Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Two Steps to Change Your Life

"You are the same today as you'll be in five years except for two things, the books you read and the people you meet."  -Charlie Tremendous Jones


I walked downstairs yesterday to find this mound of books in my dining room.  My first thought was, "wow, that's a lot of books".  My second thought was, "WOW"! I've read all those books!!!

I knew I had a lot of books; I just moved, I carried a lot of heavy boxes! I was also the one who put them on the bookshelves.  And now having them moved again for my office to be finished I got a chance to look at them, only this time it was different. It wasn't until I saw that mound of books on the floor that I realized how many books I've read over the last few years. 

I know I haven't just read this stack of books!  I've been a STUDENT of this stack of books!  So many of the corners are turned up (that'd be from Kristine, not me!) and the pages are worn.  There's highlighter and underlines and notes and tabs.  These books have been my education.  I wouldn't part with them.  

This stack of books is pure gold in my mind.  I can promise you what I say and do comes out of reading these books, and often, it isn't until I read the book again that I realize where some of my best lines are from!  

Why take the time to tell you about my stack of books?  The quote from Charlie Tremendous Jones says it all: 
"You are the same today as you'll be in five years except for two things, the books you read and the people you meet."  You want to change your finances?  Your relationships?  Your leadership?  Your results in life? NOTHING will change until you do something to change.  In the LIFE business we provide the two components that, according to Charlie Jones, will give you different results five years from now:  BOOKS and ASSOCIATION!

The ironic thing is, not only did I buy the books lying all over my dining room, I read them and then I got PAID!  I want to stand on my roof and yell:  "I GET PAID TO READ, LISTEN AND ASSOCIATE AND YOU CAN TOO!  I'm not sure I'll get any of my new neighbors interested with that approach, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to do it!  

If you are a LIfe business member or customer, every month a new book comes to your mailbox.  I challenge you to make the commitment TODAY to start changing your own life.  Don't just read the books, become a student of the books. But don't stop there! Remember the second part of the quote:  The people you meet.  

I could have sat in my house and read a bunch of books and I can guarantee you not a lot would have changed. That's only PART of it.  The second part:  The people you meet-association is key!  And guess what?  I could climb right back on my roof and holler over this part too! (can you even imagine me hollering on my roof?  makes  me laugh even thinking about it- but THAT'S HOW EXCITED I AM!)  Not only do I get paid for reading books, I get paid for associating with people who are teaching me how to be just as successful as they are.  There's nothing like the Life Company in the WORLD!

"You are the same today as you'll be in five years except for two things, the books you read and the people you meet."  -Charlie Tremendous Jones 

I know I have a long way to go, but I know if I keep reading books and associating with great people, I can get wherever I want to go.  And you can too. 

What will your life look like in five years?  It starts with taking two steps, and it starts TODAY! 


12 comments:

  1. Eloquently said! Darrow & I are so fortunate to have met you, Kristine, and your family and get to watch first hand the changes that are taking place. We are thrilled to be on this learning journey with you! Can't wait to see what the next 5 years holds as we read & associate with the most amazing group of leaders who not only talk the talk but walk the walk!

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    1. Right back at you! We are so blessed to have the Smith family in our lives!

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  2. I would love to see you standing on the roof hollering! That would make my day : ) I love that one of our most prized possessions is that stack of books! LIFE is great!

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  3. If you would have said to me a few years ago, that I would enjoy reading books to improve myself, I would have said you were nuts! I only enjoyed reading mindless books, to escape reality. And those were few and far between. But now, having read recommended books to improve my life and change the way I look at others and the way they look and interact with me - well, that has been priceless!!! Reading has been a key component to the success I have had, and know that reading more will lead to bigger and better things!!!

    Appreciate you, Kristine and the LIFE business.

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  4. Hi Mark-

    From Kaizen country here in OH, sending you blessed greetings!

    This is a great post; the visual tells the story & the backgrounder fills in it neatly. If someone would've told me even as recently as 2 1/2 years ago that I'd have a bookshelf of over 100 books + a half dozen audio books (CD packs) and that I'd read about 80 of them, I dont think I'd have believed it myself ;) Sounds like you are exactly the same!

    The stories we all share as LIFE members or customers is one that will continue to spread, using the books as one source for the truths, principles, and blessings we have to offer. Let alone all the many wonderful men & women whom I've met these past 30 months, inc. Terry Franks, who I can now count as a great friend, as well as mentor.

    Kindest regards & all best to you, Kristine, & the family. Your CD's 'rok' ! :D

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  5. Marc and Kristine... THANK YOU for being such incredible STUDENTS which has now vaulted you to being incredible LEADERS!

    You are truly living EXAMPLES of the saying, "Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers."

    Thank you for your love, mentorship and example!

    RFTG!!!!!!!!!!

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  6. Great post, Marc. These two things can change our lives and our associations. Read it, learn it, put it into practice in our own lives and in the lives of others.

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  7. Getting paid to read and associate with fantastic people in the pursuit of having the Life you have always wanted seems to good to be true, but that's what we found when we joined Team/Life.

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  8. Hey Marc,
    Great post! It's funny, but all I want for Christmas is a book shelf to keep all my books in one place. I've got stacks all over the house. I love reading the books I've been introduced to through Team and LIFE. I can truly say that what I've received isn't the books, but the years of experience and knowledge that I can study and apply to every aspect of my life. It's a great journey and I LOVE what we do! And YES, getting paid for it is pretty amazing!! Thank you to you and Kristine for your example.

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  9. Marc,
    Until about 6 years ago I would have thought "what kind of guy would read that many books!". Now after my own journey in the LIFE Business and TEAM System, I too would have to agree! That stack of books are INVALUABLE! There is more information tucked away in those books that is just there for the picking! (and application) :-) Oh yeah, ...it is pretty amazing getting paid to read, listen, and associate! I was never offered that in school!
    God Bless
    Jeremy Pethke

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  10. Great Post Mark! I remember a similar experience at the end of the first year of our personal development journey. 17 books were stacked neatly on a shelf in my basement (12 BOM's + the Top 5), all of which were studied by Tonya and I. The level of personal satisfaction, knowing that I was the same man physically but with a drastically brighter future based on the knowledge we gained, was incredible and it only has only increased since then over time! Thanks for sharing!

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  11. You would never catch me on a roof, but I AGREE brother!! What are you reading and who are you associating with? Tell me that and we can tell you where you will be in 5 years!! We thank God that our paths crossed with you and Teen, our lives are forever changed. Thanks for leading the way, we're right behind you!

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