Are You Mining For Gold?

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Not long ago, I ran across one of the countless reality series that now seem to define entertainment television -- Gold Rush. I can see where the attraction to such a program may develop. Basically, a couple groups of regular-guys are up in Alaska mining for gold and hoping to hit the pay-dirt that will change their lives forever. Certainly, it is a fantasy or desire that, if we're honest with ourselves, most of us share. But how many of us are willing to actually risk everything we have and head to the wilderness to find that elusive gold?

It isn't a matter of whether the gold is actually there. History, along with scientific and physical testing proves it is there. It may take a little work and effort to find it, but every reasonable indication says that it's there and waiting to be found. Perhaps the real issue is that we really don't know how to do it, or what to look for -- and we may not recognize the gold even if we found it. Why? Because it may not look like what we expect it to look like.

I must admit that I thought gold was found only in the form of nuggets and large rocks. I was under the impression that as the miners dug it up; this totally recognizable and gleaming gold nugget would appear. As I watched the show, I learned the reality was far different -- at least in this type of mining. In truth, the crew works together as a team --some more knowledgeable and experienced than others -- to move and wash thousands of yards of dirt and rocks to find what is really, in proportion, just a few specks of gold.

The investment in time, equipment and fuel is staggering. Yet success is measured in finding ounces or fractions of ounces of tiny gold flakes. In fact, an entire week's work resulted in harvesting a gold product that could fit in a small jar and be held in the palm of your hand. However, that seemingly insignificant jar of flecks and flakes represented more than $100,000 in cash -- and it was just a fraction of what was possible going forward.

So are the miners looking for gold to put in jars and be admired by all who see it? Absolutely not! As Emerson indicates in the above quote, it is not the gold, but what the gold can do for us that makes the difference. The gold is exchanged for financial freedom and the choices that freedom brings.

But, the truth is, we don't have to go to Alaska to find literal gold. The means to our freedom, financially and otherwise, is right in front of us. However, like the gold flakes, we have to know what we're looking for and then move and wash a whole lot of dirt and rocks to find it. I believe that useful, life-changing information is the gold we seek. But, I also believe it is hidden in the mountains and landslides of mostly useless information that bombards us daily.

Our job is to dig through the pile and with the help of someone who has more knowledge, experience, and results, find the treasure that is there. We need to find the discipline to read and think for ourselves. We need to turn off other influences and allow useful information, in the form of CDs, seminars, and carefully selected mentors and role-models an opportunity to change our thinking and change our lives. I am so proud to be associated with so many people who are dedicated to these principles and are committed to changing lives and seeking the true gold that brings true freedom. What is the LIFE you'd like to live?

Drop me a note. I'd love to chat with you and hear your thoughts about what freedom means to you.