Write a Book, Plant a Tree, Father a Child

“Do not settle for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” - Nelson Mandela

“Either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing.” - Ben Franklin.

“Try to leave the world a little better than you found it.” - Baden Powell.

When Jim Rohn had concluded a talk at one of his seminars, he was approached by a young man who was curious about his teachings; “You speak alot about doing ‘more’ in your talks,” he said. “But I grew up in a very modest home and I feel I would be miserable if I was rich, my parents were not rich but we got by and my childhood was relatively happy. I feel that I would be content doing the same with my family. So why should I do any of the things you say I should ?”

To Jim, the answer was as self-evident in the question as the question was in the answer; “Why not?” He asked, “Why not wish for more happiness, more fulfilment, more satisfaction in life? Why not reach your full potential and give your family the best life you can give them? Why not wish for a better marriage, better home, better job? Why not try to leave the world a little better than you found it?”

What about unforseen circumstances? You may be happy now while the economy is stable, but what happens in the event of an outbreak? Of war or disease? It is only those with means that will be able to provide for their families when the safety of a job is taken away from them.

Poverty, it is said, is a burden to all around it. It takes away from the pleasure and joy of life.

While it is true that money in itself cannot buy happiness, it certainly can and does buy a lot more happiness than poverty.

When Nelson Mandela was asked why he had sacrificed so many years of his life to the struggle, he said “Do not settle for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Write a book, plant a tree, father a child.

As men, we are measured by our ability to produce.

Otherwise “Why?” asks Mirabeau, “Should we call ourselves men, unless it is to succeed in everything, everywhere?”

Jordan Peterson in his advise to young men says you must “Stand up straight with your shoulders back.” “Pick up heavy objects.” And “Pursue something bigger than yourself.”

“For a man to be a weak loser,” he says, “is pathetic.”

Find a purpose and stick to it, he says

Without purpose, success is only found in the lottery. All achievements, whether intellectual, or industrial, creative or physical require purpose and action.

Purpose isn’t any single goal or achievement but is the path and journey itself.

What good did you do in the world? What did you do with your time here?

Did you leave the world a little better than you found it?

What did you do with the opportunities presented before you?

Did you participate in the game of life?

Did you score any goals?

Did you even play the game?

Or were you merely a spectator?

Read more in my new book! The Trials And Triumphs of Hyperachievers