This is what’s wrong with most of society: they take the easy way out. It is easier to get gastric-bypass surgery or lap-band surgery than to exercise and change your unhealthy habits. It’s easier to get a divorce than do the hard work it takes to make any marriage work. It’s easier to attack someone anonymously online via social media than it is to take the time to work out your differences honorably and honestly. It’s easier to take your business elsewhere than to take the time to ask for a manager and complain in a specific, reasonable manner. It’s easier to file bankruptcy or default on your loans than it is to stop spending more than you earn or to work with your creditors to repay your obligations and keep up with your commitments. It’s easier to sue someone else over your problems than to take responsibility for your actions. (Even though you are the one who fell in the fountain, spilled the coffee, smoked the cigarettes, got drunk or ate the thousand cheeseburgers and french fries. And it is certainly easier to shove a pill down a kid’s throat than it is to spend the time, energy and patience to parent a child when it’s difficult.
What did people do before the “easy way out” existed?
Ask yourself this question every time you are tempted to take the easy way out. Before these easy options existed, people took responsibility for their lives, their finances, their health, their results and their children. They made their lives and families work with patience, sweat, focus, diligence and hard work. But those are the things most people skip because so many easy options now exist.
Many take the easy way out because they tell themselves they don’t have the time . . . which means they just haven’t made the time! They had plenty of time to create the problem but suddenly have no time to fix it!
Now, before some of you go ballistic and start writing tacky emails about “your” specific situation, which believe me, no one wants to hear, me especially, please understand that these statements of mine apply to the masses. They are generalizations that are perfect for 99.9% of the population 99.9% of the time. There are a FEW exceptions and you may have one. I get it!!! So rein in the fangs and retract the claws and take a chill pill.
I understand that drugs are sometimes necessary for your health, however, they should never be considered “first choice” but instead “last resort.” I understand that sometimes things are so bad that bankruptcy becomes your best option, but it should never to your first option. I understand that things are tough and times are hard – but they always will be for people looking for the easy road to success. There is no easy road to success. It’s always uphill and bumpy and you will always trip and fall down and have to get up, dust yourself off and go at it again. That’s the way life is! Remember, if you aren’t sweating, you are probably doing it wrong!
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Larry,
I have to say that everything that you write common sense but sometimes people need to hear it. I don’t understand why my friends and family keep talking about how fat they are, but won’t get off their butt to do anything about it. I just want to tell them to shut up.
Thanks again for making great points….
Larry,
I have read and re-read all of your books and have recommended them to all the idiots in my life. You are SO on target with what you write and, like “Sara” said – you write common sense stuff – why is it so difficult for some?
Granted, I have been that self-proclaimed idiot – not putting myself down, but it is the truth. I still have my ‘challenging’ moments but I just keep going forward and learning from my stupidity (and reading your blogs, books, etc.)
Thank you for being such a great communicator and common sense, no BS writer and speaker!
Larry:
In almost everything you say, I agree with you but I have to take exception with this. If I hear one more person saying that weight loss surgery is “the easy way out,” I will run screaming into the hills! The only thing WLS does is provide someone with a tool with which to get healthy. The work is still there. Every person I know who has had surgery has still had to battle with losing the weight and keeping it off, including learning to eat healthy and exercise.
And to Sara: if your family continues to talk about “how fat they are,” perhaps they are reaching out to someone (you, maybe?) to help them. How about exercising some compassion and ask them if there is anything you can do to help them reach their goals instead of passing judgment on them by calling them fat?
Bottom line: sometimes we all need to hear the honest truth about our choices but don’t judge until you’ve been there.
I had the Gastric Bypass surgery. Only lost 60lbs. Even though I had to go thru 24 classes. The reality was I really wasn’t ready for it. I wanted to back out as I was on the gurney heading in the operating room. My dad, husband & brother said too bad . We were 90 miles away from home and said we didn’t come this far for you to back out. So the problem is Grazing & not exercising. We I had lost the 60lbs. Never received a complement from the hubby. Honestly that broke my heart. All I saw in the mirror was hanging flesh. Like my body had melted. The doctor of the program was also overweight. This was back in 2008. My doctor has recently decided to lose weight by doing T Focus 25. He looks great, so exercising & diet is the way. Dear Lord, Please let me get My Shit together & lose the weight.
