Rockefeller – The difference between affluent people and the rest.

Lately, after I get home from my day job, I go out to the barn where I have a remodeling project going. I am doing part of it myself – carpentry, my trade. While I am out there by myself with the lights and my tool belt on, I have my ear pods in and am listening to something interesting.
Sometimes it’s an audiobook, sometimes a podcast, sometimes a TED talk, or something else. I have a little notebook and a pen on the sawhorse to capture ideas that strike me as valuable.
This night I was listening to the autobiography of John D. Rockefeller Jr. on YouTube. I learned a lot about him, his values and what he did, and about the era when oil was becoming an important fuel to power the world.
He used one simple word to describe the difference between people in the top 5% and the rest – “personality”. He meant the collection of character traits that form your personality.
Some people have destructive habits, and some don’t.
Some people use their extra time to learn, and some use it for relaxation and entertainment. (Some feel that learning IS relaxation and entertainment.)
Some want easy days, and some invest themselves into their days to have an easy life.
Some people think about what they can bring to the marketplace and take great responsibility and risk to do so, and others are happy to be small consumers in the same marketplace.
These distinctions about personality make no judgment as to what kind of life is good or bad, but just give a road map to those who strive to rise to the highest levels of success.
John D. Rockefeller created much value for countless people, retired early, gave much away, and passed his wisdom on to others as best he could.
David is having a great year and is a huge part of our success.
Today I’m thankful for John D. Rockefeller and his contributions to the U.S. National Park System, including Acadia in Maine!
Great message today Larry! You certainly use your time in most constructive ways. Many thanks!
I would like to thank you for your willingness to share your life and things you have learned along the way that help us on a daily basis. There is much to be learned by studying successful people like John D. Rockefeller. However, I believe that true wisdom comes by studying the Bible and applying what you learn through faith in Jesus Christ. Consider this passage:
‘But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ‘
James 3:17
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/JAS.3.17
p.s. I love your ” Into the Dust” series!