The secret to success

I've decided that the secret to success is delayed gratification. It may sound a little odd but everything we want is within our reach, if we are patient. When I was in high school, there were a few wealthy businessmen coming into town to meet with my dad. I asked my dad where he was going to take the businessmen for lunch. He said that they were going to Burger King because they had $.99 Whoopers. I told him that it was inappropriate to try and win over businessmen at Burger King. My dad asked, "How do you think they became wealthy? They save their money." Being a teenager, I couldn't understand the concept of saving.
Delayed gratification helps in tempering one's self. People who feel entitled are going no where. I see many people who want the newest gadget, car, home, clothes, etc. immediately. They are constantly in pursuit of the best in the moment. This pursuit will get you no where. There will always be something else to want. There will always be something new.
I work with people from a variety of economic backgrounds. It's interesting that in general, the people who make the least have the I phones and buy their lunch everyday. Those who make significantly more aren't worried about "keeping up with the Jones'." They bring their lunch, have the old cell phones, and old cars. They aren't concerned about appearances. I'm not suggesting that people shouldn't care at all about material goods. There is some fun that comes from things but I think the balance comes in patience in the pursuit.

Good days

What causes us to believe it is going to be a good or bad day? Many times we make this assumption before anything significant has happened in the day. . . This morning I stopped at a gas station on my way to work. Over the loud speaker was John Denver. I don't hear John Denver very often and it made me think of home. At that moment I decided that it was going to be a good day. A few minutes later when I arrived at work, I found a good parking spot. Wow! How could my day get any better?! The rest of my day went well probably because I chose to have a good day.
Shouldn't we choose to have good days every day?! We can choose to find good "signs" and hold onto them.

The World's Problems

There are a vast number of problems in today's world! They range from natural disasters, disease, political strife, and general decay of society. I would go as far to say that many of the problems could be prevented through discipline. Discipline should not be misinterpreted as forced coercion. Discipline comes from within. It comes from one with insight and perspective. Discipline requires looking beyond natural, momentary desires. Discipline or a lack thereof, effects all aspects of our lives. When discipline is part of our lives we are healthier and happier because we have greater control over the body which Heavenly Father blessed us with. A lack of discipline creates exactly the opposite effect in our lives. It seems so easy to choose. We have a choice between eternal happiness or eternal damnation. Which will it be?! Discipline isn't easy but Christ showed us the perfect way! He has experienced more temptation than any of us; He never fell. He developed discipline through always standing firm to Heavenly Father's laws. Eternal laws are there to bless us, so why not follow?! Yes, we will fall. But that is why Christ suffered for our sins. But that is not reason to give up; it is reason to try harder! He loves us and He will always be there to help us be better!