My friends and I were having dinner. The topic of success came up and I remained silent. I wanted to hear what they had to say. Someone who had been my friend for over 20 years spoke to the group; however, I knew his words were meant for me. He boldly proclaimed, “Success is all luck… luck. That is all it is!” He then looked at me as if to say, “You are a lucky man and that is it.”

I didn’t say a word, but I confess that it hurt. He was one of my best friends and although it wasn’t a direct quote, he was telling me that he didn’t respect my success because it was all luck. In other words, he could have done the same if he was just as lucky.

I mulled this over for a few days and then let it go. What could I do?

Then some time after that, my truck window broke and I had to park in his garage for the day to stay out of the rain. I was stuck at his home for six hours. During the six hours, I watched five of his friends come over and they all watched the Comedy Channel and consumed adult beverages for five hours. It was driving me up a wall! I wanted to go for a run, write, read a book, goal set, strategize or spend time with someone I loved. Instead, I wasted six hours watching the Comedy Channel.

I am not suggesting that watching television or the Comedy Channel is a waste of time. Most certainly not. However, it was obvious that this was their daily routine. Then it hit me!

Success is not a result of luck. It is a result of how you spend your free time!

He and I both work hard. The difference is when my workday is done my free time is productive and his is not.

My 6-CD Memory in a Month program was created in my free time. Every month, I get checks in the mail because of this program, and I will never have to do a single bit of work again for it. I did the work in my free time. My friend was watching the Comedy Channel. Today, his mailbox is empty.

Success is a result of luck? No, success is a result of how you spend your free time.

Ron