January 26, 2017
Dear Grandchildren:
This month I would like to speak to you about starting the year off on the right foot. 2017 is your year to make a difference for yourself!
To start, let’s play a game. I call it, The Game of Life. It’s a game dealing with your life. Are you ready? Let’s begin.
Now, I want you to take a sheet of paper out and write your full name at the top. There is something sweet about that name you just wrote because it’s your name. No matter how many times you write that name, it will never get old because it’s special to you.
After your full name write the letters INC. or LLC. Look at your name with these letters after it and what does it mean to you? I remember the first time I did this exercise, I realized that in my thinking, I was in charge of directing me and in a sense I was a company that I was personally in charge of. And whether I thought my company (me) was big or small, it was going to be successful because of one person, and that person was me.
As you look at your name–you, incorporated–realize your future is directly resting in your hands, your heart, your mind, and the choices you make for you and your company. As you approach life– your studies, your work, your marriage and other relationships, and your health, your success in all these areas and more rest on your shoulders. It’s not about your parents, your spouse, or your boss, or friends. No, it’s all about you making good decisions for you and your company.
So let’s get started with how you want to approach this new year, 2017, in your company.
The first word in having a successful company is motivation. Motivation is an inside-your-skin job. Your actions in life start by being motivated within. Motivating yourself is your main responsibility. In your company, are you a self-starter and a go-getter? I hope so! There are times to lead and there are times to follow, but when we’re talking about your company, you’re responsible for what you want to accomplish. Whether it’s studying, working in a job, or cleaning your room, start by motivating yourself to do your very best.
Always remember that recognition, achievement, and accomplishment are the top motivators for people. Knowing you did your full and best effort should always keep you pumped. If you’re in a leadership role, always remember that recognition for a job well done will always be appreciated. We all can use a pat on the back when we have done a good job.
The second word is time. In your company, you will be responsible for your time. Yes, being a timely person as you show up for your appointments is your responsibility. My personal opinion is you should always make it your habit to be early and that makes a good impression on others meeting with you.
Let’s play another game. Suppose, starting tomorrow morning I put $86,400.00 in your bank account. The only thing I ask is that you spend all the money I gave you today because what you didn’t spend, I’m going to take back. Do you think you could spend it all? I bet you could get pretty good at spending the $86,400.00. And could you do the same thing on the 2nd day and the 3rd day? Wow! You would be a busy shopper.
Here’s the Point! You’ve been given 86,400 seconds each day to live to the fullest in your company. I challenge you to not get side tracked about yesterday’s problems and tomorrow’s worries but focus on today. Yes, today is a gift to you to live. Today is the 1st day of the rest of your life. In your company. it’s time to take action.
Here’s an example of taking action. Last year I was invited to be a speaker at one of the graduating class’s nights. During my talk, I said I have a $20.00 bill in my hand for any senior that would like to have it. After a few minutes, a senior from Johannesburg High School came up and took the $20.00 bill.
Here’s the point. The world doesn’t pay you for what you know. They pay you for what you do with what you know! Yes, the Universe rewards action! When you take action, you trigger all kinds of things that will carry you to success. When you take action, you let everyone around you know that you’re serious about your intention. That senior did one thing to get that $20.00 bill. She took action!
I’m reminded of an old Danish proverb that I’m going to conclude with. These two proverbs, or let’s say statements, as you can see are very important in your company.
WHAT YOU ARE IS GOD’S GIFT TO YOU; WHAT YOU DO WITH YOURSELF IS YOUR GIFT TO GOD.
Again 2017 is going to be a good year for you and your company.
Until next month,
Love, Grandpa
P.S. If you have any comments or feedback, I’d love to hear from you.