Accept the fact that we have to treat almost anybody as a volunteer.
Everybody makes money for a living, but most of us actually do something that has a point, in addition to just making money. We examine and treat patients, we teach students, we draw up contracts and wills, we write for newspapers, magazines, and web sites, we clean floors, or we serve meals.
Circuses don't treat their 'performers' very well - whipping them, trying to make them terrified.
I put myself on the same level as everyone else around me - from the directrice to the workman, everyone. Except my pets - they are the Kings; you must treat them like royalty.
I am just going to try to run my personal best. If it comes as a world record, I would appreciate it. But I would treat it as a personal best.