Blessed are the profit-makers, for they shall enrich the earth.
The world is split into two types of people—profit-makers and profit-takers. Which are you?
Profit is a good thing. Profit, in social terms, is our way of making a difference. Profit, in financial terms, is the remaining money after deducting expenses from revenue.
Profit-takers are people who fail to bring value to the equation whether in business or in life. They often see themselves as "entitled." They're in every socioeconomic class. At their best, profit-takers are a break-even proposition. They show up to work, perform their assigned duties—no more, no less—and check out of work to go home only to repeat the routine the next day. The most insidious profit-takers are those who go through the effort of putting on the appearances of work and productivity but shuffle papers and fabricate lost conquests to cover their ineptitude. At their worst, profit-takers are thieves or corporate "sleeper cells" working against the greater good. The worst of the worst steal credit from the efforts of others. Profit-makers add value to the world and are rewarded. Their desire to contribute and make a positive difference in the world about them is tangible. They're more than willing to shoulder at least their part of the burden in order to store up provisions for themselves and others. Profit-makers recognize the essential role people play in the enterprise. Often, you'll find they are naturally generous people who give of their time, talent, and treasure.
The mindset of being a profit-maker versus a profit-taker is a very different approach to doing life (and business). Most notably, profit-taking is generally a short-term play; whereas, profit-making is a mindset of creating a systematic path to profitability. We each have a day-to-day strategic approach to being a profit-taker or a profit-maker. Henry Ford once said, "Men have to be led into prosperity." I agree. Most of us stumble alone without mentors. On the other hand, we must want to be led into prosperity. A teachable spirit matters.
I'm reminded of the verse that says, "For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul." Gain and one's soul are not mutually exclusive. Become a bona fide profit-maker contributing to the greater good through your unique effort, ingenuity, and profit-making ability, then the soul is pleased and lives are enriched. Blessed are the profit-makers, for they shall enrich the earth.