My name is Brian Lawrence, I am a R&D Manager, Toastmaster, YouTuber and professional inline skater (self proclaimed). I am passionate about many things, ultimately though I thrive on helping people learn and understand. I try to live my life based on the KISS principle whether that is developing software that could save a life, dealing with the joys of parenthood or just solving everyday problems that we all face.
Back in June I started reading “The Leadership Moment” by Michael Useem. This book was suggested by an advisor of mine and for those of you who are in leadership positions or would like to be, you need to read this. I decided that after each chapter I would provide a video blog review… I am finally just about finished up reading through and I have been recording on and off over the past half a year. The first one was released today, I have already filmed all except the last two which I will be wrapping up over vacation. So check it out - Six months in the making!
Everyone has had at least one “defining moment” in their life at some point or another.
Some “defining moments” in my life have been: meeting my wife, having my first child, the sudden realization that if I stayed in a construction job I had my body wouldn’t make it to 40 and divorce. All of those changed my life forever in some way.
Early this year, I have had yet another one!
Much of the reason for this is thanks to Robert T. Kiyosaki’s book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”.
I have always thought to myself, there must be a better way, what do they know that I don’t? I love my job and am happy in where I am… but.. I am not living that dream. Why is that?
Robert’s book takes a look at the way his two dads, his Rich Dad and his Poor Dad, fundamentally think about money. The book compares the lives of both of these men. Both men worked very hard and had successful careers however when their time was up, one left an empire while the other left bills.. One followed the expected track in life.. go to college, get a good job, work the 9-5 and it will all work out.. the other followed a different set of rules.
Through out the book Robert introduces 6 concepts which he calls lessons. He covers each lesson in a chapter.
I will briefly talk about some of these which I have now adopted.
Don’t work to EARN, work to Learn.
Lesson 1: “The Rich Don’t Work for Money” Lesson 6: “Work to Learn”
If your in a job where you are no longer learning, it is time to move! You need to be constantly learning so you can grow. That of course means you need to take action if you are in a position that is stagnant. It is VERY helpful to understand what you NEED to learn to get to where you want to go.. working just to learn anything may not necessarily be helpful.. but we will talk about that PLAN in the future.
Assets, not liabilities.
Lesson 2: Financial Literacy
Do you know what the difference between an asset and liability is? The rich acquire assets, the poor and middle class acquire liabilities. Robert stresses how this is a simple idea but most people just don’t grasp it.
From a KISS perspective the difference:
An asset puts money in your bank account
A liability takes money from your bank account
Robert explains in detail while keeping it simple by using diagrams to explain what he calls the cash flow patterns.
DO
In the last couple chapters, Robert explains how to overcome obstacles and get started. He goes into five reasons why people struggle to become financially independent.
The two that stand out to me the most are: Laziness and Habits.. The bottom line: get off the coach and do it. Stop watching TV, start planning. Make it a habit.. it will be hard but soon you will be so busy thinking and doing that you will never ever be bored again..
So back to my latest defining moment.. I have a dream, it will NOT stay a dream. I have been so busy over the past 6 months. I have started a new business, I have become involved in several different ventures, I have learned so many new things by reading tons and tons of amazing books and by meeting with some amazing people.
I urge you to read this book, There IS a better way, maybe your next defining moment is closer than you think.
