As I raised my children I attempted to share lessons about life with them. They were raised with many advantages but I tried to share with them why they should work hard and plan for their futures. I guess I attempted to share with them the lessons I learned from my younger years. I am talking more about the “School of Hard Knocks” more than my formal education. I think you know what I mean.
If you know my sons you probably agree that they successfully learned those lessons. While they might joke about my methods, I know they are the best sons I could have raised. But, chances are I will not be here to teach their children. I am certain they will do an even better job, but let me lay out a few of my premises:
- Always work harder than the next guy---you’ll get noticed.
- Never quit. Quitters cannot be winners and winners never quit.
- Most breakthroughs occur just before you are broken.
- Address each problem first with a smile. You’ll confuse the competition and you will like yourself more.
- Start saving money at a young age. Most people don’t do it so you’ll be more successful than at least the majority of the people that you know.
- If you save a little while you are young, you’ll learn about self-discipline. Later in life, that will pay big dividends.
- Dream big dreams.
There is more that I could write on this topic and I promise I will. It makes me think---how about you?