Failure. I was watching “The Apprentice” last night and one of the participants, who happened to be in hot soup (had to face the firing squad) suddenly asked Mr Trump if she could resign. A look of pure horror overwhelmed the panel. (Mr Trump and both his assistants). That’s how successful people look at quitting. Disgust. In fact, its not even in their dictionary. But what Mr Trump went on to say was something that made a lot of sense.

“You’re going to regret this decision someday in the future. This is no way to deal with failure. When I turn on the TV and watch a boxing match, I have the utmost respect for the boxer who stays in the ring and despite losing badly, continues to fight until he is knocked out. Who likes a boxer who quits when he is losing?“

And suddenly, I recall a line that is on “The Contender” tv series. “What Doesn’t Kill You, Makes You Stronger.” There are so many stories of failure and not quitting. The most notable is Jack Welch’s (former CEO of General Electric, GE) who blew up a plant when he was 25. Admit it: you would have fired him!

Who failed in business in 1831, was defeated for congress in 1832, failed in business again in 1834, had his sweetheart die in 1835, had a nervous breakdown in 1836, was defeated for Congress in 1838, 1843, 1846, 1848, was defeated for US Senate in 1855, defeated for Vice-President in 1856, defeated for US Senate in 1858 and was finally elected 16th President of USA in 1860? Answer: Abraham Lincoln, One of the Most Revered US Presidents in History

“If you fail, try, try again. Then bring in the stunt double.” - Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Recommended Books: “Why CEOs Fail” by David Dotlich (Read Chapter 4: Excessive Caution), “Success Built to Last: Creating a Life That Matters” - Jerry Porras (Read The Tripping Point)

Retire Young. Retire Rich. That’s what on the mind of most people these days. Retirement has different meanings for most. Some decide to finally do something that they wish to do. Some want to change the world. Be a better person. Some retire to help people. Whatever the case is, we all look forward to retiring. It brings about a sense of security and peace of mind that we’ve achieved something with our life and that its time to stop, take a break and do something good.

Whatever the case, retirement is not the end. It simply means the beginning. To some, they define it as endless vacations and overseas trips etc. And they’ll probably bore themselves to death after a while. To me, retirement is about contribution. Not just about material gains. I’m talking about time, skills and resources. Why do I share what I have in schools, seminars, workshops and even on this blog, is the fact that I’ve realised that one doesn’t have to wait to retire. We may retire right this minute and start loving every minute of life.

“When Do You Want To Retire and Start Living Life?”

“I really wanted to retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife. But the problems are such that for anybody with a conscience who can use whatever influence he may have to try to bring about peace, it’s difficult to say no.” - Nelson Mandela

Someone commented about the fact that I drive a Mazda 3. You idiot! Go read the book “The Millionaire Next Door” if you ever read books at all. Get out of your stupid mindset that the rich drive fancy cars. Stay in luxurious mansions. Take lavish vacations. Most millionaires stay right beside you. And they probably don’t even own the house they stay in. Most millionaires rent and invest. That’s because they know the difference between an asset, and a liability. Millionaires hate cars. This is the reason why Adam Khoo’s dad refuses to buy a new car till today.

Anyways, I’m not interested in being rich. I never mentioned that I was rich. All of my money are pumped directly into my businesses. In fact, I’m poor. The companies I run hold all my assets and they protect them. I’m more interested in fueling the success of individuals and companies. I’m interested in inspiring people. Changing the world. Successful? Yes. I’ve helped thousands of companies start up. What have you done? How many people have you helped? I look at success. The difference that we make out there doesn’t necessarily equate to dollars and cents.

The post for today however is talking about the rich. Its what Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Robert Kiyosaki has been talking for years. The rich get richer. And its your fault. Yes. YOUR fault. You work for the rich. Business Owners. Entrepreneurs. MNCs. Huge Conglomerates. And.. you help.. to keep them rich. Or make them richer. So keep working. In fact, work harder. You look at the rich spend their money incessantly and you complain. You whine. You cry out injustice. But you keep working. At making them rich.

“Who are you helping to make richer today?”

“Yes, the rich do get richer.” - Robert Kiyosaki

The world is evil. It’ll bite you if you stare at it too long. Don’t trust anyone. And for goodness sakes, don’t provide a service without collecting payment in advance. I’ve had the longest problem with debt collection from huge MNCs who obviousloy have the ability to make payment. Hard lessons learnt. Never ever provide a service unless payment is made. Never.

Now you may go on deluding yourself that yes, you have to give credit and that the client will make the payments. That’s ideal in an ideal world. Unfortunately, we’re living in the real world. Don’t be deluded. I’m not saying you can’t be a nice guy. Just don’t be a stupid one. Take responsibility of preventing bad debts from happening. Get rid of the problem before it happens. Curb it at the source. Wake up and smell the con men. Do business like you’re Mcdonalds. You have to pay before you can eat.

“Which is better? More bad debt issues with more business or less business with more peace of mind?”

“Let’s be honest. There’s not a business anywhere that is without problems. Business is complicated and imperfect. Every business everywhere is staffed with imperfect human beings and exists by providing a product or service to other imperfect human beings.” - Bob Parsons