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Lessons from a trailer park

If you give me 10 seconds I can tell you, with 99% accuracy, how successful you are.

Just let me visit your house or office to check out your bookshelf.

You see, the most successful people in the world are LIFELONG learners.

They never rest on their laurels and are always striving to learn more.

It’s been said the most successful people have the biggest BOOKSHELVES filled with books.

And the least successful people have the biggest TELEVISIONS.

If you’ve ever driven by a trailer park, you know what I’m talking about.

In college, I was a volunteer big brother. My “little brother” lived in a trailer park in the poorest neighborhood in Upstate NY.

His trailer was on a dirt road, off another dirt road and deep in the woods.

And while everyone there lived in extreme poverty, quite a few had big fat satellite dishes on their trailers.

So as they were barely scrapping by, they still thought it was important to shell out $50 or more a month for satellite service.

Even as a bright-eyed optomistic 18 year old, I knew something was aeriously wrong with this picture.

Every hour they sat in front of the tube, they could be have been doing something different to better their situation.

Heck, go to the library. There is enough information there to make you a rich beyond your dreams.

When I first started my career, I didn’t have much money at all so every day off was spent at the bookstore or the library.

Invest in yourself and you will not be sorry.

Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now.

Stay Strong,
Ryan

P.S. Learn exactly how to take control of your wealth and health in my book. Oh yeah, it FREE!

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 24th, 2008 at 6:22 am and is filed under Emotional Change. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • "I totally agree here" seems to be the general consensus in the comments I've read.

    I also "totally agree" and I myself have started a while back with self-help books as well as technical books I use for my trade (water treatment).

    The question I have is: I can read all of this stuff quickly? I'm a slow reader and I wish I could be like a sponge and absorb everything by one quick touch of the end and some magical osmosis phenomenon. Anyway...

    Thanks for this Ryan.
  • Greg
    Fantastic reminder of how our priorities determine our outcomes. Well done, again.
  • Chas.
    Wow, a short but right to the point, and right on point article. So true what you said here! I've been calling it "ghetto mentality" for years, but we're both saying the same thing. Bravo on this one!
  • Janet
    Ryan, you hit the nail right on the head with this one! So often I speak to people about some of the best Personal Development authors out there and get the strangest looks! I buy 6 books per month and keep those that I can use for future reference and recycle the rest at a used book store for someone else to buy at a reduced rate. Been doing this for 20 or more years. As a retiree I now have6 passive income streams and looking to expand to 10 once the 2 I am currently working on are up and running. Life is very exciting at 66, I've lost 20 lbs and business is booming! What more can a woman ask for in life. Beats watching TV and complaining, my motto is "Make It Happen". As a Joint Venture Broker that is what I do and my energy level has doubled! Your book was fantastic and I have applied some of your ideas to my business. I look forward to receiving the monthly information. Many Thanks, Love your emails and suggestions.
  • Frankie
    Hmm, yeah, good point.
  • Jean
    I guess if you came to our house you would think we were extremely successful. Not including the set of the Great Books of the Western World, which is housed in its own bookcase, we have 13 bookcases full of books. Most shelves have books on top of books and books in front of books. You would be very wrong about the successful part, though. I guess unless you work extremely hard all your life and end up just turning your wheels, you don't realize how much luck comes into play in success.
  • Peter
    Ryan, thanks for that. Funny thing, my wife says I'm crazy for reading so much. In fact she has said to do something constructive with myself; of course its not enough I already have 3 college degrees but I just smiled and said "yes honey" but in the back of my head I said "This is constructive" So, with that being said you just reinforced what I already believe in. Thanks again and love the emails.
  • Steve
    Thanks Ryan, I was once told if you spend just 15 to 20 minutes each day reading you will complete about 30 books each year. Not a bad statistic to change your life. But as GI Joe use to state - starting is half the battle.
  • BG
    I happen to own two small trailer parks and could not agree with Ryan more. When I go to collect rent I see better vehicles than anything I own in their driveway,and sattelite dishes on every trailer. These are not bad people they have just never realized that they can take control of their future. Everything that happens to them is someone elses fault. I used to be this way too and then I decided that no one else was going to get rich for me so I had to do it myself.
  • John Sutcliffe
    I am a retired architect and my wife is a librarian at one of our two Manchester Universities, here in England. Our television is small and we have a substantial number of books. Both of us read several books per week, but our 23 year old son, who is dyslexic, finds it easier to aquire information through television and c.d.s. I sometimes watch TV. or listen to radio both for information and entertainment but also use the computer for information and communication. In England, where we pay a television license, we still have a lot of high quality, documentaries, architectural and design programmes, travel and dramas, although I have to say that it has been adversly influenced by U.S. American TV. My daughter, a graduate pharmacologist, does not possess a television, only a commputer.

