Follow the Rules and Suffer the Consequences
Today I was at one of our business locations when I thought of this topic. Picture this; there was a group of young elementary students on a field trip at The Pier in St. Petersburg Florida. While getting ready for their trolley ride, I heard one of the group leaders yelling at the children and 
telling them to get in an orderly line and be quiet until the trolley gets there. Either DO IT or we’re not going on the trolley. And guess what, the children all got in line and quieted down. Why? Because they wanted something and unless they did what they were told, they thought that they might not be able to do it.
Using threats or other ways of persuasion has almost always been a factor in most of our lives for years. As a matter of fact, did you know that an average child growing up is told the word “NO” approximately 40,000 times compared to the word “YES” at only about 5,000 times? No wonder so many people struggle to become financially successful. We have been programmed to think that we cannot achieve certain things throughout our entire lives. Unless you overcome all this negativity, you will become like most of the masses just getting by.
I don’t know about you but, I don’t think that just getting by would be very much fun. If you want more in life you have to find out how to play by the rules but make the rules work for you. Now if one of those children I talked about earlier stepped out of line and wasn’t quiet they would have gotten in trouble. But the real question is, are you still standing in the line and being quiet yourself as an adult? In order to become successful you need to step out of that line and find a different trolley of your own. Following the group you now follow will get you the same results tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that! Now, do you want to stay in line with the masses or find a different trolley that will take you to success?
Ask Yourself One (Not Very Easy) Question. Who are the people I hang around with most and what are they doing to me?
Do your parents still tell you not to take chances or it’s too risky? Remember these are the people that probably told you “NO” 40,000 times and matched that with “YES” only 5,000 times.
Do you still live in your home town and get together with your old friends and only talk about the good old days?
Are you rushing off after work to Happy Hour vs. going to the Library and picking up a good book that could possibly change your life?
As they say, you become the average of your five closet friends/family members and etc… Think about it for a second. Have you ever caught yourself in that moment and thought to yourself, WOW I just sounded like my Mother/Father? Years of programming my friend, years of programming.
To become successful in life no matter what you consider success to be, you need to surround yourself with those people who are already successful in that area. If you want a great relationship, learn and surround yourself with people that have accomplished just that. If you want a healthier lifestyle, then go to the gym or health food stores and find some new friends. If you want to become a millionaire, then you had better start hanging out with millionaires too.
So in order to be successful you “MUST” surround yourself with those five people in whatever category you desire. (Here’s a hint to find them: They are the ones who stepped out of line as an adult and found their own trolley to success.)
If you want success in the financial category, do me a favor right now. Grab your cell phone and count all the millionaires in your contacts.
Do you have any?
Yes! We all need to step out of that trolly line and make some noise! I’ve also heard the statistics you quote about how often we are told no vs. yes during our childhood years. It’s no wonder that so many of us grow up with limiting beliefs and a misguided need to please others.
I believe that we are entering into a new era, where people will begin to listen to their hearts instead of the negative messages they have buried deep within their minds. When we truly work to know ourselves, rather than the beings others wish us to be, we are able to grow and accomplish goals that others never would have thought possible!
Thanks for this insightful post! Keep up the great job…
.-= Kathy Jodrey´s last blog ..Dr. Wayne Dyer Power of Intention – Kindness Lessons =-.
Yes! We all need to step out of that trolly line and make some noise! I’ve also heard the statistics you quote about how often we are told no vs. yes during our childhood years. It’s no wonder that so many of us grow up with limiting beliefs and a misguided need to please others.
I believe that we are entering into a new era, where people will begin to listen to their hearts instead of the negative messages they have buried deep within their minds. When we truly work to know ourselves, rather than the beings others wish us to be, we are able to grow and accomplish goals that others never would have thought possible!
Thanks for this insightful post! Keep up the great job…
.-= Kathy Jodrey´s last blog ..Dr. Wayne Dyer Power of Intention – Kindness Lessons =-.
I counted the millionaires in my contact list and stopped at four. That’s the kind of friends I want! And actually one is a person I talk to regularly. So your article is very encouraging because it tell me I’m doing some of the things that will get me to a higher level of income. Awesome post. Thanks for sharing!
I counted the millionaires in my contact list and stopped at four. That’s the kind of friends I want! And actually one is a person I talk to regularly. So your article is very encouraging because it tell me I’m doing some of the things that will get me to a higher level of income. Awesome post. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Dave and Dawn,
Thanks for these great insights. I knew that the ratio of no vs yes was very wide but not as wide as you mentioned in the statistics. WOW! As a parent I strive to use the word NO in the most appropriate way and not as a default response to something. I tend to use the phrase “We’ll see” as an opportunity to discuss the situation and share some ideas with each other. My nine year old daughter likes it and knows that if we talk about things it will lead to a good understanding and outcome that we all agree to (may not all like, but agree).
