Hard Work Leads to Success

 I used to play Powerball all the time. I’d buy a ticket and then for the next few days, usually while driving, I’d day dream about what I’d do with the winnings. I’d buy more land around me, fix up a pretty sweet little homestead out in the country. Pay off my Dad’s debt without him knowing, give money to my family and friends who helped me…

Then the numbers came out and I’d feel bummed. 

Americans want to get rich quick. We want the easy path to success. We want to make six-figure incomes but only work 5 hours a day starting at 10 am and need to have a me-day in the middle of the week. 

We don’t want to work hard cause sweat is gross, or because it's too challenging and when I feel challenged I feel like I’m not good enough…so it needs to be easier. 

Here’s the deal, those who are going to be truly successful, those who are going to be the next leaders are the ones who work. 

Right now anyone can have the American dream because you can get a loan. You can get sucked into that low payment for the rest of your life and pay 2x more than it costs. I’ve been in that boat and working to get out. 

I hope that we start teaching our kids better ways. We need to show them how to save up and work towards ownership again. We need to teach them to be humble and start small and work for the next level. I fully plan to show my daughter the struggles I had with credit cards and my impatience to save up for things. 

One of my most financially successful friends never went to college. He was a hard worker. He kept multiplying his skills and knowledge, just like he multiplied his wealth. He didn’t start with a mountain-side lodge for a home, but renting and sharing a house with me. 

He’s a hard worker who is also generally humble and wise. He’s got the dream now and lives it without debt hanging over him. 

The Bible tells us to work hard. To roll up our sleeves, work hard and there will be benefits. This isn’t the only verse we see this instruction. Whether you’re a Christian believer or not, hard work with goals and desire to learn and grow, is what leads to success. Make that part of your life and teach it to the next generation. 

We used to be a country of people hardened by toil and determination…we used to be great and shining a light…we are dimming and it's up to us to help the next generation get things back on track.