Three Feet from Gold by Lechter & Reid

This book reads similar to The Go-Giver by Burg & Mann in that it is a parable. The main character is Greg. He is self employed, running around like a madman (similar to many self-employed people I know) , and has essentially lost control of his ability to focus and make progress. "Greg was full of expectations but had nothing to show for them" (Page 3)

As luck would have it, Greg is given the wrong jacket after a lunch meeting in the city. This event will change his life (or so it seems based on the first 50 pages) as Greg finds the card of Jonathan Buckland, "who just happened to be the most well-known and politically well-connected business tycoon in thecity." (Page6) Seeing this as an opportunity to meet Buckland, Greg heads to Buckland's office in the city to return the jacket.

On his way out of the elevator, Greg pushes aside an older gentleman "Watch out there Pops." He approaches the receptionist who helps Greg understand that "Pops" is the Mr. Jonathan Buckland. This is perhaps one of the final "episodes" of Greg's self centered activities (or so I am predicting at this point).

Within the first 50 pages Greg has met a few people, mostly as a result of introductions from Buckley. Through these conversations which are actually "lessons" Greg starts to write down notes. I am a bit short on time today, so I will share some of these below include a quick story and then see ya at the next post.

"Never complain about your problems, because ninety-five percent of the people don't care, and the other five percent are glad they happened to you." (Page 11) I am a fan of this one in particular.

"You're the same today as you will be in five years except for two things. The people you meet and the books you read." (Page 12) Hmmm....I am glad I started www.50pagesaday.com then....

"The most common cause of failure is quitting." (Page 21)

The title of the book Three Feet from Gold came from a story about a man name Darby. Darby headed out to Colorado in search of Gold and after an initial lucky find, comes up empty and ultimately abandons his pursuit. Frustrated and discouraged he heads home - but not before selling his machinery and other supplies to a local junkman.

The junkman, unlike Darby, had been studying mining for over ten years and was waiting for the right opportunity to get started. He also understood the importance of timing and having experts available. Since the junkman saved a great deal of money on the purchase of the lightly used equipment, he was able to hire an engineer who informed him how to properly identify the way in which the gold would have been formed. Due to this, he finds the massive gold deposit within three feet from where Darby had given up.

"If Greg was going to succeed, he had to start allowing others to help him." (Page 28)

"Work your strengths, hire your weaknesses." (Page 29)

"Never make a major decision in a valley" (Page 33). This quote is referring to making major decisions when you are feeling "down" and not on top of your game. By waiting to make decisions when you are "at the top" you will be focused on progress.

"We are always flowing either toward or away from any goal we give ourselves. Every day, the direction we choose is up to us." (Page 36)

I will share one "equation" which is in the book (Page 49):

(P +T) x A x A = Success

P = Passion ("Combine your passion, what you would do if you could do it for free")
T = Talent ("What you are really good at")
A = Association ("Find the right association")
A = Action ("Working with the right people or organizations, and then taking action")

Take a blank sheet of paper, write down your 10 passions on one side and your 10 Talents on the other. Review it with people you trust until you have 2 left. Now figure out your A & A and you have....yes, SUCCESS!