The power of our words are so strong… they bring life or death!
The average of 5 is a great concept also that I share with many people. It is always interesting to see how they respond when they think about it and realize it is true!
No millionaires in my contact list yet, I know they are out there just waiting for me to show up.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
Hi Dave and Dawn,
Thanks for these great insights. I knew that the ratio of no vs yes was very wide but not as wide as you mentioned in the statistics. WOW! As a parent I strive to use the word NO in the most appropriate way and not as a default response to something. I tend to use the phrase “We’ll see” as an opportunity to discuss the situation and share some ideas with each other. My nine year old daughter likes it and knows that if we talk about things it will lead to a good understanding and outcome that we all agree to (may not all like, but agree).
The power of our words are so strong… they bring life or death!
The average of 5 is a great concept also that I share with many people. It is always interesting to see how they respond when they think about it and realize it is true!
No millionaires in my contact list yet, I know they are out there just waiting for me to show up.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
Consequences for playing by the rules come in many forms, but looking back at my life, I can identify every one of them.
The more I get exposed to fabulous content like this, the more I become aware of other areas I need to break the rules in!
Thanks so much!
.-= Paul Klaszus´s last blog ..Focus is everything. =-.
Consequences for playing by the rules come in many forms, but looking back at my life, I can identify every one of them.
The more I get exposed to fabulous content like this, the more I become aware of other areas I need to break the rules in!
Thanks so much!
.-= Paul Klaszus´s last blog ..Focus is everything. =-.
You really laid it all out in this post Dave. I can’t tell you how many friends I’ve had to kick in the past two years on my journey to financial freedom because they just didn’t want to get with the picture. So I basically just said, aight then, see you at the top. And that was that.
Success is by far the best motivator, and the best revenge.
.-= Matthew Neer´s last blog ..Sneak Peak: Twitter Getting Redesgined? =-.
You really laid it all out in this post Dave. I can’t tell you how many friends I’ve had to kick in the past two years on my journey to financial freedom because they just didn’t want to get with the picture. So I basically just said, aight then, see you at the top. And that was that.
Success is by far the best motivator, and the best revenge.
.-= Matthew Neer´s last blog ..Sneak Peak: Twitter Getting Redesgined? =-.
Dave, thank you for this post. It made me wonder: a rule is man made. Getting out of my life’s trolley line may be breaking someone’s rule but it’s not breaking any law unless I cause harm/damage that can be proven. Everything, as I understand, boils down to liabilities and damages. These two cannot be separated in a lawful society. When I look at it that way, I see many possibilities for me to stand on my head if I want, hop on any trolley I want and for you to do your own thing. Provided we do no harm/damage. I love connecting with people who make their own rules without breaking any law. I think I found me some right here who inspire me to grow and be creative and to leave fear far behind.
Dave, thank you for this post. It made me wonder: a rule is man made. Getting out of my life’s trolley line may be breaking someone’s rule but it’s not breaking any law unless I cause harm/damage that can be proven. Everything, as I understand, boils down to liabilities and damages. These two cannot be separated in a lawful society. When I look at it that way, I see many possibilities for me to stand on my head if I want, hop on any trolley I want and for you to do your own thing. Provided we do no harm/damage. I love connecting with people who make their own rules without breaking any law. I think I found me some right here who inspire me to grow and be creative and to leave fear far behind.
I’m learning to surround myself with people who have positive attitudes, great goal setting and results oriented. Now I just need to follow a bit so i can later lead.
.-= Bill Cowan´s last blog ..Muscle Repair and Muscle Growth =-.
I’m learning to surround myself with people who have positive attitudes, great goal setting and results oriented. Now I just need to follow a bit so i can later lead.
.-= Bill Cowan´s last blog ..Muscle Repair and Muscle Growth =-.
Dave & Dawn,
Great thoughts. I have, at times, been criticized by those going to happy hour while I choose to head home to work my business or develop my skills through courses, seminars, or learning products. The small choices we make today and the habits we form through repeating those small choices – determine where we are going in our future. I counted my millionaire friends and found 5. I enjoy spending time learning and growing from them.
Krista
.-= Krista Abbott´s last blog ..Viral Explosions Book Launch Gets You FREE Stuff! =-.
