A Burning Desire to Prove Dad Wrong . . .

I Can’t? Watch Me!

Today’s story is from Tom Hopkins, a national treasure, the Dale Carnegie of our times.

Dad, Les and his successful young son, Tom Hopkins.

As a student, I was never at the top of my class. Still, my parents struggled to save money to send me to college. I dutifully attended – for 90 days – then decided it wasn’t for me. I quit and went home.

After their sacrifice, my parents weren’t pleased with my decision. My father told me,

“Son, I will always love you. But, you will never amount to anything without a college education.”

My dad was a strong man. I had never seen him cry. Tears filled his eyes as he said those words.

Dad didn’t realize the gift he gave me that day.

He ignited a burning desire to prove he was wrong.
I would succeed without a college education.

I had to work a backbreaking labor job to pay bills, but I was on a quest. I was determined to find my gift, my purpose in life.

Listen to this! The dad who said I’d never succeed helped me every step of the way. Finally, I found my niche selling real estate.

My parents saw how hard I worked. They gave me the money to buy a car. It wasn’t a great car, but it was better than selling from my motorcycle. I worked night and day, and enjoyed tremendous success. That led to the worldwide training career I enjoy today. Dad’s kick in the butt and help on the way made it all happen.

Over the years, I’ve discovered a truth.

Most successful people were motivated to prove something to someone, at some time in their life (even if just to themselves).

Perhaps they were told they “weren’t worthy” of success. Or maybe, without college they’d never succeed. It doesn’t matter what they were told.

What matters is this. That was the moment they flipped the switch.
Nothing and no one would stand in their way. My dad knew just what to say.

I bought my parents a retirement home on a golf course as a token of my tremendous thanks. It was my dad’s lifelong dream to play golf as often as he wanted. That’s how he spent his last days on earth. Dad enjoyed the rewards of that drive for success he ignited in me.