The Missing Number
Ermin Garret Fergerstrom
Bouncing Back
By most measures of success, one would say I've done fairly well in my life. I have much to be grateful for and many accomplishments that would likely make another's life-goals list. Like many, I've had my share of ups and downs and endured some very trying times, but always seemed to bounce back quite well. In fact, you could almost say I specialize in it. I could describe the hardship I endured to recover from my adversity, but it would pale in comparison to other people who were far greater than me. You will probably hear from some of them in this very book. not to mention giants like Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela and Lance Armstrong.
My story really begins after I'd finally made it back from suffering the greatest setback of my life and I realized that something was amiss. With a lot of hard work, determination and a string of good fortune, I hit what appeared to be my highest level of achievement. I had built my business up to a much greater level and put my family life in order. At first glance, things were looking up. I had built my assets considerably, but at the same time I was sinking even deeper in debt.I couldn't help but notice those around me who were unable to produce half the results I did but were still making more money than me. I finally had to admit I was a bad steward of money. I still remember exactly where I was standing when it happened. I resolved right then to work out my financial problems. I knew I was talented enough; anything I set my mind to, I could achieve. So why couldn't my finances equal my contributions? This was the beginning of a rocky road toward personal development where I discovered many painful truths about myself.
If God had done a progress report on me at that time, it might have went something like this: "He's a good guy; he has lots of potential; he is hard working and very sincere. He has to work on his people skills though. He doesn't work well with others and is a little arrogant, not to mention stubborn as a mule. I think he'll get it sooner or later."
Unlike Robert Kiyosaki, I was never fortunate enough to meet my "Rich Dad" as I grew up in Hawaii. My "poor" parents did a very good job overall and instilled in me many great traits. The word "impossible," for instance was not allowed in my vocabulary. I'll never forget some of the arguments my dad and my brother had on the topic. "Nothings impossible" The words still echo in my head. The only thing impossible was trying to win an argument with dad about what was or wasn't possible. My parents instilled many other important life skills in us as well, but they also made some small, yet crucial mistakes. One that sticks out in particular is, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." That was one of my mantras for years.
I realized that I needed to find a good "Rich Dad" for a mentor, but where? It was very slow going for someone who "knew everything." After a couple of years reading and research, I finally figured out where to meet not just one great mentor, but dozens of them. It was in the local bookstore that I found the answers to all my questions.
To reach my full potential, I needed to increase my productivity, to find a way to serve the many. One of the first and most difficult lessons I needed to learn was effective partnering, but where could I find a partner that would do the job as good as I? My arrogance was comical. After all of my mediocre success in business, I still though I knew it all. Of course, I eventually came to realize that more qualified people had been standing right in front of me all along.
Many more lessons were necessary to finally bring me to a point where I could address my largest hurdle. It was hard to recognize at first because the effects were so subtle. I had reached a point where most of the numbers to the success combination were in place. I knew what I had to do in terms of my goals, setting priorities, communication and all the other tracks of success, but there was always a reason I couldn't apply one thing or another at any given time.
I was reading a book by one of my favorite authors when it hit me like a ton of bricks! Throughout my childhood, my parents had inadvertently prejudiced me against wealthy people. It might have simply been a slightly different tone of voice used when referring to "rich people," or comments like, "We can't afford that; do you think we're millionaires?" But it was effective. When I looked back at all of my financial goals, the word "wealth" was never mentioned, and the "M" word (million) was conspicuously missing. I used terms like "gross X dollars per year and invest profits until I can live comfortably." Of course the problem was I had grown comfortable living in debt.
Have you ever had a lifelong stigma lifted from your shoulders? It's so liberating that I can only compare it to the sensation of flying in your dreams.
I have a clear vision now and I would like to re-introduce myself. Ermin Fergerstrom, future best selling author, renowned public speaker, generous philanthropist and multimillionaire!
My question to you is, "What number is missing from your combination?" Whether it regards your finances, relationships, health or anything else, there's a great author somewhere out there pouring his heart out for you. Find that author and read like your success depends on it, because it does and you will never look back. Remember, no single book or audio program will be the end to your training; there is more good material out there than there are days in your life. Be a life long learner. Never stop at merely bouncing back. Bounce higher, fly higher than you ever dreamed possible, because nothing is impossible.
Ermin Garret Fergerstrom
