I Got Rich When I Understood This

### The Visionary Encounter

I vividly recall meeting Jeff Bezos 25 years ago. He approached me with a bold proposal: he was starting a bookstore out of his garage and wanted my investment. “If you invest in me, Dave,” he said confidently, “someday I’m going to be the richest man in the world.” At the time, the concept of a company worth over $100 billion was unimaginable. Countries didn’t even have such national debts! I found myself scoffing at his ambitious vision while he was steadfastly focused on his path.

The crucial difference between us was mindset. While I was dismissive, he was already envisioning his future, embracing the potential of the internet and his garage. His enthusiasm and determination were palpable, while I hesitated and questioned my own aspirations.

### The Leap of Faith

Eventually, after much introspection, I decided to pursue my own passion. I realized I would rather risk failure than live with the regret of never trying. This decision was not without its challenges. Growing up, I had always been a tinkerer—an inventor at heart. I created things like automatic gate closers and solar cookers. The dream of being an inventor fueled my desire to follow my passions, and this military phrase resonated with me: “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” This principle has guided me through various endeavors, reminding me that steady progress often leads to success.

### The Value of Hard Work

One of the key lessons I learned is to take pride not in your gifts, but in your hard work and choices. Sure, some people have natural talents—be it in mathematics, athletics, or artistry—but true achievement comes from the effort you put into honing those gifts. You can be grateful for your talents, but it’s the dedication and choices you make that define your success.

We all have the power to choose our life stories. We can opt for a life of ease and comfort, or we can choose a life filled with service and adventure. When you reflect on your life at 80, which choice do you think you’ll feel prouder of? Likely, it will be the one filled with service and adventure.

### The Time for Change

Now is an incredible time to be alive. The world is brimming with inspiration, innovation, and opportunity. Each of us has the chance to author our lives from scratch, to use our unique gifts in meaningful ways. The questions we must grapple with are fundamental: Will we let inertia guide us, or will we pursue our passions? Will we conform to dogma, or will we forge our own paths?

Consider the choices that define your character: Will you give in to criticism, or will you hold true to your convictions? Will you act on love, or play it safe? Will you be relentless in the face of challenges, or will you succumb to despair?

### Building a Better Future

Every time you create something that empowers others, you’re contributing to a larger purpose. It’s a privilege to have a career—many settle for mere jobs. If you don’t love what you do, you’ll never excel.

Think of the great minds throughout history—Mark Twain, Galileo, Newton—who would have relished the opportunity to be alive today, amidst so much potential for discovery and innovation. You, too, have incredible gifts at your disposal. The real question is: How will you use them? Will you take pride in your inherent gifts, or will you find pride in the choices you make to develop and utilize those gifts for the greater good?

### Conclusion

In life, it’s not just about the talents we possess, but how we choose to express them. Embrace the challenges, pursue your passions, and remember that the choices you make define your journey. Choose a life of adventure and service, and you will find fulfillment beyond measure.