Land of Opportunity

America has been given many titles: Yankeeland, Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, Land of Properity and also the Land of Opportunity.   I’d like to discuss how it is the land of Opportunity. I have recently returned from a trip overseas.  It was fabulous and enlightening.  We saw buildings and relics that predated the Savior's birth.  We ate strange foods and chatted with the locals, whenever we could.  Although it’s always fun to get away, the best part about travel is coming home.

For me, that home is the United States of America.  Right after we cleared customs, this is the welcome home banner that was hanging so proudly.  

I am grateful to be born into this beautiful country where everyone has the right to an education and anyone willing to work hard enough and smart enough can make whatever life they choose.  Find your passion and find a way to make money doing it.

Here are a few of the lessons that stood out to me this week:
Corey Bell
Living with no regrets.  Live your life in such a way that there are no 'what if' questions.  If I believe I can do it then I'm going to try.  Entrepreneurship is about eliminating the word 'can't' from your vocabulary.  If you want it bad enough you'll find a way around that brick wall.  Everything is possible if you want it.  Everyone inspires him.  We owe the world.  It's bigger than me.  How can I give back?  People of character, passion and intelligence.  We are called to be people of impact.  That's what drives him.

Surviving entrepreneurial life: work and family
Business requires you to be all in.  Devise strategies of balancing between work and family.  Kids have different needs.  Have structured family meetings once a week or monthly.  How can we improve?  Bring kids to work sometimes so they can appreciate and understand and respect.  Talk to them about business.  Date night is important but so are small walks.  Leave smart phone behind.  Have parameters.  Yes, my business is important but you matter more.

Launching leaders
Secret to early retirement:
1. the 6 step success formula
2. terrific marriage partner
3. principles from The Richest Man in Babylon 

• pay yourself first.  invest a fixed percentage of every paycheck into an investment account
• part of what you earn is yours to keep.  Never touch the principle  If you're willing to pay the price and set meaningful goals then you can reap the rewards of early retirement

Paycheck

1. independence account

2. budget accounting: tithing, domestic expenses, living expenses, family expenses and normal costs of living

3.  non budget savings account: Christmas, bdays, medical emergencies, vacations and vehicles

4.  wish list savings account: bucket list items

5. gold account: investments, appreciating assets, business entities-put $ in here.  Don't ever touch the principle

Retire young and spend your life in service!  The formula begins tomorrow at 5:30am.  No free lunches.  Let's go!