The Price Of Fuel

It’s the hot topic in water cooler and break room conversations.  It has replaced discussions about the weather.  It has everyone’s attention.  The price of fuel is being monitored by Americans more than ever.

I don’t want to say I am old – but when I started driving gas at the local HiFy gas station was 27 and 9/10ths.

The fact is we need to get to work, the kids need to get to school, little Jimmy needs to get to baseball practice.  Susie needs to get to her soccer game, and mom needs to get to the store.  So we are forced to suck it up and pay the price at the pump.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we circle the parking lot at the mall several times looking for a closer parking space.
We complain about the price of gas, yet we sit in a long line at the fast food restaurant drive thru with the engine running.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we let the car engine idle while we do our banking through the drive thru window.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we think nothing of buying the giant bucket of popcorn at the movies.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we pay no attention to the price we are paying for the morning cup of Joe at the convenience store or at Starbucks – when we have a
perfectly good coffee maker or Keurig at home.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we don’t bat an eye at blowing $20, $25 or more at happy hour after work.

We complain about the price of gas, yet we don’t even bat an eye at the price of the name brand clothing at the store.

Understand, I am not against any of these items listed above.  I am merely making a point.  When it is something we want, we don’t mind paying the price.  In our minds we justify the expense with things like: its entertainment; I needed to treat myself; it’s only a few dollars; it’s a matter of convenience.

The truth is we see the value as bigger than the price.

Price vs. value.  My mentor, friend and coach Bob Burg speaks of that often.

The gasoline gets us to work so we can earn a living.  Yes, I don’t like paying higher prices at the pump no more than the next person. 

But I see the value in the price of gas because it gets me to where I need to be.  It enables me to serve more people.  It helps me build on my own value.  It serves a great purpose in me growing and moving forward.

I am 100% sure there will be people who disagree with what I am saying and my thought process or approach here.  That’s okay.  Perhaps they do not see the price of gas from my vantage point.

Again, I am NOT happy about gasoline hovering around the $4.00 a gallon mark.  But I am willing to pay it because I see the value in what it can get me in the long run.

I am sure there are people who cannot see the value in buying a book, a kindle book or purchasing a seminar ticket because they see it as an expense.  I see that as an investment in my personal growth and an opportunity to expand my mind, sphere of influence or customer base. 

Is gas worth the price if you are using it to get you to church on Sunday?  For me, it is a bargain.

Is gas worth the price if you are using it to meet with your mentor?  Absolutely.

Is gas worth the price if you are using it to get to work?  Sure.

Is gas worth the price if you are using it to just cruise around or run errands?  Probably not.  (an aside here – I run my errands while en route to my appointments where I am investing in me).

$4.00 a gallon.  Is it an expense or an investment in getting you what you want, where you want to go, what you want to achieve.  It’s your decision.

Have a great week

Ron  

To schedule Ron to speak to your business, civic group
or organization, contact him at:ron@ronorendi.com
717-802-0483