DANGEROUS COMPARISONS
Every day, we are bombarded with comparisons.
- “Bigger is better”
- “The wealthy versus the poor”
- “The have’s and the have nots”
Many voices are calling for us to compare ourselves to others, but where are the voices asking people to sit down, calm down, and focus on their own race?
I was just having a conversation about this exact topic earlier today. The wealthy, they claimed, are wealthy no matter what because of passed-down wealth, and if you haven’t had that opportunity, you are destined to stay poor forever. It’s hard to agree with such a statement in an age where possibilities are seemingly endless. Unless, of course, handouts and free passes are the means to improve oneself for that person. I have never benefited from handouts in my life and I have worked hard to achieve the small success I currently have. I worked fast food, washed cars, shoveled snow, waxed cars (back when that was a thing), whatever it took to make money. The only financial assistance I received during college was the few military discounts they offered (thank you to my wife who is a proud member of the US Army).
The wealth of counsel I have received has enabled me to ease myself out of over $20,000 in debt. It’s not the case for everyone. In spite of that, I can state with pride that none of those things came from someone handing me a free pass or free money. Like everyone else, I struggled to gain wealthy employment. Even so, I still went to school, I still earned my degree, and I am still working hard to achieve my own dreams. In the process of building three businesses, I have learned how to transform knowledge into power. Maintaining a positive attitude is so much more advantageous than dwelling on what you don’t have.
American’s still have much to be thankful for and grateful for, regardless of the negative mindset. We have been so indoctrinated with a “gotta have it all” mentality that we have forgotten just how wealthy even our poorest citizens are relative to the rest of the world. As a result of living in another country, I will also benefit from gaining a global perspective.
DON’T RUSH THE PROCESS
While reading through my daily affirmations, I came across this particular quote. I thought it was just so appropriate. For me personally, January has been a tough month. I have struggled in a number of areas. There were yet more lockdowns, more rejection letters, and more lost opportunities. After reading this I realized that everything has its season.
In his speech, Jim Rohn discussed the four seasons of life. If you’re interested, here’s a link. I hope you’ll give it a listen. Your time will be well spent.
His words made such an impact, and he delivered many talks packed with wisdom. Because humans have the capacity to change their habits and innovate, they are able to manifest themselves into whatever they desire. Yes, there are obstacles and yes, there are varying results. You cannot achieve your dreams solely through hard work. You need to act as well. Also, you can’t manifest your dream by sitting on the couch and complaining behind a computer screen. The only way to manifest your dream is to take action. This is why most people would not benefit from a free handout. Suppose you were given money for free. What would you do with it? Would you adopt new habits with it? Would you pursue new opportunities with it? Do you think your life would change if you had it? Would you form new associations?
No matter how much money you have, if certain areas of your life are not handled, it will be meaningless. You will inevitably return to where you started if you do not change your lifestyle, perspective, and mindset. This particular quote resonates deeply with me for this very reason. As I watched business partners, business rivals, and other teammates stream by, I was stuck behind bars in my own mind. We all face obstacles. New obstacles present themselves in the form of unfamiliar laws, legislation, and mandates in a foreign country. I need to study a new playbook that I wasn’t familiar with. But this is just a temporary season. This is the value of being trained by a mentor who actually teaches you how to think instead of how to build. I have gained the ability to self-correct after learning how to think. A free handout cannot compare to this.
The experiences I gain will strengthen my journey. It is always a blessing to be reminded that my journey is my journey. No one needs to compare themselves to me, and I don’t need to compare myself to others. My time is my time. However, I get to decide whether to move forward or succumb to negativity, and no one else pays for it but me.
“Success is never owned it is rented. And rent is due everyday.” — Rory Vaden
