Christmas Day Circa 2005
Back in the day, it all seemed so simple. Do well in school, make sure your outfits were fresh and debate with your friends about who had the better rap album: Kanye West or 50 Cent. Those were the days when Doo Rags & Dog Tags were fashion must-haves for young black men across America.
Then I read the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad and my entire perspective changed. It was Christmas of 2005, I was seasonal employee at NikeTown in downtown San Francisco. My Aunt Susan gave me the book as a gift. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was the most powerful gift I’d ever received. My mind was opened to a whole new perspective on personal finances and business. I’ve never looked back.
What does it take to change hearts and minds? I know what’s worked for me, but as I’ve learned reforming our education system and growing Mission Bit, it’s naive to think what works for me is going to work for everyone else.
I had the right intentions, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized I was asking the wrong question. I just finished the books Start with Why and Contagious, which offer incredible insights on how to direct your focus and build a community around your ideas. I’m as excited about these reads as I was about Rich Dad, Poor Dad 13 years ago. I bought the books for my entire program team this weekend.
You’re doing your Christmas shopping right now. I know the young people in your life want the iPhone X, which is fine. It’s on my giving list for a special someone in my life. But I’d highly recommend giving them one of the books I’m suggesting. You never know, you might change their perspectives the same way my Aunt Susan did mine.