I would like to briefly talk to you about opportunity. Many people fail to see opportunity before them – either because they claim they are too busy or because they just are not looking in the right place. Or maybe it’s because they have immersed themselves in life: from their job to their children, there really isn’t much time for anything else.
Oftentimes, people miss opportunities before them because of these reasons – or should I say, excuses.
A great opportunity lies ahead of us over the next few years. Those who have prepared have already reaped the benefits and will continue to do so. There are people out there profiting off of this recession. There are people who have used this recession as their opportunity.
I would like to share a quote with you to further explain what I mean: “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.” Most often attributed to a Mr. Henry Hartman, on whom I was unable to find information, this quote resonated deeply with me since I first heard it.
Instead of looking at the recession as a bad thing, look at it as an opportunity to accumulate wealth. Look at it as a stepping stone for your retirement goals. Look at it as a chance to start a business. Look at it as a chance to prepare.
As Robert Kiyosaki, entrepreneur and author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has said: “This crisis is the biggest opportunity in the history of the world.” This statement could not be more true. It just depends on how you look at life.
I firmly believe that, in America, anything is possible. I believe people come here looking for a better life. Whether rich, middle class, or poor, there is always a chance for you. While we may not all start off in the same position in the marathon of life, there are always opportunities for us to cross the finish line together. Don’t let fear or self-doubt stand in your way.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Jordan Richardson
So spending time with children is an "excuse" to the greater goal of, in your words, "accumulating wealth?"
While this is a very general article, Father, I can't help but wonder who your audience is here.
You talk about "crossing the finish line" together, too. I find this particularly interesting because, again to use your sentiments, "opportunity" means the fine art of "accumulating wealth."
What, then, is the finish line? And what is the ultimate reward for accumulating wealth, especially if it's done at the expense of not having "excuses" like children or family or jobs getting in the way?
2 - Arch Conservative
Wow...this article could have been summed up in one sentence.
"If you don't want to go down the tubes financially, don't be an idiot."
But not even the great "therefoundingfather" can save America from it's idiot problem. Much too little, way too late.
Thanks for nothing.
3 - The Refounding Father
Jordan,
Thanks for twisting my words to support your attack.
If someone wanted to start a business at home, they could hire a babysitter or have their parents babysit. If they have a job, they can start a business or invest on weekends. Start the business part-time.
By excuse, I meant people use those reasons as excuses for NOT doing something...when they could find a way if they wanted to. Besides, those who want to get rich and accumulate wealth do so in their spare time.
Does it have to be wealth accumulation? Of course not. It could be the financial freedom to spend more time with family and friends. It could be the ability to have a steady stream of passive income coming in.
And, hey, if you don't like the article...don't read it. For people that care, it's good advice though.
4 - Jeannie Danna
Yes, remain teachable Senator...
5 - drive by
While we may not all start off in the same position in the marathon of life, there are always opportunities for us to cross the finish line together.
propagandistic nonsense
6 - Cindy
It's all in your attitude. If you people would just stop making excuses, there wouldn't even be a recession.
Ignore your children and your family; become a workaholic. Please step up and get your lottery ticket to happiness.
7 - THE REFOUNDING FATHER
All:
You can attack me and my articles all you want. Go ahead. Make up silly names and keep writing ridiculous comments.
Soon enough, you will realize how the majority of this country has changed though. That goes for liberals, conservatives...left and right...democrats and republicans.
Furthermore, instead of spending your time acting like children...maybe you could learn a little about economics and personal finances. Instead of attacking me...go learn something.
For now, stop showing your ignorance. It's getting pathetic and you're embarrassing yourselves...not me.
- THE REFOUNDING FATHER
PS: Jeannie, if you believe that all conservatives are part of a right-wing militia group...you're really off your rocker.
8 - Jeannie Danna
Not all of you...
9 - STM
Chill out father. There are fates far worse.
No one at all coming here is infinitely worse than a few people giving you a bit of a razz up on your threads. To be honest, I was surprised you didn't join in.
It's a bit like Australia: having a nickname, no matter how bad (and mine is), means you're part of the team.
Not having one means no one gives a rat's.
Plus, if, as has been sugested here, your chosen field is politics, you'll encounter far worse.
Having worked in that field myself, I can tell that is the case without a shadow of a doubt.
I have seen men humiliated publicly, belittled, shredded to pieces on the floor of parliament, flayed, skinned and their carcasses hung up to dry.
Then they came back the next day and went through it all again ... time after time until eventually, it was their turn to bat.
10 - roger nowosielski
Though I think capitalizing your nickname is not the best way to get your message across.
