1. 9/9/13
Stuart Jenkins: A letter to his 20 year old self:
Live life in a way that your“word” and integrityare more bindingthan
the best contract. Success looks a lot like hard work, and you can't
pretend to work hard. Ideas are the most valuable and plentiful
resource in the world. Selectingthe best ideas requires time,
reflection and clarity. Thinkingrequires effort. Talkingis over
used. Spend time alone. "The chains of habit are too weak to be felt
until theyare too heavyto be broken" Sam Johnson , so select your habits
carefully. Spend less than you make. Know
the difference between "needs" and “wants". Financial
independence is not the goal in life, but it makes the goals in life
possible. Fall in love. Marry a winner and if you don't, get out as
fast as possible. The greatest joy comes from doing
something extremely well. Children are not a possession. Raise
them to leave home and to be great, self-sufficient adults. Live
where the sun shines. Know what you believe and why you
believe it. Then have the moral courage to publicly stand up for
what you believe is right. Risk success or guarantee yourself a
mediocre life. Pay all kindness forward. Learn from
mentors, it’s cheaper. Food is fuel, not entertainment, so eat
accordingly. Exercise your body at least an hour every day. Read
history so you don't repeat the mistakes of the past. Learning
requires a life-long effort. Make sure you burn the bridges you
never want to cross again. Play with winners. Pay for
your grandchildren’s college education. Give to charity annually.
Read aloud to your kids daily. Don't define yourself by your
limitations, weaknesses or failures. The outside of a horse is good
for the inside of you, so ride a horse. Look for the good. Growth
requires change, so change. Vote for the best person with the
best ideas. Travel. Get eight hours of sleep a night. Buy used cars.