Do What You Hate
I recently met with Terry, a gentleman who’s amassed a fortune of over $50 million dollars. He told of a critical turning point in his life. It was when he figured out that you need to be able to do the things you hate in order to be successful.
He was developing real estate subdivisions in San Diego and doing quite well. Then he hit a snag with his financing (this was 30 years ago). Getting low on funds, exhausted, and deep in debt, he went to a rich acquaintance and asked him to buy his project out for a pittance. He was willing to sell at a deep discount just to clear the debt and get out from under the burdens of it all.
His rich friend said he would immediately write him out a check on condition that 1) he solve the problems and 2) he stay with the project until it was sold out. The rich buyer would pay him a salary to do this, saying he didn’t want to buy a problem. He wanted to buy a good investment.
Then he said to Terry, “But you don’t need me. You can do this yourself.” Terry thought about it and realized his rich friend was right. He had to do the work anyway; he may as well earn the profits. Rolling up his sleeves he got back to work. Every time he thought of quitting, he forced himself to do those things he hated . . . until he succeeded!
Years have passed. The lesson was learned. His fortune grew. Don’t give up too easily, even if you have to do things you hate for a while. In the end, persistence pays. And usually pays well.