It is so true and I am guilty of it all – fat – lazy and in crazy debt – but you know what I am on my way out because I am tired of living less than the best life possible – I am controlling my money and food – I am working my business and selling everything I can to put towards my bills – I want to be free and clear of the chains I put on myself. I continue to re-read your books Larry because they keep me in check and on the right track. Thanks for saying what needed to be said so long ago:)
Larry, I love this post! Thanks for being you – you seem to be the only voice for good old common sense and hard work left in our world. And I for one appreciate the work you do as I know millions of your fans around the world do too. Keep going man…now I got to get back to work! 😉
Larry,
Again you hit the nail on the head. Too many people believe they are entitled to certain things. In my line of work, I hear it all the time. “I am entitled to free housing because I had 7 kids with 8 possible fathers.” “I am entitled to free medical care because I chose to play video games rather than real sports.”
Thanks for showing all of us that the only thing we are entitled to is what we choose.
Larry, I wanted to let you know that you NAILED IT! I agree 100% with what you wrote here. I could easily go on a major rant on what parents are teaching their kids when it comes to responsibilities with money but the comment section of your blog is not the place for that. Keep bringing the heat Larry!
now, if they had an EASY surgery to take this fat off my thighs and gut.. I’d sign up!!
Larry:
The NON-profit agency I work for just gave all employees a 2 percent pay raise AND 1% of annual salary one time pay increase.
After hearing several of my co workers pissing, bitching and moaning about the paltry amount, I thought for sure when there was a sign up sheet to work some overtime, there would be a mad stampede to sign up.
Total amount of people who wanted to actually WORK for extra money.
ONE
Great example GD. People want money given to them because they have convinced themselves they deserve it. When work is involved they can’t be bothered with it.
Much like the typical guy on the corner with the cardboard sign that says, “Will Work For Food.” Offer him a job and see what happens.
Mr. Winget, you were, are, and will always be my hero. Before you, I was listening to the feel-good doctrine of the self esteem gurus and sliding downhill with alarming speed. I credit you with the loss of a lot of fat, the silencing of my own pathetic whining, the defeat of an “incurable” disorder, a better relationship with my family, and my return to college to earn a better living and make a difference in the lives of young people. All of that came with hard work and steadfast devotion to The Written Plan.
But, most of all, I credit you with continued improvement every single day because of this very lesson. When it gets easy, I know I’m slacking. When I feel the strain and break a sweat, I know I’m doing the right thing. It’s a near-infallible yardstick of self-improvement, and I adore you for passing it on to those who will listen.
Your lessons continue to change my life for the better, Mr. Winget, and I’m eternally grateful to you.
Well I’m not fat, but I can be a bit lazy and have to watch myself in taking an easy way out. Your books and writings here are great for keeping me in charge of myself and my businesses.
I’ve come a long way baby and intend to go a long way forward in my financial success. A big Thank You, Larry for your honest and great work! I treasure your books, CD’s, etc.
I remember why I took dancing lessons as a kid. The teacher would pass by with a stick, and whack us lightly to stand up straight, stomach in and perform the movement right. I would walk home thinking stand up straight, stomach in, etc. Sorry for the story, but your blog, books, attitude has the same wonderful, responsible tone and wisdom. If you want it done right, you gotta do it right. My grandparents came from Europe with only a suitcase and worked hard. Not much has changed. Elbow grease, hard work, accountability, respect and more … you’ve said it all. You are a lighthouse that blazes the way. Those of us who want to change our lives will listen and do the work. Thank you Larry and keep the wisdom rolling!!!
Good on ya, right on the button as always. Like, like, like. I recommend your books to a lot of people and although they say they want to change, they dont want to “do” anything in reality, even borrow a book. But I read your book, You’re Broke Because You Want to Be and seven months later it is still deeply resonating with me and I have made huge changes as a result. Thank you SO much. You tell it like it is. I heard you, I get it, I use it, I do it.
And from you I am learning to tell it like it is too, straight up to people, rather than pussy foot around. I feel very empowered financially and personally. Thank you Larry.
