The Ultimate Investment

Life is full of obstacles.  When you run into an obstacle, do one of three things:  break through it, go around it, or change the conditions under which the obstacle exists.  First, try to break through.  In doing this, remember it takes time.  Don't be discouraged or give up when things don't happen as fast as you'd like.    Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of Tarzan, was constantly rejected before his creation became a cult icon of a generation.  Many publishers turned him away before he finally sold a serialized version of his first novel, A Princess of Mars, to a low-class pulp   >> [Read the rest of the post]

The final catalyst which unlocks your hidden potential is the principle of obedience. When you obey eternal laws you receive a reward flowing there from.  The converse holds true too.  When you disobey eternal laws, you receive consequences.  It is cause and effect, pure and simple. Take the law of gravity.  The law of gravity says that all things fall "down" when dropped.  What would happen if you were to jump off a cliff and expect to fall "up" instead?  You would be sorely disappointed you hadn't heeded the law of gravity.  The law of gravity can also be used to your   >> [Read the rest of the post]

Another Catalyst of Success is Persistence. Nicholas, a highly successful businessman taught, "All the problems we ever encounter eventually yield to the power of our mind." This is true.  You never fail until you give up. The members of the country Mega-group, Diamond Rio knew this from experience.  Each member struggled through years of odd jobs in Nashville making ends meet until they finally found each other and formed a band initially named, The Tennessee River Boys.  They were quite popular as a "front" band for headline country stars, but they were never able to get an acceptable recording contract for themselves. After   >> [Read the rest of the post]

Like a powerful chemical reaction, we often need a catalyst to get us started down the road to success.  A catalyst is like a lit fuse on a stick of dynamite.  It's what starts a reaction of explosive power.  In a gasoline engine, the catalyst is a tiny spark from a spark plug.  It sparks a chain reaction many times greater than itself, and drives immense machinery. Your success also needs a catalyst.  One such catalyst is Desire. Desire, like the spark plug in a car, in and of itself it is not really that powerful, but it ignites a force within   >> [Read the rest of the post]

What’s the big deal about self reliance?  Being self reliant makes you feel secure, fulfilled, confident -- like we're worth something.    An ancient Chinese proverb says, "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day.  But, if you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." Of course, there are those with physical, mental, or emotional handicaps who require dependence upon others.  But, to the extent possible, you should strive to become self supporting physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually.  Don't lament over any condition you have as an excuse not to succeed.  Charles, confined to a   >> [Read the rest of the post]

David O. McKay, past president of a large international Christian Church said, "No other success can compensate for failure in the home."  This is true.  You should place a high priority on your family relationships, even at the expense of other things that may seem just as desirable. Ben recently went through a divorce, separating him from his wife and three small children.  When asked why, he responded. "I forgot what was most important.  I was so focused on making money, on getting the big house, nice car, and building my career, I forgot where my real treasure was.  Now I've lost   >> [Read the rest of the post]

Love and service are factors of success which can't be measured in monetary terms.  Being a volunteer brings a feeling of inner peace not attained any other way.  Would you consider Mother Theresa failed because she died poor?  What about Ghandi?  Heavens no! Sam volunteered his time working with teenage boys, providing training, guidance, leadership, and just a listening ear.  He wasn’t paid a dime but was at it many years until health concerns required his retirement.  When he talks about his service, his eyes glow, his heart warms, and he tells of yet another young man who's recently called and thanked him   >> [Read the rest of the post]

“I’m so swamped I can’t seem to get anything done!”  Mark leaned back from the computer and rubbed his eyes.  “As soon as I start on something I get a phone call or email from someone demanding yet another report or file to be completed.  I’m so far behind I can’t get anything done for trying to juggle it all.” Clint stared at him from the other side of the desk.  He felt guilty because he was there to ask Mark for something too.  Instead he remembered how not long ago he’d felt the same way.  Clint decided to share the   >> [Read the rest of the post]

Let’s look at a good example of what life can offer if you set a destination for life and strive to reach it:  DKUU5SFC9QEE Jay was born into a big but poor family.  He learned from an early age if he wanted anything it was up to him, and him alone, to get it.  First he decided what he wanted out of life, listed out all his goals, then rolled up his sleeves and went to work.  Jay wanted to be involved in business, and realized to do that, he needed an education, to help him be they type of person he   >> [Read the rest of the post]

As you work toward the achievement of your goals, you need to realize that obstacles will inevitably step out to block your way.  Don't complain about these problems.  Recognize them for the blessings they are.  Or you can end up like the bad example below: Mike is pretty smart.  Actually, he is brilliant.  But what has he done with that brilliance? Absolutely nothing.  You see, Mike has never held a job for more than eight months.  His longest job was as a manager of a convenience store.  The odd thing is that he is never fired.  He just up and quits.    >> [Read the rest of the post]