There are a number of ups and downs in the speaking business. Rejection, event planners changing their minds, and economic tightening of belts are all things that are a reality in today's marketplace.

One of my earliest mentors had his office walls adorned top to bottom, side to side, with big, handwritten signs intended as cautions to others as well as reminders for himself. If you've ever been in a direct sales environment, you’ve probably seen such a place. Two of the biggest signs read "You Can Hire Spellers For Minimum Wage" and "Thumb-Suckers Not Welcome Here."

I find fewer and fewer people exhibiting this especially in pro sports and in business. Most are all too willing to accept losing and losses, to shrug them off, to end days without productive accomplishment, to miss sales, to let revenue escape, to let customers disappear, to bank excuses instead of money. Well, you get what you accept.