Chasing Tomorrow, Missing Today's Happiness
About this Video:
Josh spent years chasing the next deal, thinking it would finally make him happy—but it never did. In this video, Josh shared the moment he realized the game was rigged, the tough choices he had to make for integrity, and how he learned the hard way that real happiness comes from being present with family and enjoying the process, not just hitting business goals. If you’ve ever felt like you’re always chasing just one more thing, this one’s for you.
Transcript:
I spent decades chasing the same line. If I only get this next deal, that was my formula for happiness: close this deal, hit this number, land this client, then I'd finally feel satisfied. Except it never worked that way. I'd get the deal. I'd feel euphoric for maybe a day or two, and then nothing. Just emptiness in the immediate question, what's next?
I was chasing a horizon that kept moving and I had no idea I was even doing it. Let me tell you about the moment I realized the whole game was rigged. I was in the vending business, my father's business originally. We had great service, honest pricing, and we treated people right. But all my competitors were using this software feature called the R Factor that let them lie on client statements.
They'd promised 20% commissions would actually pay way less. At first, I ignored it. We'd win on integrity. Right? Then came the perfect account. We had it locked down. They told us the business was ours. We were about to order the equipment, and then they called back. Our competitor had doubled their commission offer to a number we couldn't possibly afford.
We lost it. That's when I knew I could either become a cheater like everyone else, or had to leave the industry. The hardest part was telling my father I was selling the business because I wouldn't cheat to keep it. But even making that choice, even doing the right thing, I still hadn't figured out what actually makes you happy.
I just avoided something that would've made me miserable. You want to know what 5% family time actually looks like? I'd sit at dinner with my wife and kids physically there, but my mind was completely somewhere else. I was running through business problems, thinking about accounts, planning the next move. I almost never asked my kids questions, never really listened.
They learned not to expect much from me. And those business wins I was chasing—when we landed a new account, I'd be euphoric for a day or two. Then I'd realize it didn't actually change anything. We still had the same challenges. There was still the next goal to chase. I was focused entirely on outcomes, not process outcomes.
Goals were just numbers. They didn't bring lasting satisfaction because I wasn't enjoying the actual work. Here's what I tell the 35-year-old me, if I could: find a way to reset before you walk in the door at home. Sit in your car for five minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, take a walk, do something—transition from work mode to dad mode—and give your kids at least 20% of your quality time, not the exhausted 5% leftover. Real focused attention where you're actually interested in their lives.
Because those years when they're young, they're gone. Before you know it and you never, never get them back. The business will always demand more. There will always be another deal. But your kids' childhood is happening exactly once.
I'm 73 now. I've just lost my ability to ski. One of the few things that brought me real happiness. I'm searching for what can replace it. I am still figuring out what creates lasting satisfaction instead of just temporary highs. So here's my question for you: Are you still chasing just one more deal, thinking it'll finally be enough? Or are you ready to ask different questions about what actually makes you happy?
The only moment you actually have is right now. Let's figure this out together. I love to hear what you're learning about how you run your business and how you can do your business differently. Hey, thanks a lot for stopping by. I hope to see you back here really soon.