The overtime comment is so true. I get plumbers complaining because they have to work an on call shift at double time or they refuse to take it. Yet they will constantly look to see if there was some time they did not get paid for.
Trouble is Larry a lot of what you say is preaching to the converted -although the pussyfooting around that we all do needs your rocket up us to make us do it . I wish you would come out to Aussie Land sometime -take over the arts centre for a week and give the politicians and all of us a damn good serve of your ideas -well done keep it up
yup!!
uh-huh!!
amen!
Dear Larry
you are a breath of fresh air – I am really sweating and
sometimes wonder what is wrong with me
that I am working so hard I’m pleased that its OK
life is like that
Ever think of the people who do struggle daily, the child that their biggest accomplishment that day is learning to tie their shoe laces. Or the child who is able to wear proper pants and not pull ups at 10 years of age. The child who is going in for yet another operation, or forced to face another day of bullying in school. The child grows up and has many operations in and out of hospital. The medicine cabinet keeping them alive. The tireless effort of living, coping and surviving all that life throws at them constantly. Yet the child always has a smile for everyone and a cheery disposition keeping upbeat. I know because I was that child. Its not easy and no one would chose disability however the vast majority get on with physiotherapy, specialists, surgeons with more grace and wisdom than some able bodied grown ups.
Why complain about weight, a cold, life being so hard. I challenge anyone to go into a ward and see the children battleweary. The parents of children who are dying look them in the face and then tell them you find it so hard to resist that chocolate bar. The can of beer is so difficult to give up, or whatever it is you are moaning about.
I’m simply trying to remind you who probably are not facing life challenges on the level expressed above that you dont have it that tough, not really. You enjoyed getting to that stage you enjoyed the food, the nights out whatever, you were able to do what you did and now the consequences seem challenging. So what, you did the crime now do the time. Think how lucky you are to have had the chance of life, and realise what you did with it. If you change today you will be better tomorrow, you have choices. Some dont and they live life to the full however long it may be.
Larry,
Will you run for President? We really need a kick ass Pres in office to straighten things out….Please!
Rhonda, you are speaking of one of the exceptions I mentioned in the article so it doesn’t really apply as I clearly stated. I don’t really need to be reminded of how hard life is, as I have hundreds of people who tell me how hard it is for them every single day.
And believe me, there is no reason to remind me of how lucky I have been, I know it and am thankful every day. However, never assume you know everyone’s full story. Just because someone is successful now, doesn’t mean they didn’t overcome all of the same problems you described and more.
You are right, I had a chance, but so does every other person. I can give you way too many examples of people with real challenges who rise above their situation and succeed on many levels. People with financial, physical, mental and emotional challenges who do what it takes, regardless of how hard it is. People who achieve more with the little they were given than people born with no issues at all. Simply because they have the determination, focus, desire and will to achieve. They didn’t take the easy way out. I admire these people as do all of us who see them. So reminding the rest of us how hard some have it, doesn’t inspire anyone to greatness, seeing someone achieve in spite of their challenges does.
My husband is always worried about the economy and says we are really in a depression, not just a recession. So Larry, what would you do to turn things around if you were President?
@Larry – I don’t think Rhonda was disputing what you said, she was supporting it with her own example. She was speaking to the same folks you are.
Loving your stuff – sometimes I think I’m the only person that thinks the way I do then you come along with a post and remind me that there are least two of us!
Thank you Mark,
Larry its not all about you
Thanks Rhonda – it sure seemed like it was – I even got a second opinion before I responded. I appreciate the support! All the best.
Many people in the old days left town, changed their names or came HERE from the “Old World.” Others were suckers and did as you advise. Me, I declared bankruptcy. I am SO glad I did. Oh, and I never cheated on my lady either. So drop dead. Who made you a paragon of moral virtue, you hick?!?
Bill – thanks so much for your comments. And I am sure that all of those you call suckers appreciate your comments too.
I have never claimed to be a paragon of moral virtue. In fact, I am far from it and have been completely open about all of my personal and professional mistakes in my books.
I am also glad that you feel so good about your financial decision too.
As for dropping dead: I will some day so you’ll get your wish.
As for being a hick:
Definition: hick/hik/
Noun: A person who lives in the country, regarded as being unintelligent or provincial.
