The other day, I was sitting in a restaurant and happened to overhear a conversation between two men at the next table. One of them was clearly excited about the earnings his company had posted, proud of what they’d accomplished. The other took a different stance, suggesting that companies shouldn’t be so focused on profits and even went as far as saying businesses were being greedy when they prioritized earnings. Now, I don’t know the background of these two individuals or the specifics of the company in question, but it got me thinking about how differently people view profit. With that in mind, I wanted to share my thoughts on why profit is not a dirty word.
Profit is the reward for hard work, innovation, and the willingness to take risks. It doesn’t just happen by accident. When a business succeeds, it’s often the result of long hours, strategic thinking, and a commitment to doing things better or differently. Profit is an acknowledgment of that effort, a sign that value has been created.
When we see a profitable business, we’re looking at the fruits of dedication and perseverance. There’s nothing wrong with being rewarded for creating something of value that serves others. In fact, in my opinion, that’s a cycle we should embrace and encourage.
One of the biggest misconceptions about profit is that if one business is doing well, someone else must be losing. But success doesn’t work that way. Profit, like life, isn’t a zero-sum game. A thriving business can often inspire others to raise their standards, bringing new ideas and advancements to the entire industry. This creates healthy competition, which drives growth and benefits everyone.
The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” When a company thrives, it has the potential to positively impact employees, customers, and communities. Profitability enables businesses to reinvest in people, products, and services that create lasting value.
When a company is profitable, it has the means to make a greater impact on a larger scale. Think of profit as fuel, it powers future success, continuous improvement, and the ability to take on new projects. It’s what allows a business to keep making strides, hire more talent, and expand its reach.
Profit enables companies to invest in their employees, providing better wages, benefits, and opportunities for development. Profitable businesses can also give back to their communities, supporting local causes, funding community events, and advancing technologies that improve daily life. When we see profit in this light, it’s clear that it’s not just about financial gain; it’s about creating value and providing resources that support others.
In any industry, competing well and being rewarded for that effort is something to celebrate. Healthy competition pushes us to improve, adapt, and find better ways of doing things. When we succeed and earn a profit, it isn’t solely a financial win; it’s proof that we’re contributing something valuable.
To that end, profit isn’t only about numbers on a balance sheet, it’s about building something meaningful and sustainable. We should be proud of what comes from working hard, showing up, and delivering value. When we celebrate profit as a positive outcome, we encourage ourselves and others to keep striving, improving, and contributing to our communities and industries.
That Leads Me to This Week’s Challenge…
This week, I challenge you to take pride in the value you create and the work you do. Embrace the idea that profit is a good thing and celebrate your achievements, big or small. Let’s stop seeing success and profit as dirty words and start viewing them as markers of growth, value, and positive impact. Again, success, like life, isn’t a zero-sum game, and there’s enough room for all of us to succeed.
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