    Incidentally did you see or read about a study published jointly this week by Exeter and Cambridge Universities, that suggests that a woman who is dieting at the time of conception is more likely to have a girl. Perhaps that is why you have had three, Ryan.
  • Hi Ryan,
    I just posted your email on my web site. http://www.fusionmma.com/lessons-from-a-trailer...

    I lived in a small town in Wayne County, NY. I am original from Toronto. So culturally is kind of shocking for me. Although they stereotypical trailer park may not be the best example. As a whole our nation(most North American) are lazy.

    Everyone wants to take the path of least resistance.

    The local library here gives out tons and tons of free discard library books. Just last week I picked up almost $300 worth of hard cover Art History book.

    When I was in Art School, I would have died to get my hand on them.

    I am planning to put up my own online ebay/Alibris book store to take advantage of the local library situation.

    Thanks
    Z
  • Ryan, I totaly agree with you. I am 47 with a high school diploma.I would classify my self successfull in the life that I have built myself.My library is small but so is the tv.I have Read your book a few times and realy enjoy the workouts. In the quest in selling on line, I stumbled on a awsome web site with alot of the top speakers in the world as the teachers.This is very exciting for myself,and eager to learn what I have been missing, also to move my success even higher.for more info www.HowYouCanDoIt2.com
  • Thanks for the article.
    A house without "BOOKS is like BODY WITHOUT SOUL"
    Regards
  • As usual, Ryan is dead on with this... it never fails to amaze me how many people complain about their financial situation, yet they spend 5-6 hrs EVERY single night watching TV. Of course, even if they spent that 5 hrs a night reading self help information, they would still have to actually APPLY it if anything in their life is to ever change.

    Ryan was one of the first people that taught me how to use my knowledge to create more wealth for myself than I could ever imagine, while also enriching the lives of 100's of thousands of others by helping them improve their health and fitness.

    About 3 years ago, I basically gave up TV almost fully (I only watch something now on occasion)... I'd rather spend my free time reading something that will improve my life or challenge me instead. Even while driving, I rarely listen to the radio anymore...instead I always listen to marketing and self-help audiobooks.

    A couple months ago, someone I know complained to me about how they never have any money... so I gave them some of my books and audiobooks that have really helped me to change my financial situation. I asked them 2 months later if they had listened or read any of the books and the answer was that they hadn't had any time...What the?!? Yet, I know for sure that they spend a couple hrs a night watching TV... same old thing I see all the time... some people complain about their situation, and never take any action to change it, despite being given the opportunity. Others take the opportunity and run with it to create amazing changes in their lives and others.
  • MK
    ummm, okay this is purely subjective, A great point and with strong moral however, void of the arguement that an individual has the right to there own peace of mind whatever the activity (activity.... ironic!).

    I read, i have a few of your books and endless study guides relating to my field i am in and to the topics that cross my paths on occasion but is it wrong to be satisfied for a period of time with what you have?

    See you may see people who spend money on big teles etc as "those without dreams" and take pity almost, where as i take pity on all those that passed comment on it, maybe these people are just happy with what they have..do you know?! I have a projector for a tele so i am byist, but that does not mean i do not work hard. I am one of the most qualified instructors the United kingdom has to offer and will be teaching my learnt knowledge thus far to other future instructors as a tutor... i have had 2 businesses and had it bought off me from a larger company at the age of 19 for a hefty sum and i am only 22 years old..... does the fact that i may spend 3 hours a day watching tele mean i am not driven... i would say no, that is 'ME' time and i earned it!!
  • Dave
    Good one. I stopped my cable and satellite a year ago and now only watch DVDs or internet documentaries. Haven't played a computer game in my life. Have some books, but also quite a few e-books. The good ones I read and re-read. I find the knowledge only really sinks in on subsequent readings, and every time I re-read a book am surprised at how much new stuff I notice/pick up.

