Friday, November 29, 2013: Sam, know your “why”. Any time anyone comes up to me with any kind of idea or business proposition, I always ask them “Why?” It seems simple, but it’s actually an intricate question. Nine times out of ten, if someone’s why is to make money, they’ll fail at what they are trying to do. Here’s why I believe this. “Successful” people are usually self-vindicated people. They don’t need pats on the back. They don’t need compliments. The merit of their work is endorsed by what they see in the mirror. They drive themselves until they are satisfied. People who are monetarily motivated often tire of their occupations and eventually lose focus. But if you are in love with what you do day in and day out, it’s not work. I train in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. People liken the jiu jitsu culture to surfing. There is a lot of truth to that. My instructor is an amazing instructor. He is also an accomplished acupuncturist. The environment he created for himself is absolutely congruent with the rewards that have followed. Every day you’re adding a piece of joy to your ethos.
You loves ballet. The discipline it takes to stay consistent and train that hard, even at her young age, is a testament to how much passion you girls have for the art of ballet. I have seen a few of your recitals and I am blown away at how good all of you are. I remember asked you what ballet practices are like. She tells me it’s a lot like jiu jitsu as she tells me to go into butterfly position so she can stand on my knees as I stretch. So find and follow your passions Sam, and fall in love with your “why”.
