SmartAlec GPS Adventure Guide

What marks success?  I’m not talking about who’s the fastest or makes the most money.  I mean, if you look at the real successes over history, both good and bad, what is the common denominator.  As an entrepreneur I’m constantly studying what makes someone or something successful.  It’s probably one of the most important things I do on a daily basis and for some reason I stumbled across the answer the other day on my Facebook page and didn’t know it, until now.

Take a moment for yourself and think back on the who, what, when, where and how’s that have made the largest, most significant impact in your life.  I would bet the gas in my truck (not as valuable as it was 2 months ago, but still) that I know it’s root.

Here’s the answer: Read More…

Posted under Can I Quote You?, Tips and Tidbits, Videos, Whacky Stories & Thoughts

Today, while listening to the Dave Ramsey show (2 hour podcast, 3 seg), Dave shared a very inspiring nugget called the “American Creed” that he remembered before dawn as he woke up a bit frustrated with the world.  Here it is as I’ve copied it from Dave Ramsey’s website,

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Click to listen to Dave Ramsey speaking and reading \”The American Creed\” by Dean Alfange

I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man

The Honorable Dean Alfange was an American statesman born December 2, 1899, in Constantinople (now Istanbul). He was raised in upstate New York. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and attended Hamilton College, graduating in the class of 1922.

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.

I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.”

By Dean Alfange

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*Originally published in This Week Magazine.
Later printed in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952 and January 1954.

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As a entrepreneur that knows the hardships of breaking away from the herd, I found this extremely inspiring Read More…

Posted under Can I Quote You?, Ideas