Spilled Milk

Yesterday I spoke with Daniel. He’d started doing some research about the insurance industry. He’d already selected his niche, knew the commission structure, and wanted to ask a few questions. I shared some insights and then he asked, “Why aren’t you doing this?” He became apologetic, thinking I would be offended. “I couldn’t renew my license when I was out of the country” was my response. It’s true, but not complete.

Another part of the answer ties into me being able to do something I hadn’t done in well over three months. I was able to wear my tennis shoes. My accident ins February resulted in many wounds, including a broken right arm and lots of abrasions on my right leg and foot. My right foot has healed enough and even though it’s not fully functional, I was able to use my right hand to tie my shoes. Seemingly unrelated, both illustrate my point. I have taken some things for granted and didn’t come to appreciate those things until they were gone.

I definitely took the life insurance business for granted. The ability to make the amount of money I did, in the short timeframes is something I’ve yet to match in another industry. I bounced around in several niches with life insurance, but never selected one to drill down and establish my expertise. That may be a bit more challenging to relate to than making a knot while tying your shoe. Definitely something I took for granted. The same could be said for my health. I’ve had covid twice and never felt my life was in jeopardy. Quite a different perspective than laying in a hospital bed and not knowing where I was, what happened, or being in pain with every breath.

Those instances bring me back to “don’t cr over spilled milk” and another, “what’s done is done.” It may very well be part of human nature to take things for granted. Even with the habit of writing a gratitude list five days a week, I took my physical well being for granted. “Taking for granted” means to assume something as true, real, unquestionable, or to be expected. I assumed my production in the life insurance business was to be expected. I never questioned my ability to tie my shoes. I always expected to be in good health. A bit of time and life circumstances has shed light on the fact that things change.

Daniel did something I never did too. He selected his niche, did research, and was in the process of collecting information before making a decision. Me on the other hand, I jumped without looking repeatedly. From supplemental life and health policies in rural Texas to small life insurance policies then term insurance in the guise of mortgage protection coverage then traditional life insurance policies again and finally ending with ObamaCare. Varied experiences but not much in financial benefits.

You can do what I’ve done, leaping without looking from one opportunity to the next. It’ll provide lots of excitement, some stress, and the rewards may or may not be something you want to receive. Or, you can do like Daniel and many others, research your next endeavor, choose how to specialize, and gather all the information you require to make an informed decision.

Today, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, I am grateful that:

I’m

This is the first part of the entry.