Train yourself to let go of the things you fear to lose. – George Lucas
If you have ever seen any of the Indiana Jones films, then you know they are all full of action and adventure.
However, my absolute favorite in the film franchise is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
There had some jaw dropping moments throughout the entire film.
They take you on the joyride of a lifetime in 120 minutes!
You get to see Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) at one of his most defining moments in his career. As well as, watch him put the well-being of people ahead of money and things.
The series was created from the mind of Star Wars creator George Lucas and directed by Steven Spielberg.
Now let’s go back to 1984! No legwarmers required! 😂
RULE #1: LISTEN
The film was released on May 8, 1984. Adventure sequel extraordinaire. The film went on to gross $333.1 million dollars at the box office.
My favorite number is 3. That is one of the 3 reasons I chose to start saving $13,333 a year.
See my post
Halle Berry on Success and Failure: Why She and I Continue To Save So Much
Here is the synopsis of the film.
Intrepid archaeologist Indiana Jones, on the trail of fortune and glory in Old Shanghai, is ricocheted into a dangerous adventure in India. With his faithful companion Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan) and nightclub singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), Indie goes in search of the magical Sankara stone, and uncovers an ancient evil which threatens all who come into contact with it.
The second of the George Lucas/Steven Spielberg Indiana Jones epics is set a year or so before the events in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1984). After a brief brouhaha involving a precious vial and a wild ride down a raging Himalyan river, Indy (Harrison Ford) gets down to the problem at hand: retrieving a precious gem and several kidnapped young boys on behalf of a remote East Indian village.
His companions this time around include a dimbulbed, easily frightened nightclub chanteuse, and a feisty 12-year-old kid named Short Round. Throughout, the plot takes second place to the thrills, which include a harrowing rollercoaster ride in an abandoned mineshaft and Indy’s rescue of the heroine from a ritual sacrifice.
In the beginning of the film, Indiana instructs his companion to stay out of the light and follow his steps exactly behind him.
Of course, the man gets greedy and this ends in a Mortal Kombat style fatality.
Here is Indiana Jones the Atari game.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Atari screenshot photo
And here is Mortal Kombat.
If you truly want to be successful, you must learn to listen to those that are more knowledgeable than you are.
That is why I listen to and read the shareholder letters of Warren Buffet.
He says stay away from debt and ALWAYS have cash reserves.
This simplistic and basic money advice is why his company Berkshire Hathaway has the most expensive stock on the NYSE at over $300,000!
According to The Motely Fool, one takeaway from the annual shareholder letter (which are excellent reading sources for learning about investing and life) is the following: At the end of 2018, Berkshire Hathaway had nearly $112 billion of cash and equivalents on its balance sheet, officially consisting of $30.4 billion in cash and $81.5 billion in short-term Treasuries.
You must have cash if you are to build wealth.
See my post Forget Simon, Do What Buffet Says
RULE #2: FOCUS ON WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT
There is a scene in the film where our hero is poisoned. But, there is a cure.
The anecdote is rolling around on the floor and so are millions of dollars in diamonds in a small jewelry bag.
Willie comes across the anecdote while trying to find the diamonds. Instead of casually dismissing it as many might have, she picks it up and puts it in a safe place. This ultimately saves Indiana’s life.
There are times in your life when you will have to choose: right or left.
I prefer to choose the path of least resistance but also the one that will help the most people.
Remember: The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
In The Wrath of Khan (1982), Spock says, “Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” Captain Kirk answers, “Or the one.” This sets up a pivotal scene near the end of the film.
Speaking of Star Trek, I read William Shatner’s book Live Long and… which was pretty good.
He says to spend the money on the living. No expensive funerals or caskets. Pay for what you want in cash and if you don’t have the money, then you can’t afford it.
RULE #3: WHEN IN DOUBT, RUN
Indiana comes across another archaeologist that steals his stone he just risked his life to get!
Instead of trying to fight for it, he lets the man take it. While the man is distracted with his patting himself on the back and his own vanity, Indiana makes a run for it! And keeps his life long enough to fight another day.
The same rules apply when buying stocks or spending money.
If the risk is too high for you, then sell. You will sleep better at night. Forget trying to get you money back. That is like gambling in Vegas.
Or if you just so happen to come across someone in a nice suit and briefcase that promises to double your money, pass.
There is no such thing as guarantees. All risk involves possible losses. That is why you do your homework and take calculated risks.
If it sounds too good to be true, RUN!!!
In the book called Winning the Money Game: Lessons Learned from the Financial Fouls of Pro Athletes by Adonal Foyle. He was an NBA player who describes the things he says while playing in the league in regards to how other athletes dealt with financial management or lack thereof.
He that said you should learn the basics of money and that you should rule your money or money will rule you. He saw many people lose homes, cars, wives, and careers.
In addition, he said you should audit anyone who comes into contact with your money. That includes family. Even your MOM!!! Shocking right???
See my post More Money More Problems
RULE #4: FOOD IS FUEL, BUT NOT ENTERTAINMENT
One of the absolute best scenes in the film is the dinner scene.
I will not give too much away, but let’s just say the room is full of snakes! LITERALLY!
They say health equals wealth.
Let’s say you are investing for the long-term (as you should be!). Then in order to realize those gains, you must live long enough to see them.
That requires you to eat your three square meals, lots of fruits, nuts, berries, leafy greens and veggies. In addition, drink mostly water and tea.
This will alleviate 90% of ailments that are associated with poor diet.
Food is not for taste; it is for nutrition.
And please, no smoking.
Can’t stand exercise? Find a fun or simple activity such as bowling, walking, or dancing. Done.
See my post Health Really Does Equal Wealth
RULE #5: THE KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE
Indy sees that children need his help. He does not turn his back on them. He helps them.
They are more precious than any stone.
People were always more important to him than things or money.
See my post Generosity Can Go A Long Way
You want to help someone in need?
Read to the elderly.
Start a book club.
Volunteer to be a troop leader like Phyllis Nefler in Troop Beverly Hills.
Donate to college scholarship funds.
The point is to get involved.
You are powerful. More powerful than you know.
One person can change and lift all tides.
Case in point, the late Senator John McCain voted against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. That vote saved MILLIONS from losing healthcare coverage! One man. One voice. One vote.
I’m just saying.
However, whether or not you FIRE, you can help others. It can be done with money or time. Either way, with financial independence comes the ability to choose what you do, as you become the master of your time when you no longer have to punch a clock.
