Lessons Learned (Part 4)
When I left the retail industry, I moved on to horses and hard work!
While I was finishing my senior year in high school, I started working on a ranch. I had so many experiences on that ranch that they still play a part in my life today.
When I first started on the ranch, the job was only after school for an hour or so. Then, once summer came, I was working full time and really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about hard work and doing things that I had never done before. That summer the temperature got as high as 110 degrees, in the shade! I wore boots, jeans, a t-shirt and a cowboy hat. I got to see newborn calves born and weaned from their moms. Building fence was quite the experience, too. There were acres of fence to build!
One thing I learned was how to take instruction from the ranch hand. He grew up on a farm and knew what it was like to take care of horses, build fence and make sure everything ran smoothly. His name was Craig and there was a reason behind everything he did. He was also a great dad and husband. Occasionally, I got to see him interact with his family, when they would come onto the ranch. We had some good laughs, as well as some serious teachable moments.
Once, when his son was just a young boy and wouldn’t stop talking, I bet his son that he couldn’t be quiet for five minutes. Well, he did it and I had to pay up. That was my second thing I learned. It is always better to keep your word and be known for what you say you will do. His son started trying to make more bets with me, but I knew better than to make that mistake again!
The owner of the ranch was a family friend and I am fortunate that my parents knew him. He made good money at a lumber company that he owned, and I always thought it would be neat to own my own company and do well in life. He was also a very giving man and generous to others. Having nice things is great, and there is nothing wrong with it, but one just can’t make it the sole purpose of living this life. If you are going to make good money, then you need to show others how to use it properly.
In life there are many things you can spend your money on, but none of them compare to educating yourself. I’m not necessarily talking about formal education and college. Although, those are beneficial. What I am really speaking about is finding hobbies and passions that drive you. Spend time learning more about them from books, videos, mentors and even weekend classes.
When we are young, we may find that school is boring or not for us. In reality, it is teaching us how to learn, so we can take that knowledge of how to learn and apply it towards what we truly want to do in life. Learning how to take instruction and apply what you learn to your life is of the utmost importance. When we are not afraid of learning new skills, ideas or ways of life, we will run towards educating ourselves and pursuing our dreams.
Andy when we couple learning with hard work, we will find that our worlds will change drastically and for the better!
Remember…life is short. Don’t wait to do what you want to do or you will have less time to do it.
Life Lesson:
Learn how to learn and don’t be afraid of hard work.
Brad Rhame 