The late, great Jim Rohn was the first person to explain the value of a journey to me. Jim explained that making a million dollars was NOT about owning the money; it was about the journey. As usual, Jim was absolutely right!
That’s because the kind of person we need to become, in order to create 1 million dollars worth of disposable income, is where the REAL value is.
The journey is what’s priceless – not the money
I am a very different person today, to the guy who grew up in a slum / ghetto surrounded by violence and destruction. As a result of my personal journey, I am equipped with the tools that will ensure my son never has to see the things I saw as a kid. By the time I was just 10 years old, I had witnessed 3 murders and at age 17, I was left for dead after being attacked by a gang armed with axes!
Thankfully, at the age of 21, I discovered the power of personal development and 7 years later, I was financially secure for life.
So, when you set your goals and targets for 2010, feel GOOD about putting a BIG financial figure at the top of your list! Ownership of the money is fine, but the improvements you will have to make to your lifestyle and thinking is going to help you, and those you love, far more than the money.
Your life journey
What have been some of the key lessons you have learned, along your life journey thus far? Please take a moment to share them, so we can all benefit from your experiences.
Photo credit: Terilyn G
This has always been such a tough one for me. Obviously we all need money to survive and my goals are to be debt-free and I would really REALLY like a kitchen soon… but making enough to even do those two things has always taken a backseat to whatever cause I was helping. But when I think about it, I have been able to help more as I did more to make my business do better.
Once you get to the point where you know how to make the income you need / want Julie – that’s where the real value is.
You could win a new kitchen, without it making you any better off financially. However, if you learn how to generate the income you need, the financial side of your life will be under your control.
Thanks for the comment.
I have learned not to sit on the sidelines anymore and watch the game being played. The second lesson is being thankful everyday and not taking things for granted.
Absolutely Fatima!
Amen to this, Jim – goals are what makes us get up in the morning, but we still have to be the person that wants to get up in the first place to attain the goals.
I made a pact with myself to never put money above friends and family; to walk away from a project if it’s affecting my health (after recommending a replacement, obviously!), and to help those less fortunate wherever I can.
I’ve really enjoyed rediscovering your blog this year, mate, and look forward to many more posts to come. Hope you and yours have a great one, and I’ll tip a drink to you later today. Cheers!
SOme good points as usual Danny, thanks.
When I see the amount of time some people spend away from their family, I often wonder why.
Thanks for the kind words sir!
Hmmm. That’s a big question to ask!
I think the lesson I’m currently in the midst of learning is twofold. First, to do what I love and feel passionate about, without compromise. Secondly, to bring all of my interests and talents to the task.
For at least a decade, I’ve had a thing about work and the transformative role it can play in people’s lives, but for many of these years I’ve either played safe or hung out in career cul de sacs. I have variously been a corporate consultant, an executive coach and a psychotherapist. All these things have given me legitimacy and allowed me to share my thoughts about work when work has come up in the course of what I’m doing. This year, however, I allowed a closet interest of writing to find its way into forming a blog. Magically, blogging in even a small way kicked off stuff in me that I could never have imagined. At year end, I find myself defining a business that has a strong social media component, combines my thing for work, with all my previous skills, and allows me to put it out there as a value adding service. I’m not yet convinced that I’ve wholly cracked my offering yet, but I know that I will do.
Which reminds me of something else I’ve learned this year, which is about giving up the need to be perfect. Had I taken my usual stance of needing things to be 100% before I got stuff online, I’d still be working on it. Blogging has been a kind of therapy in that regard as, in the process of doing it, I’ve allowed myself to get things visibly wrong and see it as learning.
Well, I told you it was a big question and when I started to write this I had no idea how much I’d put down here. Nevertheless, thanks for causing me to stop and reflect at this reflective (for me at least!) time of year.
Merry Christmas!
Hi Jim Thanks for sharing with us your incredible journey, it’s very inspiring. Also Christine , I found what you shared touched me deeply.Thank you.
I feel timid about saying anything from my own journey, would much rather be in the position of drinking from other people’s experiences, for the moment..
In Gratitude
Yael
I agree 100% about how blogging actually changes things, Christine. I have found this myself.
BTW: Your point about the need for things to be 100% perfect before they go online is what I believe holds many people back from being great writers / contributors.
Thanks for such a detailed, well thought out comment!
Hi Jim,
Thanks for being a part of my life this year. I’ve learned many things from you, have been inspired and you’ve put a smile on my face many times. I appreciate that very much and I’m looking forward to learning and growing with you and your work in 2010!
Things I’ve learned:
If you never quit, success is guaranteed.
There’s no better feeling than helping others in need.
Events don’t define a person – the journey does…
Happy holidays to you and you family Jim : )
Hi Mark – thanks for the kind words.
The point you make about never quitting is one that most of us have to learn with experience. Dogged determination and an effective plan is all that’s needed. Most people miss one part of that mix (some miss both.)
very true…
a great salesman once taught me:
success is a frame of mind – everything else is just a spin-off…
do things right, and the money will simply appear – much like the fruit on the trees appear if you treat them right
just my 0.02c
pj
The right mindset is key – as thoughts are what determine our actions, which are what determine our results.
Thanks for the feedback PJ.
When I started my online business, I only thought of helping some people and never really put down how much $ I should make. That could be why I am not a millionaire yet:)
But I do love what I do, and when the money comes – it’s a bonus!
Thank you for inspiring me in 2009 and wish you a prosperous 2010!
Hi Imie. There’s nothing wrong with getting paid well to help people and do something you love. That’s pretty much what I do. I offer a ton of free ideas and advice, but I pay my bills by charging for some of what I do.
Thanks for your kind words and a GREAT 2010 to you too.
Thanks Jim for sharing your personal story. Your ideas for 2010 are a positive vision, which is the first step to achieving your goals.
Have a great Christmas and New Years!
Thanks Rob. All the very best to you and yours too sir!