Page 180 - Why We Want You To Be Rich - Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki.pdf

174 I CHAPTER FOURTEEN

was genuine. That kind of example left a lasting impression on me,
and I'm very grateful.
To this day, I receive letters from people who knew my father and
were touched by his generosity and work ethic. I received a letter
recently from someone who remembers that my father used to go
around picking up nails from the ground at construction sites. He
hated waste, and to him this wasn't an annoyance, but part of being
conscientious and doing a good job. My father was thorough, and he
always told me, "Know everything you can about what you're doing."
I listened to him and took his advice. When people ask me why I
think I'm successful, the first thing I think about is my upbringing and
my father's influence. Yes, I went to Wharton, but before Wharton
was my father. If he could achieve what he did without the benefit of
family financial support and education, my expectations for myself
would have to exceed those of my father - simply because I had so
much more to start with than he did. We had the same standards for
achievement and the same work ethic, but the conditions were
different. I literally couldn't accept doing any less than I am doing
now, because I wouldn't have one single excuse for doing otherwise.
So if I am perceived to be a driven man, there's a very good reason
behind it. Replace your excuses with reasons and everything will
become clear.

Your Response:

What Did You Learn From Your Father That Has
Helped You Become Successful Today?

(If your father was not a positive role model in your life,
describe the influence of another man who greatly influenced
your life.)

WHY WE WANT You To BE RICH