Jun 12, 2013

Diary of a Young Tax Accountant: My Long Journey to Become a Successful Entrepreneur (Entry #3)


"I observed all the work and ambition motivated by envy. What a waste"

Ecclesiastes 4:4

 
 
Here are a few things currently on my plate:
  1. I'm creating a tax e-book series
  2. I'm making a proposal to create an online tax course
  3. I'm in the process of creating a year-long financial literacy program
  4. I'm in the process of creating original videos, art and podcast for my blog
  5. Trying to grow my accounting firm
  6. Trying to improve as a son, husband, father and man of God
With a list like this one, why do I feel like the biggest underachiever in the world? I didn't even mention the stuff that I already accomplished. Well, I suffer from the infamous envy trap. Unfortunately millions of other people are in the same boat with me. I honestly feel that I will never feel satisfied in life. I'm always looking at someone else that is doing something bigger than me. I can reach 1,000 clients and still be mad that I don't have 1,500. For the record, I'm not even close to 100 (lol)!
 
Most people get motivation confused with envy. Motivation are doing things necessary to positively improve yourself or situation. Envy says "I've always got to have more: more money, more possessions, more power, more prestige, pleasure and popularity." For example, my motivation for my financial literacy program is to help my community. However, my actions to grow my company is to honestly revenge to employers that rejected me in the past. I want them to know that they made a mistake not hiring me. I envision myself receiving a lifetime achievement award and calling out people that hurt me in the past during my acceptance speech. Never mind that more people in my life helped me rather than hurt me. Yeah, I know this sounds crazy but I'm just keeping it real with you. My need for revenge is very unhealthy to my happiness. To outsiders, I may just seem like a very ambitious person. However, it is my envy of others that keeps me going. I pray that one day my envy leaves me body. This is the main reason why I'm seeking to work on my spirituality.
 
Comparing is the root of all envy. Most people that I represent in front of the IRS, cheated the government to "keep up with the Joneses." If you are in this position, stop worrying about what type of refund your co-worker received. Everybody's tax situation is completely unique. I never met two clients with the same issues. If you are an entrepreneur then stop comparing yourself with other entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Donald Trump. First, everyone in the world will not become America's next billionaire. Second, we don't know the internal pain they may be suffering.
 
Instead of resenting others, rejoice with them! I'm a work in progress but at least I know that I have to change. I'm trying my best to help others without asking anything in return (expect clients because I need to get paid). I'm trying my best not to compare myself with others. I'm a strong believer in karma. Too much entrepreneurs that I network with are too damn selfish. However, I'm so thankful for the people that I meet that are so supportive to me without evil intentions. 
 
Until next time, keep moving forward!

3 comments:

Unknown said...


Have a view at this link and see for yourself what i kept for you at

http://www.unn.edu.ng

Unknown said...

“Everybody's tax situation is completely unique.” – That's true because everyone is involved in different ventures. This can serve as a reminder to every individuals. Many try to compare their tax issues with everyone else. Little do they know that they're going through different situations. Even their own current affairs could become different the next time. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Jamaal. You really deserve the success that you have right now.

Lilia Costales @ B2 Accounting and Bookkeeping

Elena James said...

Thanks for these tips. It helps me a lot because I am now starting a business. I really like the way you have described all the information. Everything is very interesting to learn and easy to understand.
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