Want to know why most people are not living lives of success, happiness and abundance? There are only three reasons: They are stupid. They are lazy. They don’t give a damn.
I dare you to come up with a reason other than those. Let me explain. Few people are actually stupid. Everyone knows enough to be successful at something. So it is rare that someone is really too dumb to be successful. The problem is not that we don’t know, the problem is that we don’t do what we already know . . . which means we are lazy. How sad to know how to be successful and be too lazy to do it. It must mean you don’t care enough to be successful – in other words, you don’t really give a damn! How do you explain that to your family? How can you look yourself in the eye? Was that rerun of Seinfeld really all that important? Could you really afford to take that nap? Don’t you care enough to do all you can?
Face it. You could do more. Stop telling yourself how busy you are. Stop the excuses. Just admit to yourself that you could do more than you are doing. You could turn off the TV, come in a little earlier, stay a little later, and work a little harder. The issue is not could you but will you?
Larry, that was an excellent point. Most people want to take the path of least resistance instead of working, endlessly sometimes, to achieve their goals. The Seinfeld episodes look very appealing when you have a 10 mile long list of “To Do’s “and its only 10 miles long because you spend every evening watching Seinfeld episode in the first place! Not a paradox, just a lack of ambition I guess.
Regarding all the requests for follow-ups on past shows… Larry’s advice is always DEAD ON and he gives these people a chance to change and the knowledge to do it right the next time.
Unfortunately I would guess that most folks end up like those in the link below due to a job loss / income reduction / illness or any one of many possible scenarios.
What are the odds that the mortgage broker (Lourdes?) on that last show will keep her job as the entire mortgage wholesale business implodes?
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/10/28/Hillsborough/Foreclosure_leaves_th.shtml
I couldn’t agree with you more, Larry. I say this because I fight back daily against those traits that you criticize. For most of my life, I have been lazy and unfocused. As I read much of the self-help stuff that I’m currently into, most of it isn’t really new or revolutionary. In fact, most of it is simple.
I think that this goes back to your message. Most people know what they need to do to be successful. However, they don’t put in the work that is necessary to get there. It’s kinda like this. It seems like a lot of work now. However, the ensuing happiness and success will make the effort seem like nothing.
Most people can’t see that far because they’re focused on the here and now. Again, I’m trying not to any longer be one of “them.” Put in the work and success will follow.
Hi Larry!
I have just now recently discovered the website and stuff and can’t wait to watch your actual show! My husband and I (I am 32 & he is 30) have started off 2008 with a bang on getting our debt paid off and our savings built up. The funny thing is, it’s only been a month and I feel richer. Before we were basically living paycheck to paycheck, and when payday comes this Friday, we will still have about $400 or $500 from last pay. I know that is not much to some, but that is a HUGE improvement. I gave up my nails, my gym membership since I have a treadmill at home, we have stopped dining out all the time. We have also switched cars to drive to work which saved us $200 alone in gas a month! The little changes really do help. I am really excited and feel good about this.
I am really kind of sad, though, b/c most of our friends and family have not even thought of a financial plan, and a lot of these people are older than us! I did get my mom to start an emergency savings fund, which I am totally proud of her for doing that. I would venture to say that most of my co-workers are in debt and have not even realized their situation or else they don’t want to look at it. I have dropped hints here and there about how my husband and I now have a financial plan and we are making progress, maybe that might motivate them to think about their own financial health? I want to tell everyone I know how important is to get with the program. I don’t want people to realize too late (like when they retire) that they have no money! I am really glad I found your website and stuff. My other fave financial planner is Suze Orman. I think she also gets to the point and tells people how things really are! Keep up the great work and thanks for being so totally kick-butt!
Elizabeth
in regards to what Steve says about foreclosures, i can understand that certain things might happen that is out of anyone’s control. However, I think the majority of houses going up for Sheriff’s sale are from people trying to outlive there means. I work for a county recorder’s office and it is amazing the number of sheriff’s deeds that come through our office every day. also, people want to blame the lenders for this problem. that is a bunch of crap. no one twisted these people’s arm to sign these mortgages. these people knew well enough that their current mortgage payment of $800 a month could very well escalate to $1400 a month or whatever. most of the time they cannot afford the house they buy if their mortgage payment increases!!! so, i am of the opinion that there are a lot of stupid people out there for the most part.