Millionaire Integrity

By Donna Braymer
Published 10.6.09
Harrison Daily Times


I love to hear what books successful people are reading. Several
people have mentioned the two books by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley, “The
Millionaire Mind” and “The Millionaire Next Door.”

Of the thousands of completed responses for his study, most were
first-generation millionaires. They did not inherit the money, but
began their own companies or invested wisely from a young age and
never spent more than they made.

They were asked, “What are the top five factors important in
explaining your economic success?” The number one factor was integrity
— being honest with all people.

Surprised? Did you think millionaires would lie, cheat, steal and
gamble their way to the top? No, they don’t. Luck was number 27 on the
list.

Discipline — applying self control — was their second choice. Social
skills — getting along with people — was the third. A supportive
spouse was number four, and hard work —more than most people — was the
number five.

All of these, with the exception of a supportive spouse, are character
traits students can develop right now. Interested in being a
millionaire?

Most of the millionaires also had strong leadership qualities. “We
have the ability to sell our ideas to our employees and suppliers and
our products to carefully targeted audiences,” Stanley quotes a group
of millionaires. “We provide a product or service that has strong
demand, but few suppliers to fill that demand. We do not follow the
crowd.”

Integrity — being honest with all people, can affect your bank account.




www.DonnaCBraymer.com

Compassion

Compassion

Copyright Harrison Daily Times

Published 12.2.08

The needs and suffering of others are on our minds more during the Christmas season. But compassion for others is something we can feel, and act on, at any time.

Our community is known for helping others, whether it’s gathering newtoys for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, or helping a family with items after a fire, tornado or hurricane.

The definition for compassion includes understanding the suffering ofothers and wanting to do something about it. I may not totally understand all kinds suffering because I haven’t experienced it. But I can still be involved and help someone through their situation.

We can donate a new toy. We can drop some coins or cash into the Salvation Army’s red buckets. We can volunteer our time, pick up trash and help those in need.

In the classroom, we can help someone with a project that seems overwhelming or have compassion on a new student by showing them around and introducing others.

We can invite a new friend to play onthe playground, or eat lunch with our favorite friends.

When we think about how it would feel to be in their situation, we can feel compassion. But it’s even better to do something about it.

Donna Braymer


www.DonnaCBraymer.com