Don't be last

I saw a shirt on someone that read "Don't be last". The saying is very true and  motivational.
In life, we need to work hard to reach our goals.
Never quit or slow down until you cross the finish line. There are many races, including the race of life. When you have your site set on a prize, you should see it through and then be thinking about the next task at hand.
Bob Knight, in his book The Power of Negative Thinking, said he would have his guys on the bench be thinking about their next opponent in the final few minutes of a game. This was done especially during a blow out. He just gave the team a little time for celebration.
Work hard and always think about the next goal.

Facing Fear

Fear can be the cause of not moving forward in life. Starting a business, taking a new position at work or moving to a new location can be a big leap in life.
Fear is false evidence appearing real. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "If the fear doesn't go away-go and do it afraid." In the movie "Hoosiers", Gene Hackman's character, Coach Norman Dale, get's kicked out of a game, on purpose, to get Shooter's confidence up and take away his fear. At first, Shooter is nervous and scared. He beats around the bush with what play he should call but once he gains his confidence and faces his fear, he calls the play. Shooter- "We're going to run the ole picked fence...don't get caught watching the fence dry." I love this part in the movie. It shows us to face our fears and take charge. See you at the top!

Middle Class

In America, 64% of the population works for an employer that has 500, or less, employees. Those companies are the back bone of this country.
Most of these small businesses started in someone's garage, at a card table or on the hood of a '74 Chevy Nova. One thing we shouldn't do is discourage our children from using their talents. They will be the new generation of thinkers, entrepreneurs, and leaders of this country.
I heard of a young man that went around his neighborhood fixing flats and other small repairs on bikes. His catch was that he would come and get the bike. He did this to earn money. I'm always constantly thinking of ways to better myself, earn more money and to leave a legacy. Remember, start with where you are at and what you have.

Are you willing?

One of the many things I enjoy is hearing success stories. Recently I got in contact with an aquaintence who fixed an iPhone I used to have.

At the time he was doing it as a side job. In the past few months we reconnected on Facebook and I have been reading his posts. Earlier this week he met with three professional sports teams to see about becoming their "go to" guy for iPhone and iPad repairs. This deal would involve the athletes, as well as the staff.

As of today, he picked up the Indianapolis Colts as their Apple repairman. Success is out their. Are you willing to make the sacrifice to get it?

Quote of the day

Work when you don't need the money but need the job. ~Bob Russell

Money isn't everything

I would have to say it's right up there next to breathing. I was never good at managing my money. I have spent more money than I would wish to know.
When I look back to my early years, I wish I had started saving for emergencies, the future, vacations and, yes retirement. I am scrabbling right now to have a peaceful retirement. Although I still want to work until I cannot work anymore.
One thing I would like to share with the younger crowd is; 1) Save for the future and 2) stay out of debt. Pay cash for everything.
Kids come out of college already having a loan the size of a mortgage. I have met young adults who have spent 4 years in school only to work in something different from their chosen field and with a six-figure student loan, making $12/hr. I'll save that for another story.
Right now, I want to talk about retirement. If a person starts saving in a Roth IRA or some other savings vehicle, putting away the maximum amount, from age 20-27. Then, stop adding to it, do not take any out. When they go to retire, they will have over $1 million. The compound interest will add up over time.
A friend of mine told me his father worked at a job for 55 years since he was age 20. They let him go and he did not have any retirement and thought maybe he would have to move in with his son.
Always have a plan, because rest assure, if you don't, you will fall into someone else's plan.

Quote of the day

1 year.
12 months.
365 days.
8760 hours.
525600 minutes.
31536000 seconds.

How much time are you willing to sacrifice to achieve success?