Your success in life is not determined by the education obtained, institutions attended, career accomplishments, awards won, or the wealth you acquire. Real success in life is solely determined on who you become, the character and attributes you develop, the people you help, and whether or not at the end of the day you were true to the most important priorities in life – namely: God & Family.

And yet our culture and society certainly do not proclaim that same message. From the media to our educational system, from our co-workers to our neighbors, and even from our peers to our own family members, the unfortunate message that most often gets communicated is that our inner character is secondary (if even considered) to the tangible accomplishments and material possessions we obtain when determining our success in life.

However, we should never assume that because developing the inner character is far more important when all is said and done, that somehow that encourages or justifies us in not pursuing these other – good – worldly successes. Part of the definition of ‘real success’ is (more…)

There is a sad, unfortunate, and all-too-common scenario that happens on the street corners of the majority of large cities across the world. The situation is familiar to us all because we each have faced it several times. And while the locations and people may be different, the circumstances are often similar. Usually the setting includes a man or woman who is extremely unkept, smells and looks as though they have not showered for weeks, is often sitting next to the entirety of what they own, and their eyes and hands are outstretched pleading for assistance.

But I have often wondered what is more unfortunate – the awful situation of the sad and desperate beggar, whose situation was brought on by poor choices or unavoidable life circumstances; or is it actually found in the judgmental, scared, or selfish throngs of people who carelessly pass by these beggars (who also are human beings)? (more…)

What does L.F.G. stand for, and what is the story behind this acronym? Would you believe me if I told you that understanding and applying the principles of this acronym would ensure your success in anything in life?

In early 2008, I started a real estate investing business. In the process of setting up the legal entity, I wanted to choose a company name that reflected what type of business it was, and yet also be something that was personally meaningful and applicable to me. Ideally, I wanted a name that would be somewhat of a mission statement and daily reminder of why I was in business, how I should conduct business, and the type of person I should be.

After much thought, I decided to name my company LFG Properties. Because it was a real estate business, the word ‘properties’ was a logical choice; but why the acronym L.F.G.? (more…)

The very concept of giving to receive is counterintuitive to our normal thought process, because if and when we do give it is usually after we have received. And yet ironically, many who have achieved great successes have long been aware of the fact that giving before receiving is perhaps more important than receiving and then giving. If a person is unwilling to give unless and until they have received, then most often what happens is a mentality and habit is created that actually makes giving after one has received much more difficult. The majority of those who have become successful in life have given – however little it may have been initially – before they received, and certainly after. Not coincidentally, they all unanimously agree that in random ways and times they have, as a result, received far more than they ever gave!

It is undoubtedly a strange principle, but nevertheless true. From both a personal charitable perspective as well as even from a business point of view, the reality is that the more one unselfishly gives of their time and resources, the more they will obtain, receive back, and accomplish. (more…)