Hardy: The Means and the End in Life

If you and I were face to face right now and I asked you that question, you’d probably promptly reply with “my family” or “my children” or “my spouse.”

But are you actually living that way? We say our family and relationships are most important, but our values are demonstrated not by our words, but by our deeds—not by what we say, but what we do.

I have found if you want to know what someone really values most, simply look at their calendar and their checkbook. How a person spends their time and money reveals what they really value most.

Well, no more lip service! It’s time to make the main thing in your life, actually the main thing.

When I interviewed Zig Ziglar (SUCCESS, October 2008) and asked him what the greatest secret to his success was, he responded, “I made sure I had a home court advantage. Because what happens at home has a dramatic impact on what you’re going to be able to do out in the public. So I’ll always put my family first. If things at home are good, you have a better chance of being successful out in the world. If you’re worried about what’s happening at home, I guarantee you, you’re not going to be quite as effective out in the world.” So, putting your family first bolsters your ability to succeed outside the home.

Why do we work so hard? Why do we want to succeed? Often, our greatest, innermost motivation is rooted in wanting to provide for and contribute to our family, to deliver security and comfort, to open up opportunities for their future. In the end when we look back on our lives, what mattered most will be the love we shared with those who mean the most—not coins, cars, houses, boats, degrees, titles or even applause. Your family and significant relationships are the means and the end in life.

This issue of SUCCESS is dedicated to helping you gain that home court advantage. We want to help you build stronger bonds, create deeper connections and experience more of life’s greatest reward—love. On the CD enclosed in the print edition, you’ll hear advice from Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott on how to create a lasting marriage. You’ll also hear from family and parenting experts Richard and Linda Eyre. (The Eyres are our featured guest bloggers on SUCCESS.com. You don’t want to miss out on the wisdom they have to offer—be sure to check it out.)

Let’s make a pact: No more lip service. Let’s start actually studying and giving attention to what we say is life’s most important value. Because when we come to the end of this life, our true legacy will lie with the ones we loved best.

Why do you work so hard? Why do you want to succeed? What’s your end? How do you make what you value most a priority? Share your comments, ideas and thoughts below.

Darren Hardy joined in September of 2007 to help launch SUCCESS Media and SUCCESS magazine. Previously, Hardy held executive positions at two personal development-focused television networks: He was Executive Producer and Master Distributor for The People’s Network, and President of TSTN, The Success Training Network (no affiliation with SUCCESS magazine). Hardy has been the President/CEO or private-equity investor in several other multimedia companies. Darren Hardy embodies success: an entrepreneur since age 18, he was a self-made millionaire by 27. He currently resides in San Diego, Calif., and commutes to the company’s Dallas, Texas, headquarters.

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