In my senior year of high school, Mike and I were lined up in front of a small group of students made up mainly of the leaders of the senior classes. Our teacher said to us, "The two of you will never amount to anything."
There was some snickering (窃笑)from some of the seniors as the teacher continued, "From now on, I am not going to waste any more time on either of you. I am only going to spend my time with these class leaders. You two are the class downs with bad grades, and you will never amount to anything. Now get out of here. "
That teacher did Mike and me the biggest favor of all. While what she said was true in many ways and her words hurt us deeply, her words also inspired both of us to work even harder. They carried us through college and into our own businesses.
A few years ago, Mike and I attended our high school reunion. It was nice to visit with people with whom we had spent three years during a period of time when none of us really knew who we were. It was also interesting to see that most of the socalled senior leaders had not become successful in the years after high school.
I tell this story because Mike and I were not academicwhizkids. We were neither financial experts nor athletic stars. For the most part, we were slowtoaverage learners and students. In my opinion, we were not as naturally gifted as our fathers. Yet it was our teacher's stinging words and the snickering from our classmates that gave us the strength to move forward, to learn from our mistakes and to keep doing in both good times and bad times.
Just because you didn't do well in school, were not popular, bad in math, or have other reasons to underestimate yourself — none of them count in the long run. They only count if you think they count.
For those who're considering beginning your own financial fast track, you may have some doubts about your abilities. Trust that you have everything you need right now to be successful financially. All it takes to bring out your natural Godgiven gifts is your desire, determination and a deep faith that you have a genius and a gift that is unique.
