The Billion-Dollar Decision
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Thousands cover the landscape from New York to California,
from London to Tokyo. It doesn’t matter how young or old
you are, chances are good that you’ve walked into one, most
likely more than once. And regardless of what you think
about its image and impact, no one can argue that McDonalds
isn’t an empire in the world of business.

The point of this McDonalds’s story isn’t about what they
serve over the counter each day, nor does it have anything
to do with the debate over where these restaurants should
and should not be located. No, this story is different.

It’s one of dreams and inspiration. And the leading role is
played by its legendary fountainhead, Ray Kroc.

With the World Series getting underway and the Olympics right
around the corner, we are constantly reminded that greatness
often begins at an early age.

We hear of children becoming athletes only years after they
learn how to walk, about young stars working decades to
reach the pinnacle of their sport.

This theme, success being achieved by those who started at
an early age, is found in much more than sport.
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Busting the Myth
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Entrepreneurs like Bill Gates of Microsoft and Phil Knight
of Nike, both beginning their drive toward success at an
early age, lead us to believe that all success follows this
path.

And if success in life requires an early start, millions
around the world have already missed their chance.

But then a man named Ray Kroc comes along and gives us
hope. He gives us proof that an early start isn’t as
important as a deep desire to make the most of our lives.

When most people believe their life is winding down and
heading for retirement, Kroc was just beginning to create
one of the most successful businesses in history.

To begin working toward his dream at twenty years of age
would be quite amazing given the size and success of his
company at the time of his passing. Thirty or forty years
old would be almost ridiculous.

So how old was Ray Kroc when he took the first step toward
growing McDonald’s into a worldwide phenomenon?

52.

Even now I can’t believe it. But it’s true, and it gives
hope to every single person out there who feels that their
time has passed. As long as you’re alive and breathing,
your time will never pass.

But the history of Ray Kroc and his decision to achieve a
dream late in life is about much more than age. It’s about
a lesson we all must learn if we are to be truly happy and
successful.
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What’s the Real Lesson?
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What I want to do with this newsletter more than anything
else is to get one point across: you must take all that you
are at this moment and make the most of it.

Excuses about age, time, money, and every other item we
throw into the mix to help us feel better about putting our
dreams on hold will end up killing our hopes for a happy
and fulfilling life.

Ray Kroc teaches us that age is never an issue when it
comes to getting what you really want in life. Use his
story to inspire action if you are at an age when you felt
that your time had passed. But this is only one example.

If you look hard enough you will find a story like Kroc’s
that shatters every excuse we hide behind. People from
every walk of life, facing extraordinary odds, have
achieved great things and created truly amazing lives.
Proof that you can do it as well.

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An Exercise to Inspire Success
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It’s time to take what we have learned and put it to use.
If you’re human, you probably have a few excuses that you
tell yourself about why you can’t do something about your
goals today.

Perhaps the time isn’t right or the time has already
passed. Maybe the money isn’t there or the people around
you just won’t support your plan. Whatever it is, I want
you to make a short list of the most powerful excuses you
tell yourself.

When you have them, I want you to do something a little
different than usual. Instead of writing down all of the
reasons why your excuses aren’t true, I want you to act as
if you’re giving advice to a friend who has told you about
his or her goal but ends it with the excuses you use for
putting off following through.

Think about it. What would you tell your best friend if he
or she came to you and said…

‘I really want to (goal), but I can’t because (excuse).’

What would you say to change their mind? What would you say
to motivate them past their excuses and onto success?

When you know what you would say to them, say it to
yourself and follow through.

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How Much Do You Want It?
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The reason for this role reversal is simply that we are
great at giving advice but rarely as good at taking it
ourselves. By changing the roles you can get your best
advice out of your head and hard to work for you and your
future.

When it comes down to it, you’ve got to ask yourself how
much you want to change your life, how much you really want
to achieve your goals. If they are worth it, which I know
they are, put an end to the excuses and follow Ray’s lead.
Accept the facts of your situation and move ahead with an
unwavering confidence.

You may not end up selling billions of hamburgers to
billions of people around the world, but you will do
something much more important – you will live your best
life.

As we wrap up today’s issue I want to share an exciting
breakthrough with you. Motivation, one of the most
important skills you can have in life, isn’t what you
think it is. Most believe it’s a drive that comes and goes
without notice.

Nothing can be farther from the truth.

Feeling motivated to do the things you have always wanted
to do can happen every single day – if you know the six
keys of motivation. Imagine what you could do with your
life, and the lives of others, if you knew how to get and
stay motivated to change your life and achieve your goals
for the next twenty, thirty, or forty years. And it’s easy
to do!

If you’re serious about making the most of your time and
living the best life possible, I invite you to take a few
minutes to learn about the six keys of motivation as well
as the special subscriber offer mentioned above. A few
minutes could change your life.

Visit: http://www.motivation123.com/cmd.php?ad=412146

Ray Kroc could have used his age as an excuse to pass by
the opportunity that brought him unimaginable success. He
could have shrugged his shoulders and lowered his head in
defeat. Instead, he grabbed life by the horns and plowed
full speed ahead toward the dream he was unwilling to pass
by.

Follow his lead.

My Best,

Jason M. Gracia
Founder and President
www.Motivation123.com