11 - Ruvy
You know, "refounding farter" , doing all the things you recommend in this article are the things you do when times are good, and you have the spare money (and maybe time) to invest in an education. It's not bad advice. I did it all years ago when I lived in the States.
And all that I learned has stood me in good stead here in Israel, where I have had to stretch one shekel five ways, and where there were weeks when I didn't know if we would still have a roof over our head, when the electricity or phone service was cut off for non-payment of bills, etc., etc.
The problem you Americans are having is this. Financial planning when your dollar is about to go down the drain is - well, a waste of time.
This article alleges that the federal government of your country is covering up a coming food shortage with lies. You can believe it if you wish to - or not. It's no skin off my back. I don't live in America and I will not starve. But these words are telling:
Survival experts also note that one of the real risks of the current crisis is that consumers have become dependent on just-in-time delivery systems and retail stores that are hundreds or thousands of miles from food sources.
Stores have only an average of 72 hours of inventory on hand and very few families are capable of producing their own food, so even a temporary shortage of food supplies could be catastrophic.
Previous generations lived much closer to the food supply or grew their own vegetables and could therefore weather problems in the food distribution chain.
Heid explains why so many people now are focused on food independence and not just financial planning in the event of a collapse.
"In a real crisis, food will be more valuable than gold or silver. When you're hungry, gold or silver coins won't always help you, and the few people who have food may not be willing to trade for something which can't be easily converted. Open pollinated seeds are truly the ultimate barter item in a meltdown. It seems like folks are waking up to reality of some very dangerous market conditions ahead."
Have a great day refounding!
12 - STM
I do think it's hilarious though that the social-democrat society down under has had the best performing economy of all the developed western nations during the global financial crisis.
We never even went into recession.
Can't be all bad.
I'm a firm believer in responsible prudential regulation.
Governments should regulate, regulate, regulate, to stop the cowboys dragging the world down again simply to line their own pockets.
Free-market capitalism is great, but selling snake oil ain't.
13 - STM
The father: "Go ahead. Make up silly names...”
You started it :)
14 - THE REFOUNDING FATHER
STM,
I appreciate the encouragement.
I have come to enjoy politics, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, and real estate over the passed few years. They are things I enjoy learning about and writing about.
All I try to do is help guide people who may want to learn. I don't pretend to be an expert. I'm still learning about it myself.
The two articles I've written for Blog Critics so far were submitted to give people a different take. I was trying to get people to think a little differently or at least read about a different point of view.
Sure, some may not agree and that's OK by me. I like to learn about all points of view.
I certainly didn't expect all of this. However, I do appreciate you guys keeping me in the top spot in "Comments" over the passed few days...ha.
Again, thanks. And trust me, I'm not going anywhere.
-THE REFOUNDING FATHER
15 - THE REFOUNDING FATHER
Ruvy,
Yeah, I've heard about that too. In terms of seeds being more valuable than gold or silver, is it possible? Sure. Do I think we will get to that point...where people are bartering with seeds? No, personally, I do not.
I've always believed in brick and mortar. If the dollar continues to tank, I don't think the best place is something like gold or silver. I believe the best place is real estate. People will always need a place to live and land will always have value.
Taking your seed article a bit further, people will need land to plant those seeds too, right?
What does everybody else think?
16 - roger nowosielski
Ruvy, #11,
You misspoke: it should read "have a great day rebounding."
17 - THE REFOUNDING FATHER
STM,
I thought Australia had bailouts too?
Per this article you seemed to have a bit of a recession too as of 2008 and your gov't was considering a 2nd bailout.
Did that ever happen?
18 - roger nowosielski
"I like to learn about all points of view."
You've hardly evidenced any learning attitude by referring to those you vehemently disagree with, myself included, as "liberal swine."
19 - THE REFOUNDING FATHER
Roger,
Not a fan of the caps? I thought it looked better. If anything, it matched the heading on my blog. Haha.
I'd be more than happy to change it back if it would make you feel better.
-THE REFOUNDING FATHER
PS: Conservatives are "rebounding." You're absolutely right.
20 - THE REFOUNDING FATHER
Roger,
I wasn't referring to all liberals...just you. Haha.
21 - Jeannie Danna
Yes, chill out.
I had the same feeling when I first started writing here, Senator.
Everyone told me..."Thicken your skin."
:)
22 - THE REFOUNDING FATHER
Why thank you, Jeannie.
23 - Jeannie Danna
I do wish you would bridge the gaps between who you are here, the TRF blog and your Senate page...you would be so much more genuine!
24 - Cindy
The caps make you look insecure. It's like wearing a pair of gym socks in your bathing suit.
25 - roger nowosielski
I'm not even a liberal, Rebounding. If you really knew what my views were, you'd be shitting in your pants. See, I wanted to spare you.