Author / Blog Writer

by Blog Writer

Take Care of What You Already Have

“Many people see discipline as the absence of freedom, when in fact it is the source of freedom.”  ~unknown

Take pride in what you own and take care of your possessions. If you observe successful people you’ll most likely notice how they care for their property. Their vehicles don’t resemble trash cans and storage units. Their furniture is void of stains from food and drink.

This behavior of taking care of what you own is a characteristic of a disciplined individual. Think of it this way. If you’re not having to replace your flooring, furniture, automobile due to neglect, you will naturally have more extra money which can be invested into income-producing assets like rental properties, equities, and small business. 

Those assets can work hard for you so more of your time can be spent doing more of what you like. In addition, the income these assets produce may be treated more favorably by Uncle Sam, yielding more spendable money for you. 

Take care of your possessions and use the income from investments to help take care of you and your family. It’s part of the process of “getting a life”.

“Take care of what you like or you will be forced to like what you get.”  ~George Bernard Shaw

by Blog Writer

Start Thinking For Yourself

“No man is free who is not master of himself.”  ~Epictetus


Have you ever wondered why big businesses spend BILLIONS of dollars in advertising? Because it works! They have been tremendously successful in shaping and encouraging you to hop on the “consumption treadmill”. Many have bought into the concept that, in order to obtain success for themselves and their families, they must drive a luxury vehicle, wear brand name clothing, consume a certain type of liquor, live in a particular style home and reside in an up-scale neighborhood and the list goes on.
The concept of “thinking for yourself” runs diametrically opposed to the lures of skilled marketers. Making the effort to think specifically about what you want, taking the time to plan how to achieve those goals without landing you in debt, and practicing delayed gratification may set you up for long-term success. “Thinking for yourself” can be incredibly liberating, freeing up time (a non-renewable resource) so that you can focus more on your health, family and enriching activities.
Marketing experts would rather you adopt the “herd mentality” and follow societal norms. For example, it’s my understanding that the custom of a young couple spending thousands of dollars (money they frequently don’t have) on an engagement ring is the product of shrewd marketing by the jewelry industry. It was not always this way, but now has become an expected societal norm.
This is NOT in your best self-interest. It is about growing the bottom line of big business. It’s about using herd mentality or social proof and envy to keep you on the consumption treadmill. 
Going against social norms will really push you out of your comfort zone, as I can personally attest to. If you truly start thinking for yourself, you’ll grow a new set of mental and emotional muscles, which will provide the tools needed to work against the herd. Remember, the vast majority of the herd is starved for time and broke (or very close to it). IF you follow the herd, you will likely end up where they end up. Little or no money, exhausted, and discouraged. You may have some trinkets, but was it worth it? Life is far less stressful when you play by your rules and get off the consumption treadmill established by others. 
Bottom line: Don’t be manipulated and stop making poor choices. Think for yourself and take action to make your dreams a reality. A must if you hope to “get a life”. 


“It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results.”  ~Warren Buffett

by Blog Writer

INTRODUCTION

“The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing.”  – Marcus Aurelius


If you’re reading this blog, odds are you are looking to improve your life. Millions of people are finding themselves stuck and exhausted. They lack direction, purpose, and are bored with their jobs. Physically and mentally they are depleted which is leading to a decline in health. Relationships are at best stale or borderline floundering. They know this current narrative of life is unsatisfying and furthermore, leading down a road to more challenges. Does this sound like you? 
Your life is NOT supposed to be this way, nor does it have to be this way. However, it’s not going to change unless you do something about it. It’s not your boss’ job to make your life work. It’s not your spouse or society’s responsibility to make your life thrive. It’s your job and that is good news! You can’t control your boss, your spouse, or society. You do, however, have control over yourself, your attitude, philosophies, and your actions.
So, open your mind and think in terms of possibilities. If something in this blog looks attractive, then start thinking in terms of “How could I do this?” Begin taking steps to make it happen. Winners take action; they take responsibility. If you believe you deserve a better life, then it is up to you to do something about it. This is a blog about winning at the game of life from someone that has done it. Is my life perfect? No, and it will never be. No one’s life is perfect.
Life is a never-ending series of challenges. However, I can tell you that almost anyone born in the United States has the opportunity to dramatically improve their life. You have the opportunity. Do you have the willingness to do the work, to make changes? Do you have the courage and resilience? If not, then don’t expect things to change.
As you may have guessed, I’m not a professional writer. Rather, I am someone who has turned his life. I started out dead-ass broke. My family had little affluence or economic resources. I have received no large inheritance, no large insurance settlement. I simply lowered my head and ground it out month after month, year after year. I have weathered a divorce, mental illness in my family, the death of a spouse, a handicaped child, and numerous personal and business challenges. I would tell you, I have a very good life, improving all the time, and hope to share some of what I have learned. While not Uber wealthy, my net worth is in the top 5% of the United States.
As for my family, I have a 29 year old son that any father would be proud of. My handicapped daughter has far exceeded what was expected. Many men are not fortunate to find a good spouse. I found a great one, and we currently have the privilege of raising our seven year old son. I started semi-retiring at the age of 52. My wife and I have created ample free time to do enriching activities. I currently divide my waking hours to approximately ⅓ family, ⅓ work, ⅓ public service. I share these facts to help establish my credentials for this blog. It’s one thing to parrot others, it’s another to actually do the heavy lifting and report the results.
What I have done, others have also accomplished, and you can too. This is a blog about getting a life, not about becoming a millionaire, although some chapters will explain how you can make this happen.
As you read this blog, take time to reflect, and write out your thoughts. Examine if there’s something in each entry that applies to you. Taking the time to write forces you to clarify your thoughts.
Getting a life will take time, thought, and work, but I can assure you it’s worth the effort. Others have helped me and now I’m paying it forward. While this blog may lack in polish, I hope to make up for it with practical advice, improved philosophies, and better strategies that I’ve implemented myself. I have a sincere desire to see you “Get a life”.


“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”  ~George Bernard Shaw
“You see things, and you say ‘why?’ But I dream things that never were, and I say ‘why not.’”  ~George Bernard Shaw