Dave & Dawn,
Great thoughts. I have, at times, been criticized by those going to happy hour while I choose to head home to work my business or develop my skills through courses, seminars, or learning products. The small choices we make today and the habits we form through repeating those small choices – determine where we are going in our future. I counted my millionaire friends and found 5. I enjoy spending time learning and growing from them.
Krista
.-= Krista Abbott´s last blog ..Viral Explosions Book Launch Gets You FREE Stuff! =-.
Great post Dave. And your challenges sting a bit – no millionaires in my contact list either… yet. But imagine this: Set a goal to be of the millionaire contacts for other people. I wonder whether that would accelerate our journey to success?
Excellent lessons from your observing the foundations of a (more or less) obedient society. Thank you.
.-= Stew Shaw´s last blog ..Cutting Corners in Internet Marketing Might Get Us Stuck =-.
Great post Dave. And your challenges sting a bit – no millionaires in my contact list either… yet. But imagine this: Set a goal to be of the millionaire contacts for other people. I wonder whether that would accelerate our journey to success?
Excellent lessons from your observing the foundations of a (more or less) obedient society. Thank you.
.-= Stew Shaw´s last blog ..Cutting Corners in Internet Marketing Might Get Us Stuck =-.
Oh this resonates with me! For years I tried to live in the box of doing what I was supposed to & thinking only what I was supposed to. I have since learned this is NOT living, this is existing.
Thanks for the timely pointers,
Val
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..I See YOU! =-.
Oh this resonates with me! For years I tried to live in the box of doing what I was supposed to & thinking only what I was supposed to. I have since learned this is NOT living, this is existing.
Thanks for the timely pointers,
Val
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..I See YOU! =-.
Thanks for the posts…I remember hearing Jim Rohn many, many years ago talking about this topic of who you spend your time with. It was fascinating to me then and it still is. It has been kind of an organic journey in my life but I tend to hang out with those people who are heading in places that I want to be as well. I don’t really purpose it but just let God take me on a journey. I just looked at my contacts on my phone because you got me curious. I found 11 millionaires to varying degrees…some very wealthy and others that hover around that financial plateau. Interesting…I really had never thought of it before.
Thanks for the posts…I remember hearing Jim Rohn many, many years ago talking about this topic of who you spend your time with. It was fascinating to me then and it still is. It has been kind of an organic journey in my life but I tend to hang out with those people who are heading in places that I want to be as well. I don’t really purpose it but just let God take me on a journey. I just looked at my contacts on my phone because you got me curious. I found 11 millionaires to varying degrees…some very wealthy and others that hover around that financial plateau. Interesting…I really had never thought of it before.
Dave and Dawn, I recognized myself in this post. My parents were worriers. They constantly told me to “be careful” and “don’t risk it”. That’s a lot of programming to overcome, but I’m determined to overcome it. It’s not the years in your life, but the life in your years that matter! Thanks for a very thought provoking post!
.-= Judy Zavislak´s last blog ..Miracle Grow for your Brain =-.
Dave and Dawn, I recognized myself in this post. My parents were worriers. They constantly told me to “be careful” and “don’t risk it”. That’s a lot of programming to overcome, but I’m determined to overcome it. It’s not the years in your life, but the life in your years that matter! Thanks for a very thought provoking post!
.-= Judy Zavislak´s last blog ..Miracle Grow for your Brain =-.
Very Good Dave. This really speaks to me.I use to worry way too much.Then when I finally realized God Is In Control I finally let it go. I appreciate the reminders like these those because it tries to raise its ugly head sometimes. When I am sounding like my mom my husband has permission to remind me gently.
Keep positive people around all the time. Great post!
Beverly
.-= Beverly Monical´s last blog ..Have You Heard Of The 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk? =-.
Very Good Dave. This really speaks to me.I use to worry way too much.Then when I finally realized God Is In Control I finally let it go. I appreciate the reminders like these those because it tries to raise its ugly head sometimes. When I am sounding like my mom my husband has permission to remind me gently.
Keep positive people around all the time. Great post!
Beverly
.-= Beverly Monical´s last blog ..Have You Heard Of The 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk? =-.
Actually I do, a few. This post represents about 40% of my thoughts on the daily, I think it’s really unfortunate to see people being scared to do the one thing they are put on this planet to do, LIVING LIFE. You hit the nail right on the head, people are programmed and/or deprogrammed in my opinion. Deprogrammed because at 5 a child believes that anything is possible and by 18 that same child is the biggest skeptic and critic around, they’re robbed of their imagination. Everything contributes to a child’s “programming”, people, friends, TV, books, news; but I believe it really all starts at home with Mom & Dad. I’ve experienced/witness the programming so I’m well aware of its affect on those subjected to it.
