July 2007
Money and Other Stuff
"This is enough for my family," the fisherman replied. "I still have time to play with my children and walk the beach with my wife."
"You should spend more time fishing," said the businessman. "You could buy a bigger boat and catch more fish. Eventually you would have a fleet, and then you could open your own cannery. After 15 to 20 years, you would have it all!"
"Then what?" asked the fisherman.
"Then you can fish a little, play with your grandchildren, and walk the beach with your wife."
A bed, but not sleep
A clock, but not time
A book, but not knowledge
Food, but not an appetite
Position, but not respect
Blood, but not life
Medicine, but not health
Luxuries, but not culture
Amusement, but not happiness
A house, but not a home
Contentment and Success
Show Integrity
When asked what helped them succeed, 57 percent said honesty was "very important" followed by "being well disciplined," "getting along with people," "having a supportive spouse," "working harder than most people," and "loving my career."
Millionaires also ranked social skills such as strong leadership and getting along with others ahead of having a superior intellect or attending a top-rated college. Stanley found little correlation between academic success and affluence in general.
Make Sound Choices
When asked what factors led them into their vocations, 81 percent said they chose a vocation that "allowed them to use their abilities," and 66 percent said they saw an opportunity for financial independence.
But finding the right source of income was just the beginning. Fifty-seven percent raise the air conditioner temperature setting during the summer, 74 percent never make unplanned purchases over the telephone, and 49 percent use coupons for groceries and buy household supplies at warehouse stores.
When buying a house, 65 percent take time, even months, in order to find the best deal, 79 percent research recent home prices in the neighborhood, and 86 percent never pay the initial asking price. Many also look for existing homes in established neighborhoods.
These results seem to indicate economic success comes more from a person's talents and discipline than the bare desire to achieve wealth. A desire to appear wealthy might even keep a person from making good investments and exercising necessary discipline.
Whatever your advantages or disadvantages, develop the contentment to find work you can do well, control your spending, and provide for your family.
—By Loren Paulsson
Read more about Contentment in this month's bulletin
Constructing Good Character
Similarly, character building should not be left to random chance. It should become a deliberate and systematic effort.
Three basic components for building character:
- Emphasize good character by teaching qualities, giving illustrations, and clarifying your expectations. Talk about the character of individuals you see in movies or on television. Read books about character and talk about it during meal times.
- Require good character by evaluating daily choices based on principles of character and correcting bad character when necessary. Find accountability to help overcome your weaknesses, and set a good example for others.
- Recognize good character by affirming it in others through verbal praise, notes of appreciation, and public recognition. Tell others what you appreciate about them. Say "thank you" when children do well. Look for improvement, even small improvement.
—By Robert Greenlaw
Gilchrist County, Florida
Congratulations go to Gilchrist County Character Council for endurance (the inward strength to withstand stress and do my best) and faith (the confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome).
—By Steve Menzel, International Association of Character Cities
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