4. IMPRESSING PEOPLE IS IMPORTANT

It's a human need to be acknowledged for our accomplishments. Your neighbor has a green lawn and you hear all the compliments he gets. Maybe you've even complimented him yourself - so you strive to make your lawn greener. Your best friend is thinner than you are, so you start starving yourself. If you look at your life, I bet there is one area where you want to impress people.

I'm more interested in impressing myself. I do this by attempting to live each day according to my own values. If a green lawn gave me happiness, I'd have one. But my yard is gravel, front and back, with plants indigenous to where I live. Why? I'd rather be writing this article than weeding or paying for a gardener.

Another example. My car is paid for. This gives me much more happiness than impressing someone with my new BMW. However, I'd really love to drive a BMW. I think BMW's are snappy looking and fun to drive. And when I can pay cash for one, you'll see my driving it. (But I'm erring towards a hybrid car to honor my value of nature. Decisions, decisions.) In the meantime, my extra cash is going straight into my property investments. This is a personal choice. By choosing investing over monthly car payments, I'll soon have a lump sum of cash to buy my dream car.

Success Strategy: Determine what you value in life. Is it passion, beauty, elegance, freedom? Make a list of 10 values. Then impress yourself by living those values. Go ahead! I dare you. Dare to take the path less traveled.

My grandfather was successful. He had an eighth grade education, English was his second language and he died a millionaire. He was a joyful, exuberant man who played the spoons on his knee, wore a distinctive cap, and earned his keep as a carpenter - with a knack for property speculation. His guiding principles: Laugh often. Take nothing for granted. Remember to love.

Success is defined by one thing: YOU. Your credentials or lack thereof do NOT define your success: YOU DO! What your mom or dad told you, what your teachers told you, what your church told you, etc. - none of these sources can determine your success.

Here's to your success! Go for it! What are you waiting for?

Copyright (c) 2008 Elizabeth Davis

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