Anticipation

I can't help it if I'm an optimistic kind of guy. Everything, it seems to me, has an upside and a downside (well almost anything). So I always try to find that good piece and focus on that when presented with a situation.

Latey, for instance, I've been on pins and needles about my Internet company. Well its not all mine, but I am the founder and I own the biggest chunk. Anyway, we have a buyer. But we've had this buyer for going on 13 months. Its amazing how these things can get dragged out. If I hear the phrase "due diligence" one more time, I think I'll have a conniption.

At the present time, we are in the home stretch. We've leaped many a hurdle. We are suppose to close on December 4th. But as everyone seems to take great pleasure in reminding me, many things can still go wrong. So what am I suppose to do. I'm not a good multiplexer, so its hard for me to start my next projects - real estate and another book. I do keep my poker learning web site current and updated, however. But its very hard to concentrate when this huge milestone in my life is dangling in front of me, drifting in and out of sight.

But I found the silver lining - enjoy the state of anticipation. It is, after all, a great feeling - often surpassing the thrill of the thing actually happening. Its just a hard concept to get your arms around. So I've meditated on past good things that have happened to me and tried to recreate my emotions prior to the consummation of said event. My conclusion is that its all about the dream. Whether it happens or not (I shouldn't say that - it is going to happen), I think about the travel I'll be doing with my wife, I get excited about playing in some big poker tournaments, I look forward to spending more time with my eldest two daughters, about getting an RV and heading to Canada, about studying the real estate market and making some super shrewd investments. This makes me happy. I've had some happy days just anticipating. Even if it doesn't happen (knock on wood), I have accomplished a very important thing in just being happy for a period of time. After all, happiness and contentment is a state of mind. The richest person in the world can be miserable, while a poverty stricken Chilean can be ecstatic.

This method of thinking about the world suits me. That's why I play poker, especially poker tournaments. I may not make the money time after time, but each time I miss I know it will make that eventual win that much sweeter.

By the way, I am also anticipating a great Thanksgiving this year. Most of my family seem to be getting together for a few days. Hope you have a good one too. Pleasant thoughts to all.

"How" over "How Much"

We all want money. Right? Count me in. In our American world, money is very important. It buys a lot of great stuff. Most of us are focused like a laser on getting as much of it as we can. But a much overlooked aspect of accumulating money is not just the "how much can we get?" but the "how do we get it?"

The knee jerk reaction is: "Who cares? As long as we get it and the more the better." But if you really think about it, the "How" may be more important.

Lets start with the trust-fund, rich kids of the world. Because the money was simply dumped on them, most of them (there are exceptions of course) drift about, looking for excitement through drugs or sex or other high risk behaviors. They don't have the motivation to go out and develop themselves and as a result, many of them are not what I would call happy. They don't reach their potential.

Then you have the lottery winners. If you ever read about what happens to these people after they made their big cash, a majority of them end up in all kinds of trouble, lots of problems and more than a few suicides.

Finally you have the greedy businessperson. They try to screw over anyone and everyone in order to maximize their take on any transaction. They push the limits of legal behavior and, to them, ethics is an academic word only. If you can get away with it, its OK. I'd argue many of these people may put on a facade of happiness with all their material possessions amidst their circle of like-minded "friends." But I'd argue that they are in a constant struggle with their conscience. They seek out therapy. They rationalize. But what's done is done. They can never turn back their misdeeds which become clearer and clearer to them as they approach their inevitable demise.

I'd argue that making a nest egg through honest hard work and effort in which you treat everyone you come into contact with in a fair and open manner should be the goal for everyone. Of course, we really need that first $40,000 every year to survive, especially if you have a family to support. But as that number rises, the money becomes less and less a necessity and more of "an extra." When you start to reach the nosebleed status of making millions and millions, it becomes merely a status symbol - a scorecard. When it comes down to it, our mental state is much more important than the size of our house. It's infinitely worth it to nurture your honest and straight-dealing reputation over striving for money at any cost. Having respect as a result of the quality of your character is an invaluable commodity. It doesn't come easy. Many shortcuts will present themselves. Be a poker player and get a "read" on where each road will potentially lead. You may not get filthy rich, but you'll be happier and more content. After all, who would want to be Russ Hamilton or Bernie Madoff. Keep it.

Phew!

I didn't want to leave any of you hanging. My daughter is going to be fine. The lump on her neck had no melanoma, lymphoma or any cancer of any kind. It's what is called a reactive lymph node. Easily treatable. I made camping plans with her to celebrate. We're also goin' into the big apple next weekend.

It's amazing how everything pales in comparison to the health of our kids. Now I can focus on the last days before the closing of the sale of my company. I'm going to meet the new owners today for lunch. Ciao.