In the ever – evolving landscape of business, a recent encounter with a seasoned cruise industry veteran left me pondering the nature of rewards and the choices we make. This industry expert, far more experienced than I, suggested that I start charging cancellation fees for my cruise bookings. After all, each cancellation cost me a small sum to the cruise lines, and as he astutely pointed out, customers rarely object when such fees are introduced.
Yet, when I told him I’d rather shoulder the fees myself, I could sense a hint of disbelief in his eyes. Perhaps he thought me crazy or naive. But my decision wasn’t born out of financial miscalculation. Sure, I entertain the hope that my no – fee policy might attract a few extra bookings from those who detest hidden charges, potentially offsetting the losses. But the core of my choice lies in my vision for my cruise agency. I want it to be the kind of place where I’d love to book a cruise—one free from the burden of cancellation fees.
If I’m being honest, there’s a selfish undertone to my decision. I cherish the freedom to run my business according to my own values far more than the prospect of a few extra dollars each month. This realization has led me down a path of self – discovery, where I’ve come to understand that the more I distance myself from traditional markers of success, the happier and more fulfilled I become.
Money, while undoubtedly useful, doesn’t top my list of priorities. I appreciate its power to open doors and enhance experiences, but it pales in comparison to other treasures like freedom. I’d turn down a $1MM/yr office job in an instant, despite the life – altering potential of that paycheck. The thought of being confined to a cubicle, bound by the rules and rhythms of a corporate environment, is simply not worth the sacrifice of my autonomy.
My dream of opening a teahouse serves as another testament to my unconventional approach. I’m determined to wait until I can afford to run it at a loss without a second thought. I have no interest in the commercial aspects that typically make teahouses profitable, like online sales or restaurant partnerships. For me, it’s about creating a space that embodies the essence of tea culture, even if it means forgoing financial gain.
But money isn’t the only reward that I’ve learned to view with a critical eye. The approval of strangers, too, holds little sway over my decisions. I’ve never quite understood why so many people base their choices on the opinions of those they’ll never truly know. When I lived in an RV behind a gas station for years, I never once spared a thought for what random passersby might think. The support and understanding of my friends were all that mattered.
So, the question arises: which rewards should we allow to guide our actions? Life satisfaction stands out as an obvious choice. I’d much rather lead a contented life as a middle – class individual than be wealthy but miserable. Similarly, self – approval means more to me than the fleeting approval of strangers. The well – being of our loved ones and social groups is another powerful motivator. When we can do something that benefits our family and friends, it gives our actions a deeper sense of purpose.
It’s important to recognize that the rewards we respond to can change over time. In my early days, when financial stability was a distant dream, I was driven by the need to support myself. I would have charged cancellation fees without hesitation if it meant putting food on the table. But as my life satisfaction has grown, my focus has shifted towards contributing to the happiness and success of those around me.
Often, working on understanding the rewards that drive us can be more impactful than simply focusing on the tasks at hand. When we align our actions with the right incentives, we find it easier to make choices that are in line with our true values, almost effortlessly.
Take a moment to reflect on the rewards that shape your decisions. What compels you to do things you’d rather avoid? By severing ties with rewards that no longer serve us, we can create a sense of freedom and authenticity in our lives, allowing us to pursue the things that truly matter.
