I was so concerned with saving $70 here, and $40 there, that maybe I pocketed a few hundred extra dollars per month. But I wasn’t doing the things that had potential to make me a few thousand extra dollars per month.

Consider this: the people who need paintings the most are people who don’t have paintings in their homes. But the reason they don’t have paintings in their homes is because they don’t value paintings.

If a client I have decides they’re “too busy” to complete my invoice, I can see the situation two ways. I can conclude that I had lost control, see myself as the victim, and conclude I’m someone who’s not worth paying. However, a better choice would be to realize that I’m totally in control of my response to the situation! I can change my approach, call the client on the phone, and add a short signed agreement in my next gig.