The True Test of Intelligence

Naval Ravikant once said,
“The only true test of intelligence is if you get what you want out of life.”

That line now hangs on my wall because it frames the mission. It’s not about work life balance. “Work / Life Balance” assumes that half of your life is great and the other half is work. But if you are an entrepreneur, you know better. Running a small business is not just your work. It bleeds into your whole life.

Here’s the deal: You are completely responsible for how things are going. When we worked for someone else, we had excuses. “My boss is a jerk. I hate the commute. I can’t get a raise. I don’t have enough vacation time.” The list went on and on.

Now you are the boss.

You want to make more money? Go sell something.
You want to cut down your hours? Get more efficient.
You want to be happier? Make better choices.

That is why Naval’s quote hits so hard. It forces us to ask if you are getting what you want out of this crazy experience of being a small business owner? Or, are you working for your business like an employee instead of building a business that works for you?

At the end of 2024, I caught myself working for the business. And I have seen plenty of others in the Small Business Owners Community fall into the same trap. Being always on burns you down slowly. It is the client call while you are waiting in the school pickup line. It is planning your next big move while you are supposed to be enjoying brunch with your family. It is the constant mix of worry, planning, and not enough rest.

So I decided to take control. This year I have changed my priorities to value my health, my time, and my focus on the products and people that matter.

And last week, I took charge and changed up the Small Business Owners Community too. I rededicated our effort to unite ALL entrepreneurs by cutting the price of membership from $57 to $9 per month, while also creating a new, more intense coaching program for the entrepreneurs who want reclaim their freedom of time and money.

The move has solved a lingering problem where some of our members wanted a connected, supportive environment that they could check in on when they had time while others were hungry for an intense coaching program to level up. The old format wasn’t working so I needed to take control of the future outcomes.

I am not telling you that to pitch the group. I am telling you that because it is a perfect example of Naval’s quote in action. If you are not happy with your results, you have to do something about it. And most of the time, that means having a tough conversation with your boss. Which, in case you forgot, is you.

Think about where you’re at and what you’re going to do about it:

• Go to bed earlier.

• Get up earlier.

• Move your body.

• Quit eating trash.

• Hire the VA.

• Follow up with the client.

• Raise your rates.

• Fire that terrible client.

• Own the outcome.

We have unlimited opportunity.
Which also means unlimited responsibility.
The only true test of intelligence is if you get what you want out of life.

Write that quote down and put it someplace in your office.
Because no one is coming to save you.

Although, I am always here to help.

I’m telling you, connecting with YOUR PEOPLE for only $9/month?
Now might be the time to get plugged in!
smallbusinesscommunity.com 

Newsletter Networking
Get a Free Plug for Your Business

We’re approaching 2,000 small businesses reading the Small Business Summary every week. What if you had the chance to stand up in front of everyone and share what you do? Here’s your chance!

Next week, I’ll introduce you to five (5) small businesses that read the newsletter. To be one of the five featured, all you need to do is hit reply and introduce yourself. Think of this as the chance to stand up in a networking meeting and do your elevator pitch. When the dust settles, I’ll select five of the replies and add them to the newsletter.

Hit reply, and share to seize the opportunity!

• Your name and Business Name

• Where you’re located

• Company Website

• Two sentences about what do you and who you serve

THIS THURSDAY
SBOC Road Trip - Fond du Lac, WI

Tweet of the Week

#SBOC25 - Building the Conference

BUILD YOUR RECORD YEAR AT #SBOC25
Presented by Horicon Bank
September 16-19, 2025
Brookfield, WI

See the full lineup and get your ticket here: https://event.smallbusinesscommunity.com/25conference

A HUGE thank you to our major sponsors: Horicon Bank, Money Masters, Athena Legal Solutions, Magnolia Tax, and Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative

Last bit: The best business advice I ever received was from my Dad. It was simple. “Do your best.” Only you can know if you’re giving it your all or if you’re mailing it in. Take a minute to think about the projects and tasks that are hard and the consider if you’re REALLY doing your best of if you’re bitching about something that is fixable and you just don’t feel like putting in the work to fix it. 9 times out of 10 you’re avoiding the hard work and defaulting to complaining and delaying. Do. Your. Best.

NOW GO SELL SOMETHING!

Pat

The Small Business Summary is sponsored by Enji . Enji is the confidence-boosting system solopreneurs and small business owners need to finally take control of their marketing. Create your marketing plan, do the plan, and track your results all within Enji.