Tributum Newsletter #73
Hello
Budget 2.0 happened – not approved yet but at least it hapenned. I’m not going to bore you with its detail other than saying that chasing tax revenue will only go so far in balancing the books. There were so many other interesting things that happened since Newsletter #72, some involving South Africa and others just showed that we are not alone in the geopolitical and socioeconomic circus.
The GNU is still debating the proposed VAT increase and the fragile relationship remains under pressure. But maybe the GNU should rather debate cutting the size of the GNU and their salaries. US and SA tensions are high – especially since our ambassador to the US was expelled after some remarks he made. I’m not judging what he said but, maybe different to some politicians in SA, I do believe that we need to tread carefully with that relationship. SA can’t complain about cuts in US funding and trade agreements if we do not bring anything else to the table. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
And that was also the theme of the funniest but also saddest press conference I have seen. On the day of the previous Newsletter the leader of the Ukraine went toe to toe with his US counterpart and vice president – for the whole world to see. Again, I am not judging either side but say again – don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
On a more personal note, here’s a quote I heard on YouTube earlier this month:
“Stop complaining about the results you did not get, from the work you did not put in. To be more successful than the other person you need to put in the effort they are not.”
In short – stop being entitled. Hard work…works (mostly). But most people find it easier to complain hard than work hard. Not loosing that weight you want to? Get off the couch and start moving your ass. Or eat less pies. Not happy in your relationship? Stop comparing your partner to others and start working hard on being the partner that you want them to be. And if it’s really bad – start the work of getting out. Not seeing your kids enough? Stop complaining about being busy and start working on your priorities. Not getting anywhere at work? Then change the way you work. Or change work completely. Don’t have enough time? Then say no – its hard work but worth it.
An remember, even if you have put in the work the results are not guaranteed. That is part of what makes hard work so hard. Its not a guarantee. It never was and never will be. But at least then you can stand back and say – I worked, I failed, I learned and I will work again. At least then you will have credibility. It’s so much better than just stepping on to that soap box and just complain. But it’s so much harder, and that is why so few people are doing it. Be one of the few.
Until next month, keep breathing.