People who've achieved financial freedom often get bad press. Children whose life purpose seems to be having a good time spending the family wealth in front of the press cameras; financial traders earning massive bonuses while their actions ultimately push others into financial ruin; and successful people who choose to indulge in excesses of alcohol or drugs all contribute to many people's perception of what it's like to be wealthy and create a strong disincentive. But it is possible to achieve financial freedom and keep good values without treading on others on your way to the top.

The first step is the hardest. I and every other worthwhile quote means just that, the first step is the hardest. A worthwhile life and existence is worthwhile effort on your own behalf in every way, everything else is just commentary. Sure, I can say, luck has something to do with it. But I will not, I will say, taking that first step has everything to do with it.

What do we mean by self confidence? What do we mean by success? We toss these words around and use them in our communications with each other as well as the thoughts in our own mind, but do we really understand what these concepts really mean? What does self confidence have to do with success and what does success have to do with self confidence?