Yesterday a listener of my podcast sent me a quotation he thought I’d enjoy. The quotation comes from Bertie Charles Forbes (May 14, 1880 – May 6, 1954), a Scottish financial journalist and author who founded Forbes Magazine.
“Tell me how a young man spends his evenings and I will tell you how far he is likely to go in the world. The popular notion is that a youth’s progress depends upon how he acts during his working hours. It doesn’t. It depends far more upon how he utilized his leisure…. If he spends it in harmless idleness, he is likely to be kept on the payroll, but that will be about all. If he diligently utilizes his own time.. to fit himself for more responsible duties, then the greater responsibilities – and greater rewards – are almost certain to come to him.”
What a great observation. So out of curiosity I asked the unknown sender how old he was and how he was spending his evenings, knowing that if a quotation is meaningful to us, there is some connection to our personal lives.
Here’s how Ben Eubanks replied:
I’m 27 and spend my evenings writing and reading (no cable TV at my house!). I’m building my blog/business after the kids to to bed every evening.
I want to make it to an event at the Sanctuary one day, because you have left an incredible impression on my and multiple areas of my life. Been reading/listening to you for over 8 years. Here is the quick background story in case it provides context for my comments earlier today.
My wife is a teacher, and when we were first married she spent several hours every night doing “teacher work.” The extra time for me was a new freedom, so I spent and inordinate amount of time watching TV.
Then one day I stopped, looked back, and realized how much time I was throwing away, so I made a fairly radical change. I stopped watching any TV and began pursuing me dreams in the physical, career, and entrepreneurial areas. I started a small business, moved into my dream career field, and trained for my first ultramarathon (50 kilometers).
Now I live a well balanced life – I enjoy my day job, love my side business, and have plenty of time for family and friend.
I am living a rich and blessed life!
***********************************
I don’t need to add anything. Congratulations, Ben as you prepare yourself for greater responsibilities – and greater rewards – that are certain to come to you.
If this is the year you are going to leave the zombie life behind and you need a plan – click here for my free Goal Planning Guide