    I heard a great line: 'No such thing as Haves and Have Nots, only Wills and Will nots.' Anyone and everyone can Have if they get off their arses and decide what they Will Do. Can't get off your arse if it's stuck to the couch as you watch TV/play computer games, though.
  • Val Fujii
    Another great post as always Ryan.
    Keep'em coming bro;)
  • Shane
    I don't read must of your emails, but when I see a title that catches my attention I will check it out. This one caught my eye, and I really agree with what you said. My family and I have often talked about this very subject. In one of my college classes once, I also got into a debate on this same subject.

    Some people just don't see whats wrong with that picture.
  • Debbie, Sydney
    Spot on Ryan! Whilst some may see your comments as judgemental, in general it's true - and it's the same in Australia. The Govt. has recently had to re-think it's Baby Bonus, paid on the birth of a new baby, as young girls, and the less well educated amongst us, were getting pregnant just to get the bonus, and it was all going on plasma TV's etc. One of our foremost electrical retailers has actually come out and said if the Govt. changes the way it pays the bonus (via vouchers for clothes, food, baby items etc. instead of one lump sum), his business will lose big-time. A sad reflection of the times - but your comments certainly rang true for me. Yes, we have a large flat screen at home, but I am a PT and my husband runs 100+ kms a week, and TV watching is balanced in our house with healthy outdoor activities - and lots of reading!. It's all about balance - a concept that many just can't grasp.
  • Jamie V
    Some people make the world go around and others watch it turn.
  • I have a huge collection of early self help tapes,from Nightnigale Conant, hundreds of books on psychology, personal training, business, entrepeneurship, money managment and I spend about $200 a month on Amazon. I cancelled my cable last year and I am more focused and peaceful as a result.
    I am a lifelong learner and believe education and reading is the best gift you can give to yourself because it keeps you growing . I don't think this necessarily translates into financial success( as many imply),but taking ACTION and applying knowledge truly is a source of power that enriches your life in many other ways.
  • mary
    Ryan, I have a library, but a lot of it is outdated. I now have three favorite books. I would like to futher my education, but seem to lack the discipline at the end of the evening to read and absorb infomation. I would much rather hear a lecture and view demonstrations.
  • Lisa
    Hey Ryan,

    I know you have two little kids, so can I expand on this? As soon as my girls were done with Sesame Street, I pulled the plug on the TV. No cable whatsoever. Of course, if we want to all sit down and watch a movie together, we can pop in a DVD on a Saturday night (our family night), but the result is that my girls read constantly - they are now 13 and 15 and I never once had to nag at them to read - it was more like nagging at them to put the book down and go to sleep!

    It was the best thing I could have ever done, because having grown up this way, they don't miss it.
  • My roommate actually took out a 20,000 student loan the semester he dropped out of college. He has a 50" plasma television (he's actually playing Call of Duty right now talking jibberish to 13 year olds). Oh yea, I'm the "dork" who stays in on weekends because I have no other time to read :)
  • JD2
    Do E-books count? I have several actual books on my shelf from college, but have several hundred E-books that I read. Many self-help, marketing and tutorials. Being a communication major I am always wanting more and more information.
  • Paul T
    Well ryan that is so funny that you should say that. I was just talking to my buddies wife and guess what he drags his PS3 to work so he can play it during his lunch and he just told me that he cannot wait for the new grand terasmo to come out. I just laughed. What a waist of time. further of everyone I know he is the one who is constantly compaining about not liking his job and where he is in life. also he owns a Wii system go figure. And he has the biggest TV 56" and watches it the most out of anyone I know.

    But most people are lookiign to escape not to make changes in their lives or they are afraid that they might just succeed beyond what they can dream.

    so every one keep reading and dreaming big because that is what dreams have to be big so you can one day fit in to them.
  • Seth
    So what would my home tell you? 17,000+ books (I lost count a few thousand ago), and a 19" tv that's well over 20 years old and hasn't been plugged in for the last 5.
  • Rick Myers
    What more is there to say? The truth is we are becoming more focused on what we have and don't that we are losing exactly what Ryan is talking about.

