life is not about you

Before I get on my soapbox, I want you to know I’m preaching to myself as much as anybody else.

Quit being selfish.  Life is not about you.  I know it’s difficult to separate your self from your perception of the world, but try.  There is more going on than what’s on your mind.  Consider how your actions impact those around you.  When your entire system of thought revolves around you, your universe contracts.  Your compassion shrinks, your influence withers, your generosity dries up, and your ability to relate to others fades.  Your life takes a downward, inward spiral.

When you’re ready to grow up, try doing something for someone else.  Do something unexpected.  Do something with no desire to be repaid or thanked or even acknowledged.  When you’re ready to grow up, you’ll see that your world expands when you put others first.  Your relationships will be easier and more fulfilling.  Your desire to see others blessed will outweigh your concern for self.

Life is not about you.  Leave everything around you better than you find it.  If you value others concerns more than your own, your path will be upward and outward.

rich dad, poor dad, part deux

I’m a little let down by the last few chapters of Rich Dad, Poor Dad.  The first chapters grab your interest, and you anxiously await Rich Dad’s words of wisdom.  But by the time the author gets into the meat of the subject, his writing (and the editing) fall flat.  He uses incomplete sentences, poor grammar, repitition, and references to material that doesn’t seem to exist.

Putting aside the poor writing, there are three basic messages I got out of this book:

1. The US tax code is structured so that it’s almost impossible to get ahead by working for a living.  Income is heavily taxed, wealth is not.  (This is probably not the most socially equitable arrangement, but it’s what we have for now.  See Warren Buffet’s recent comments.)

2. Given 1., you should put your money in revenue-generating assets.  These include real estate, investments that pay dividends, etc.  Then incorporate and pay all your (legal) expenses out of your corporation.

3. Be creative and take risks.  You’ll never “win” if you never try.

vocal power

Lately I’ve been digging female vocalists. Pandora is great for this sort of discovery.

I’m fascinated by what makes a singer great. So far my opinion is that the great singers are not only technically excellent, but they express their soul through their voice. Some do it through what sounds like improvisation of the notes around the melody (but it’s probably very practiced). Some do it by allowing their voice to get sort of rough and hoarse, which expresses deep emotion. Some do it by varying the timing of their voice relative to the music. I know there’s a lot more to it – educate me with your comments!

A few of my favorites:

rich dad, poor dad

Okay, so there are probably a million reviews of Rich Dad, Poor Dad out there, and yes, I’m behind the times. (Generally I don’t buy new books or music – I wait until their worth is proved over time.)

I have no idea if Kiyosaki is a Christian or not. But in a book about money, I certainly didn’t expect a lesson from the sermon on the mount.

“Rich dad” taught the author that the fundamental reason people are stuck in bad (or at least stagnant) money situations is that they don’t control two most basic emotions: fear and greed. They allow fear of loss and desire for what they don’t have to control their thinking and hence their actions. They’re afraid of losing the things they do have (the rich are often worse at this), so they keep trying to work harder. And the pleasure of acquiring something soon wears off and they begin to desire something new, so they keep working harder.  They are slaves to their emotions (and money) without realizing it.

I’m not done with the book yet, but it’s fascinating so far…