GREAT Post!!!
Actually I do, a few. This post represents about 40% of my thoughts on the daily, I think it’s really unfortunate to see people being scared to do the one thing they are put on this planet to do, LIVING LIFE. You hit the nail right on the head, people are programmed and/or deprogrammed in my opinion. Deprogrammed because at 5 a child believes that anything is possible and by 18 that same child is the biggest skeptic and critic around, they’re robbed of their imagination. Everything contributes to a child’s “programming”, people, friends, TV, books, news; but I believe it really all starts at home with Mom & Dad. I’ve experienced/witness the programming so I’m well aware of its affect on those subjected to it.
GREAT Post!!!
Hi Dave and Dawn,
Your post speaks to what I have been working on for a while. I also think one of those 5 people that you are the average of is yourself so if that isn’t exactly what you want, changes need to be made. I work with a group of people who are settling in their lives and are not very happy. I refuse to become one of them. I am working harder than I ever had doing the things necessary to reach my goals. Sometimes it is not conforming, getting out of your comfort zone and following your gut instincts. Thanks for a great post.
Cathy
Hi Dave and Dawn,
Your post speaks to what I have been working on for a while. I also think one of those 5 people that you are the average of is yourself so if that isn’t exactly what you want, changes need to be made. I work with a group of people who are settling in their lives and are not very happy. I refuse to become one of them. I am working harder than I ever had doing the things necessary to reach my goals. Sometimes it is not conforming, getting out of your comfort zone and following your gut instincts. Thanks for a great post.
Cathy
Hi Dave and Dawn!! For someone living in Southern California, having millionaires in our cell phones is easy! Our property values are so high that we are all millionaires! LOL!
Seriously, I think that you make a very good point. Lots of people try to pull you down. I am enjoying working with people like you and Dawn who think that everything is possible!
Mentor Mama
.-= Nancy Burke Barr´s last blog ..Hope for the Future: Are You Relevant? =-.
Hi Dave and Dawn!! For someone living in Southern California, having millionaires in our cell phones is easy! Our property values are so high that we are all millionaires! LOL!
Seriously, I think that you make a very good point. Lots of people try to pull you down. I am enjoying working with people like you and Dawn who think that everything is possible!
Mentor Mama
.-= Nancy Burke Barr´s last blog ..Hope for the Future: Are You Relevant? =-.
That was awesome information! Rich people build networks, poor people don't. People gotta break out of their normal routine and do the things and learn the skills that are gonna make you money in the quickest way possible.
If you desire it enough, you'll find the motivation. Thanks for the great share as usual Dave and Dawn.
Love the TSA and all that you guys do.
Thanks,
Michael
Hey Dave –
This is an awesome post and very timely too – I had a situation where I was being pumped up by 'yes' and 'you're awesome' and getting very little else in return. In this case I think it was the “no's” (and I didn't really have a whole lot of that growing up – though I am a child of divorce and Dad IS a “no first” guy) – it was the “no's” that let me feel extra good about the kudos and take a pass on being compensated.
Yes, I got a clue.
Funny how our childhood affects us so…
Good question about the millionaires – I actually do have a few and am pleasantly surprised
Go social media!
Appreciate you!
Andrea
Because of what you have described in your post, conditioned response, people think they are free but in reality are slaves. The four question in your post, when honestly answered should begin to open people’s mind, then maybe the culture would not contain so many Pavlov dogs and people could experience real personal freedom. I answered these questions and saw changes that I need to make in my life.
Thanks for this mind opening post.
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City USA
Perry A Davis Jr recently posted..A new look at the 3 foot rule for network marketers
Dave and Dawn….. loved this post…..
Telling me I can’t do something is the surest way to make sure I will do it! LOL…. There’s a time to follow the rules and a time to step off the path and make your own. Here’s to being a member of the “I Make Things Happen” club… !
To your continues success,
Robin
Robin recently posted..Sell What People Want- Not What They Need
Hey Dave!
I’m getting out of line and hopping on a new trolley right now! Not the first time either! lol
This is an awesome, motivational post! Thanks!
Tom Burt
P.S. There MIGHT be a millionaire in my phone list….but I couldn’t pick who if had to!
True, true, true, there is a point where you need to play by some of the rules or things just won’t work anywhere, but at some point there accumulates such huge amount of rules that it winds up taking more time to figure out and then follow the rules then it does to actually live your life.
And then your life becomes all about doing what somebody else is telling you to do rather than what you want to do. Then you must take steps to get control of your life back.
Micahel recently posted..The Lie About Success