Introduction This is not just a book about making money. It will help you become financially successful, but it does not stop there. The goal is to help you succeed in all areas in your life. When you combine financial and personal success, you will be in a better position to fulfill your intended purpose here on earth.
I believe in loving the people in my life more than any other thing. ONO: Options not Obligations is the story of how I discovered this simple truth. It took me awhile; in fact, it was not until I held my first child in my arms that I realized that all my wealth, all my possessions, even my life itself, would never mean as much to me as my wife and children. So, I evolved from an entrepreneur into a Family First Entrepreneur. It was that simple.
Sam Walton's deathbed epiphany story is one of the high-power examples of what I think are the truly important things in life. Walton, the founder and creator of Wal-Mart, muttered the words, "I blew it," on his deathbed. This was a man who contended for the title of richest man in the world, and these were his last words.
Sam Walton started the largest retail chain in America from the ground up. He had true financial wealth. He could buy anything he wanted, anytime he wanted. So, what did he mean when he said that he blew it? What could he have possibly done wrong?
Walton was referring to the fact that he regretted sacrificing too much of his time doing business, making money, and gaining power. He realized that it would have been better to spend that time with the people who were important in his life, the people who were gathered around his deathbed. Though it did not come until the end of his life, Sam Walton, an American business icon, finally realized the importance of the really juicy things in life--giving of yourself, putting your family first, building solid relationships, and helping others during your journey.
When I read Walton's last words, I was overcome with two emotions. The first was sadness. It is very sad that a man who accomplished so much in the business world, a man so highly respected, was personally and emotionally unfulfilled.
The second and stronger feeling that this story brought to me was motivation. I vowed never to let the tower of success cast a shadow over the most important thing in my life: my family. Our friends, our families, and most importantly, our children all spell love, "T-I-M-E." I have learned to prioritize my time. I always keep my family at the top of the list.
I am also a spiritual man, and I believe there is a divine plan for my life. I believe all things happen for a reason and valuable lessons are there for those who seek them out. I want to teach you to be a seeker. I want to inspire you to find your "Higher Purpose" here on earth and to remain on the lookout for ways to achieve it. That's where the inspiration to write this book began.
I said earlier that this is not just a book about making money. But, what you're about to read in these pages will give you the tools to create abundant wealth. I know the principles of ONO will work for you because I've used them successfully throughout my life.
-I have earned at least $200,000 a year entrepreneurially for the past 10 years.
-I made $1.5 million--in one year--when I was 35.
-I have never worked more than 9 months a year in my adult life.
-I have the luxury of employing a full-time personal assistant.
-Shortly after my first son was born, I was able to "retire" to savor every moment of being a hands-on dad.
-I have not needed to look for a regular job since I left college.
-I have the time and money to indulge my passions--spending time with the people I love, enjoying the outdoors, and traveling the world.
While all these things about me are true, this is not a book about me. This is a book about the idea of building wealth entrepreneurially with the intent to make a difference in our communities and families. ONO is the secret to the financial freedom that will enable you to be a Family First Entrepreneur.
In this book, I will be introducing to you both a lifestyle and a path to follow that will allow money to create wealth and produce positive changes in your life. When we don't have fears about having enough money, we are free to focus on things greater than ourselves. We can devote energy to a Higher Purpose: spend a lot more time with our children, volunteer to do church work, help kids learn to read, donate time, effort or money to a favorite cause, or even shovel rhino poop at the zoo. Whatever it is, we all have some burning desire to do good deeds.
My goal is to make that decision possible for you. This book, along with my goal to launch two moral, spiritual, and prepared sons into the world, is my current "pay it forward" attempt. I want you to find that same motivation and passion. I believe you will benefit from and love what I have written, and I can't wait to share it with you.
