things and trying something new. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. But it’s always worth it.
So, Where Are You Playing It Safe?
I’ll ask you what I’ve been asking myself:
- Where are you stuck in a rut?
- Where are you just “making the donuts” instead of building the bakery of your dreams?
- Where could you follow your curiosity and do something worth writing about?
Subscribe below to get insights like this straight to your inbox!
