How The Happy Rock Went Bold
I talked about how success requires bold decisions, so I figured I should share the decisions that where bold and went against the grain to get me were I am at today. Where am I today, you ask? Well…awesome growing marriage, beautiful wife, two wonderful children, paid off 70,000 in debt, no debt except for a mortgage, 32% equity in a home, $12,000 emergency fund, and a net worth of about $150,000 at age 29 to list a few. I am ecstatic about my as it stands, I truly am, not one complaint.
The question remains, what decisions stand out as catalysts towards achieving my dreams:
Getting Married. I have little doubt that the majority of the positive things I have accomplished in life are directly related to my wonderful wife , our accountability, her inspiration, and our friendship.
Adopting Two Wonderful Adoptions. It is amazing how much children have furthered my desire to change and grow. They haven’t been the hinderance that DINKS and single people told me they would be, in fact they have been a catalyst to positive growth.
Jesus. Some may disagree, that’s fine, but I know first hand the difference that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has made in my life. This one is a little unique since I feel that the decision found me during my teen years rather then being something I chose to further my life.
Giving Up Debt. Wiped away $70,000 in debt, and we haven’t looked back.
Paying $10,000 Cash For Our Wedding.
Choosing A Small House Very Affordable House. This took some major discipline and teamwork to stick to this wise plan, but our lives and finances have benefited immensely. The choice for a 5 minute commute helps too! Check out my post on delayed financial gratification to see an example of how much difference it can make.
Embarking on an MBA(Master’s in Business Administration). A wonderful 2 and a half year personal journey that has set the stage for the next phase of my career and financial dreams. I have just two classes lef until I am finished!
Driving a Beater Car. My car says a lot about me, and has barely cost me a dime in 5 years.
The key is the intentionality. We must be vigilant about figuring out our goals and dreams and making decisions that align and SPEED you towards those goals. Commit to the dreams.
If You Are Making Car Payments, You Don’t Own The Car
Our Rules For Buying A House
Very inspiring stuff. It’s always nice to see what gets people where they are today line up with your own values. 🙂
Well done , great commitment,
Good Luck ,
Tracy Ho
wisdomgettingloaded
Certainly,you are in a admirable position. Im not one to agree on delayed gratication but unfortunately its part of the process. That monthly income you have will make you wealthy in a hurry if invested wisely. Congrats
I just found your site today, and have been reading your articles for the past 1/2 hour. Great stuff – and now I find out you’re a Christian as well so we’re in the same niche in a way! Subscribing to your site. Great stuff – keep up the great work!
@Pete – Thanks for all the comments.
Beater cars are great, especially when you are in school… as long as they are reliable! They save in both car payments and insurance, but if you get a bad one it can lead to even higher repair costs. All in all, it sounds like your car got you through for several years, so it doesn’t owe you anything. Nice!
Jerry
Good post. There are some great reasons for driving a beater car. Then there are some reasons that aren’t so great: http://www.authspot.com/Short-Stories/Driving-a-Beater-Car.84302
You desrve all you have indeed. The adoption of two children deserves much appreciation.
i totally appreciate you sharing your Christian faith with a global audience. I too firmly believe that becoming a Christian is not always linked to bad experience or bad periods in our lives, where we need a crutch. I became a christian when I was a young child and at the time when I was very happy and settled. I can totally testify to God’s grace in my life and reflect this in all aspects of my life including work etc.
Excellent post. One thing that I think may go unnoticed by most people. You mentioned being intentional with your decisions. You ended with it but I am willing to say that most people missed the importance of that to your success. Regardless of your decisions (to marry or not, to adopt or not, to drive a beater car or not, to study for an MBA or not) all are intentional decisions based on your vision of what you want your life to be. Your faith and your vision is the reason your choices have worked out so well.
Being a Christian means you are wealthy regardless of your monetary possessions. Your wife and children will bring love and wealth to your life. Investing in yourself and your education will reap greater rewards than any stock market.
To be intentional in life means you have to know where you want to go. Without a vision to work towards, any direction will do.