The Wisdom of the Hamster

I have a great friend and mentee nicknamed the “Hamster”. He’s a Christian attorney in Chesapeake, VA who is one of the brightest, most insightful people I know.  I’ve been his mentor for many years and we have become really good friends.

Anyway, I’m celebrating my recent unemployment by vacationing at the beach with several other families about an hour and half from his house.  He knew I was still a little bummed out about the loss of my old business and took the time to drive down to see me.  He’s one of those cherished and rare friends that cares about me enough to tell me the truth and kick my butt when I need it.

Here are some of the highlights:

- He recommended that instead of immediately moving into trading that I take three months off and do nothing.  He could see the terror in my face and he just smiled.  “You need time to rest, relax, and recover.  You don’t have an income problem you just think you do.  And besides, you shouldn’t be trading when you think you need to…”

- “Time is a commodity created by God.  Each time you’ve made mistakes in business or trading it was because you were rushing and pushing time too much.  When you are earning 3% a month you want to earn 5%.  When you earn 5% you want to earn 10%.  Slow down.  3% is incredible!  When you have an agenda (of becoming wealthy too quickly) the universe will conspire against you.   Take enough time to allow God to help you.”

- We talked about my business losses and shifts in my retirement accounts.  He said “You still have a lot of wealth.  You have a wonderful family who love you, your healthy, with lots of great friends and plenty of time.  Focus on what you have and not on what you’ve lost.”

- He said “You’ll be fine.  I’ve known you a long time and you always come out on top.  If I had $20 million I would give it too you right now and not even think about it.  You have talents and skills that most people would love to have.  Don’t forget that”.

- Finally he tied all of this up with:  “You know most of what I’ve told you today you taught me.  Don’t you listen to yourself??  I love you and you must be the dumbest mentor in the world!!!” 

We both laughed, I thanked him, and we said goodbye.

It was awesome… the perfect conversation and exactly what I needed.  If you are lucky enough to have a friend like this tell them “Thank you”.  God not only creates time but he’s also in charge of creating the people as well.  Cherish them both.

All the best,

Mojo

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