I don’t live in the country, but I grew up in the country and am quite proud of that. As for being regarded as unintelligent: By you and a few others, obviously, that would be the case. However, would you like to take IQ tests and compare scores? I’m game if you are. As for being provincial: The secondary definition says “not fashionable or sophisticated.” Okay, my fashion is my own and I like it and have never really looked to others for approval, including you. However, fashion is extremely personal so I think I’m good on this one too. As for being unsophisticated: I disagree, but hey, that’s just me and we could argue that one if I thought you could hold your own, but I won’t waste my time.
In fact, I wouldn’t have wasted my time with this response either, but I don’t want you or others to think I only post positive comments.
All the best.
I just finished reading your book, “Your Broke Because You Want To Be” and it hit home hard. But I am happy to say that I am ok being short on cash because I am paying all my bills to get out of debt and to start getting ahead. It is easier being broke when everything is being paid than being broke and nothing is paid. I look forward to reading your other books!
I even joined an online survey site to earn free Border bucks so that I can get your books for free:)
Stefani, if your bills are paid, you are ahead of the game! Congrats to you! Keep after it.
@Bill thank you for your post, if you can’t be a good example at least be a warning & you my friend are quite the warning. I spent 5 yrs paying off useless debt & I gained much from it. Most of all take responsibility for my actions and of course not get into debt, it took me 5yrs to pay off 30k, that is an education, down payment on a house or a new business NEVER AGAIN! Keep up the, wonderful work Larry!
Asha, you are much admired for the courage and determination that takes. Congratulations!
Dear Larry Winget
I was introduced to your work just few days back and I must admit you’ve been so successful in presenting the truth and reality as simply as possible in this so called complex world. We are getting use to and love (even subconsciously) make things complex, write books, make movies about, hear lectures about, and much more but not ready to see, hear, admit that 1 + 1 = 2. We say, how we the Intellectuals of century be so stupid so accept the simple facts and make our and other’s life simpler. I remember my parents didn’t attended any workshops on parenting, successfully raising the family, living happily within what they can get with utmost hard work but they just did it. Now we need books, seminars, movies and all other possible medium to make us come back to senses. I must admit that for most part of my life I’ve been the idiot of all colors and if you decide someday to choose biggest idiot of all times, give me a call. But thanks to your words which I know how important they are, I’m in the process of coming to my senses. However, Larry with the complete understanding of all responsibility of my actions is with me, would you please let me know what advice you’ll give to smokers. Believe me I’m not trying to put any excuses for this stupid habit but sometimes, this addiction can become a problem for many without any good reasons as many successfully quit it for good. I’ve tried patches, hypnotism, chew gum, books, audios, and many other means (but don’t want to go for drugs like Chantix as these come with many horrible side effects) but couldn’t get over this habit of mine. I know I made lot of efforts and have already hell of price for such a stupid habit, but I’m not getting over it yet. Thanks for being there as people in East are also being introduced to you and many are thankful to you including me.
Nadeem
Muhammad, I have written much about smoking in my books. The easiest way to quit smoking is to quit putting cigarettes in your mouth. Don’t laugh or dismiss this statement. If you don’t put a cigarette in your mouth, you can’t smoke it. A simple truth. But remember this: You will quit when it is important enough for you to quit. Usually, that’s when it’s nearly too late. Don’t get cancer or emphysema before you quit. Give yourself a real reason and then just stop. It really is as simple as that.
Larry, my life’s a real mess. And it’s all my fault. Fear. Laziness. Procrastination. Self esteem.
Yesterday I bought “The Idiot Factor,” and I started reading it an hour ago.
I own an extremely popular company in my city (6 years now) with over 100,000 repeat customers, and I feel like a fraud. Everyone in my community admires me and looks up to me and behind the scenes, I feel like that Wizard Of Oz ‘behind the curtain.’
Anyway Larry, let’s see if a book fixes me (if I fix me).
I need it to.
I’ll try hard, I promise, and I’ll keep you abreast on my development.
Thank you for the guidance Larry.
PS, I didn’t include my website in that field on the reply form, because I am humiliated and don’t want the community to know how I’m feeling.
Thank you.
Simply said, Right on