Hello Mr. President!

While speaking at a seminar the other day, I asked the audience, “How many people here are self-employed.” Of the 3,000 people who had come for motivation and inspiration, only about 300 raised their hands.
That’s the usual number. About 10 percent. I know because I ask audiences that question all the time when I’m trying to make a key point.

I then tell them, “The biggest mistake you can ever make is to think that you work for anyone else but yourself. You’re all self-employed. From the time you take your first job to the day you retire, you’re working for yourself.” And this goes for you as well.

You are the president of your own personal services corporation. You are the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman of the Board. Legally, you can form your own sole proprietorship, and using your own name (William Smith and Associates, Susan Jones and Associates) just by deciding to do so. You can print business cards today with your name and the word “President” under it.

You don’t need permission from anyone. You don’t need to register anywhere. You can be the president of your own legal corporation from this moment forth.

You are the president of your own career. You are the boss of your own life. Your current employer is merely your “best client.” If another client offers you a better deal, you can take your personal services and sell them elsewhere.
How, some things in life are optional and some things are mandatory. Going to Fiji for your vacation is optional. Being president of your own life is mandatory. The only question is whether you accept it or not.

The very act of defining yourself as self-employed, no matter who signs your paycheck, moves you into the top three percent of Americans. These are the people who “act like they own the place.” This elite is distinguished from others by their attitude toward themselves and their lives. They are proactive rather than reactive. They take charge of their work situations rather than accepting them passively.

You choose your own job. You set the terms of your employment. You decide your own pay. If you want a raise, look in the mirror and negotiate with your boss. You’re in charge. How, what are you going to do about it?

By: Brian Tracy