Learn More to Earn More

This next article is part of an ongoing series here at TSB Magazine called The Success Principles. The series is based on the 64 principles laid out by Jack Canfield in his course of the same name. If youre new, I always suggest starting any series from the beginning.

Principle 36: Learn More to Earn More

This next principle is extremely important in light of our recent economic crisis  It was about six years ago I first listened to the classic Earl Nightingale program Lead the Field that really drove home the idea that it isn’t hard to distinguish yourself from the competition by simply creating a few new habits. Since then I have made it a habit to read at least one new book a week.  I am also constantly listening to an audio program in my car.

The fact is, people who have more information have a killer advantage over people who don’t.  And you don’t need to spend 4 years and $80,000 on an MBA degree.  In fact, the simple act of reading for an hour a day, attending workshops and classes, and listening to audio programs in your car can quickly increase your knowledge, and substantially increase your level of success.

It doesn’t matter if your self employed, work for a company, or are just graduating college… you have to be fully aware that the economy is in serious trouble, and nothing is guaranteed anymore.  But that doesn’t mean you won’t have the opportunity to strive and succeed.  It just means that it is likely jobs will be lost and money will dry up.  But we all know that in those situations… someone is always making money.  Do you want to be the guy collecting unemployment worried about how he’s going to pay his electric bill?Or do you want to be the guy who comes out on top?

Decrease Television and Video Game Time

I am amazed at how much time guys I know waste watching TV or playing video games.  I don’t play video games and I only watch a little TV each week  I DVR the few shows that I watch and play them while eating dinner or on the weekends.  The rest of the time I am either working on TSB or one of my other projects, reading a book, or socializing.

If you were to cut out just one hour of TV or video games each day that would leave you with 365 hours per year to accomplish or learn whatever is important to you.

I am by no means a master at life hacking, but I can tell you that those 365 hours a year would be much better put to use learning a new skill, going to the gym, spending quality time with friends or family, taking up a new hobby, or taking a night class in a subject your interested in.

Read to Lead

Many of my friends laugh at me for the amount of books I’ve read.  But my philosophy has always been if I get one solid piece of advice that I can immediate put into use after reading a book… it was worth my time.  Even if 299 pages sucked… if the 300th page taught me something useful I consider it a success.  One of the reasons I’m always recommending books and audio programs here at TSB is because I know much I appreciate a good recommendation.

Like I mentioned earlier in this post, as times get tough and jobs dry up… who do you think will more likely have trouble getting a job or keeping his business afloat:  the guy who is consistently reading, taking classes, and listening to audio programs?  Or the guy who comes home after work and spends the rest of the night watching TV and playing video games?

Books and programs worth reading no matter what field you are in

Lead the Field:  I bought this program after Robert Kiyosaki kept mentioning it during a seminar of his I attended.  This book will help guide you to become the guy of guy who rises to the top no matter what occupation he holds.

Rich Dad’s Secrets: Robert Kiyosaki is the master at taking the principles of being rich, and breaking them down in a way that someone without a financial back ground can understand.  Kiyosaki also produced a board game called Cashflow 101 that Mike Stoute and I used to play religiously back in our real estate days.  If you’re intimidated by the jargon of the rich, then this course will help introduce you the concepts and ideas that the rich follow.

Purple Cow:  Just about any book by Seth Godin should make this list.  But Purple Cow is a good book to start with.  Godin preaches the idea that being remarkable is the quickest and easiest way to get ahead.  If you have any interest in starting your own business or helping the company you work for reach the next level then you must read this book.

Profit Lance:  I wrote a more detailed description of this program awhile back.  This is for guys who want to learn about making some extra cash online.  It is more of an interactive classroom then a book or audio program. There may be better programs out there on the subject, but this is the only one I’ve ever purchased.  It taught me quite a bit.

Think and Grow Rich:  It just so happens that TSB Magazine is giving away a free Ebook version of this book to its members.  So you have no excuse for not reading it… Don’t make any excuses for not following the principles either.