I don't think my ideas have changed about money. My father, mother and sisters and I used to go each week to the Auckland Savings Bank. I'd take my little book, the teller would count the money and stamp the book. It became a ritual and that money grew. The most difficult thing was to make the first $1000. That was a lot back then. It meant you were able to take a shot at something. It taught me that money doesn't come lightly and it's not something to be squandered.
Nowadays we can just about have everything we want. But money doesn't alter anything. You can be without it and still have a good life. It's nice to have but you have to have a respect for it. It helps you pursue dreams. I like to be able to give back. But it's nice to spend it and it gives freedom of choice. Spending benefits others. It keeps things in motion.
I owe the greatest debt to those who have stood against me. Like Jack Glanville, the principal at Whangarei Boys' High who toldmy parents I would never amount to anything. Give him a trade, he told them, and he might be okay. This made me stronger.
We thrive when we're busy and motivated. We achieve greatness when we're all fired up. To be motivated is exciting.