    Written well, Thanks!
  • King Hoover
    For those who may not have been able to afford even a meager library yet-

    "A borrowed library you regularly use can foreshadow the one you are yet to own." All the books you'd like to read, learn and grow from are often in the city's library system, the challenge is that the best ones will usually be checked out the first time you look.

    The fantastic thing about this country is that such incredible resources are available simply for the trouble of making your way there. It is as is you have a Scholarship in your name for any field of study you choose. All you have to is come and begin your studies.

    Unlike college, you don't have to buy books you'll only sell back at the end of the semester,
    only the ones you'd like to own.

    But you never Graduate, if you don't attend to your studies...
  • i just wanted to say that i havent really disagreed with anything youve said, but i do think that this email was judgemental. im only 15 but im pretty smart for a teenager..if you have believe that.. but just by saying 'trailer park people' it kind of puts out the idea that youre saying all people who live in trailer parks are lazy, bad people..there are people who live in houses that have satalite dishes and are worse off than people in trailer parks, it all depends on what kind of nieghborhood you are in. i live in a pretty small town and we have a trailer court, and while there are a few bad people living in it, theres also worse people livin in the houses in the town..
    i just thought it made you sound pretty stuck up by saying that.
  • Wow

    This is a great post, and I am sure many of us have our own experience to confirm it.

    To me, it is ironic how spending Saturdays reading and learning is not always "exciting" or "fun" in a way most people think of it but always leads to "fun", and even more importantly, fulfillment down the road. How many people find fulfillment in their work? 5%? I know that is too high of a percentage, but it is not many!

    I spend many Saturdays in the public library about 200 yards from Santa Monica beach. Some days I would rather be at the beach but for some reason I tend to stay in the library, and my career and more importantly, my life seem to increase as a result!

    Great job Ryan
  • Anybody in the United States can go to their public library and devour all of the information they could need to improve their current situation. Or they can go online and learn. Hell, they could even watch TV. But they need to watch CNBC instead of Jerry Springer!
  • Brian
    Great post Ryan and so true. I have tons of books, but what do you call somebody that has a huge library and a big televsion?

    I really enjoy reading your articles. I really like the one you posted a couple of weeks ago about the air plane, switching seats issue. I agree that WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE are miserable and if they thought about others more, the world would be a better place.

    Thank you,
    Brian

    The only BAD day is the day you don't smile or make somebody else smile!
  • Awesome post Ryan!
  • Ryan,

    Enjoyed the email today, as always. Really hits home especially today with the price of oil/gas/food and everything else is escalating.

    I was one of those with the BIG T.V. not living in a trailer park, rather in military housing.

    I began looking into fitness/wellness/health industry a decade ago. Thus began my "reading career" haven't stopped reading since. Since retiring November of last year my reading has increased steadily

    This year alone I have read more books than I did during my first 10 YEARS in the military.

    My college days were spent uh, err, learning about aerospace engineering. Of course there wasn't much "learning" taking place other than coming up with a better way to prepare Ramen Noodles and Hot Dogs...

    My studies now pertain to biochemistry, physiology,quantum mechanics/physics.

    And for the past 3 years have trained nearly 1,400 clients getting them to trim the fat, build their natural lean body, and improving their daily quality of life.

    I don't take credit for the success of my clients however it could never happen if "I" didn't learn how to help them on their journey.


    Anyway just wanted to say your email today was dead on!


    All the best,

    Shawn
  • Jason
    Of course, this problem isn't only in trailer parks. Even those seemingly well to do, "$30,000 millionaires" I heard once coined towards this "species", have the same basic problems. The economy is bad, my boss is stupid, my job sucks, "that pension was the least those (insert explicitive) could do for all I gave them", etc.

    Those same people can be seen wasting and abusing (not just spending)their time with bigger tv's, cars, and junk food, to name a few, in the spare time they do have (which is usually more than they think).

    Invest your life. You don't get a second chance.
  • Sean
    Thanks for tat Ryan!
    What a great and constant reminder you are to me, of what I can be. Of course you have not reinvented the wheel, with your ideas. You just constantly remind me what that wheel is for!

    thanks ryan
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