There is a saying in poker when a player puts all of their chips on the line for what they believe is their best chance of success. The term “All In” is the one time in poker when you know it is a make or break situation. Laying all of your money on the line in this sink or swim situation can put a person out of the game, or double their cash. Poker may be gambling, but these guys are going “all in” with everything they have to capture a victory. This is the time when the poker player has calculated all of his moves, and realizes that without laying it all on the line, there will be no chance of victory, only guaranteed defeat. I often wonder why I waited so long to act on my desires. I also wonder why some days it takes me a few minutes to get cranked up to really go to work on my desires. I attribute most of it to being a human being who isn’t perfect, but a continual work in progress.
The bottom line is that if you really want something in this world, you are going to have to risk a lot. When I talk with students who want something in life, I always ask what they are willing to give in order to get it. Most of the answers involve things they are willing to part with. They say I will do this in my spare time, or work on that in between some favorite activity; they don’t quite understand that achieving something big in life requires you to risk major things. It may mean you have to give up more than just sleep and a daily hobby. There may be a cost involved where you have to earn the cash via a part-time job just to start your journey. I believe the reason people don’t achieve in life isn’t because they don’t want to, it is mainly because they won’t give up the things they like for the opportunity they will love. Life may ask you to move to a different place to achieve your goal, because where you currently live can’t educate you well enough. That is easy if the college is where a lot of your friends are going, but what about one that is over 800 miles away? That is a huge risk at 18 years of age, but what do you want to achieve?
One thing I have learned when mentoring those who want success, but are struggling to achieve their desires, is that they rarely understand what the price of success is, and if they are willing to pay it. Everyone wants to make a million dollars, but they want to spend $100 to get there. That is what I call gambling, or the lottery, mentality. The investment on those successes is to invest as little as possible and get returns that are 100 times more than you had to risk. Those things don’t work out. I know that whatever the cost of the reward desired, you better be willing to pay at least double that price tag in effort to achieve it. So you want to make a million playing basketball? You better get used to the idea of spending two million in effort and money to achieve that goal. Want to be a billionaire businessperson? Get your two billion of effort, cash, and learning ready to lay on the line.
Risking it all is great as long as you are realistic in the cost and are willing to pay the price. Every price is different for every person. Learn to calculate the price you will have to pay, and get started on the process. Success isn’t cheap.
Risk it all by working to achieve the lifestyle you desire. There can be a “Catch 22” when talking about lifestyle. Most people see the lifestyle statement as riches and spending money. In reality, it is the way you see your life as the most productive. This can be a difficult change as it requires you to accept a new way of thinking and achieving. I know you have to have a lifestyle that you 100% believe in so our main desires will be achieved, and more things than not will work out for you. If you are struggling with what you want to do, then maybe you can evaluate the lifestyle you desire. I desire a lifestyle that gives me the freedom to help as many teens as possible. Once I discovered this, I knew it was time for me to start my own businesses and start writing books. The classroom life wasn’t going to be the BEST I could do. Taking a step away was scary, but I continue to work so I am achieving my goals, even to this point, where my family is asleep on a Friday night and I am up writing. The key is to take those small extra times and use them wisely. I could be watching something on TV, but I have to question if that would take me to my goal and the answer is no. So, I continue to write, since my goals are based on the lifestyle I am working to achieve.
You have to ask yourself if the actions you are doing are helping or hurting you when it comes to the lifestyle you desire. This doesn’t mean I don’t watch TV at all, but there comes a time where you have to give up the good to get the great.
The above information is from the book Work Ethic: The Right Actions to Create a Successful Lifestyle by Pierce Brunson https://www.createspace.com/4786986
It isn’t what you say, it’s what you do that will create the life you want. The high school years are a great time for students to build valuable and rewarding action characteristics to increase self-esteem and deliver results. While enjoying these years, students should be developing the right mindset to achieve the success they desire in the future. In order for success to happen, for students to have that lifestyle they often speak of wanting, they must become adults with a solid, results-based work ethic. Wasting these four years can’t be a part of the plan. By using their time in high school to build the right actions for a successful lifestyle, students can ensure themselves a bright future, no matter the obstacles they will encounter. Work Ethic is for the high school student expecting to live life successfully, and is willing to do the right growth actions to shape a lifestyle of fulfillment, fun, and results.
Pierce Brunson http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00I10A3XK , M.Ed., is a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, and spends his time working as a mentor and speaker while developing businesses that help improve the high school experience for students and teachers. He has over a decade of experience teaching in the public school system as a high school Social Studies teacher, majoring in World History and Sociology. Pierce believes everyone can do more to help improve the education system in their local communities, which is part of the backbone of any society. Pierce’s advice is simple: stop complaining and do something to help improve the situation. Good people have to stop being afraid to fight for what they believe in. Get in the game, help others, share culture and move the world toward equality and justice. Connect with Pierce at http://www.piercebrunson.com, http://www.fireflyeventphotography.com, and http://www.piercebrunsonphotography.com.
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Pierce Brunson 