Sunday, May 18, 2008
Gather 'round, boys and girls, and listen closely. What I am about to tell you will help you immensely throughout the rest of your lives if you commit to practicing and living your Uncle Ted's proven modus operandi for quality of life.
You won't get this ironclad and loving advice in a classroom or from a textbook. Sadly, some of you will not have received this advice from even your parents. Here goes:
RECENT COLUMNS BY THE TEXAS WILDMAN
- 11-16-08 Ted Nugent: Obama's victory is sad vote for state of dependency
- 11-09-08 Ted Nugent: The few, the proud
- 11-02-08 Ted Nugent: America needs real change, not Obama's fantasy drivel
- 10-26-08 Ted Nugent: Grateful celebrity celebrates going silver-haired
- 10-19-08 Ted Nugent: Let's emulate my tap-dancing grandma
* Nobody owes you a thing. Nothing. Everything you will get out of life will only be based on what you put into it. Period.
The only free lunches are at the homeless shelter. If you want to dance, you have to pay the band.
If you work real hard at your favorite craft, you ultimately will succeed. A work ethic is the path to a rewarding life.
If you are paid a dollar, give your employer $10 worth of effort in return. Doing so will ensure you will always be gainfully employed.
If you are lazy, expect to be fired over and over again, no matter how smart or gifted you are.
* Find your passion, something you crave. Set a goal and never quit. Always push yourself harder. Walk through or over anyone who dares to tell you that you can't do something.
Avoid negative people. Surround yourself with positive people who will mentor, help and guide you honestly.
* Never miss an opportunity to say thank you to the men and women in our military and law enforcement. They are the defenders of freedom and are putting their lives on the line for you to reach your American Dream.
* Don't wait for someone else to motivate you. The best person for that job is you. Do it often.
* You will be tested constantly. Life is going to knock you down over and over again. The only person who is ever defeated is the person who gets floored with one of life's massive upper cuts and fails to get back up. Be tough and tenacious. It feels good.
* Never do anything just for money. Do what you do exceedingly well and thoroughly enjoy, and money will come looking for you.
* If you want to know how others perceive you, look around at who you associate with.
* In the end, all you have is your character and integrity. Do not ever compromise or sell them.
No one trusts a liar, most of all other liars.
* Do not complain. Any soulless whiner can do that. Instead, look for solutions to tough problems. This will earn you the respect of your boss.
* Do not be afraid to take chances and blaze new trails. Get in the arena where the dust is swirling and blood, sweat and tears pour forth. That is where the action is. Do not miss out.
* Engage life with unbridled passion. March to the beat of making your own statement. Those who follow trends and conform to peer pressure are mindless sheep and never happy.
* Be intelligently defiant. Defiance is the very spirit that gave birth to this country when our forefathers declared independence and fired the "shot heard round the world."
* Remember Rosa Parks. Be prepared to defy stupidity wherever you find it. It is your duty and responsibility as an American to let your voice be heard. Stand up against idiotic, illogical laws and restrictions. Raise hell. Vote smart.
* If you have not made a few well deserving idiots angry by the time you are 25, get busy. We live in a target rich environment of liberal denial. Drive idiots loony. It is much fun, quite easy and is still legal in all 50 states.
* Stand up for what you believe in. Remain polite and courteous, but never back down.
* You have an obligation to leave America in better shape than when you arrived. Work to ensure that future generations have a better shot at the American Dream, more freedom, more liberty and more pursuits of happiness than what you did.
* Trust your gut feelings. They will not steer your wrong. Only trust people who have earned your trust. Never trust the French.
* Take the time each day to show love and affection for your family and loved ones. The smallest gesture goes straight to the heart. A good life is maximized when shared with the ones you love.
* Don't keep discomforting things and thoughts bunched up inside. The only way to resolve conflicts is to tackle them right way without inhibitions. Don't worry about hurting feelings. Everyone benefits from open, honest discussions. There are no stupid questions.
* Aim small, miss small.
Have fun. Life is not a dress rehearsal.
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television show host. Contact him directly at tednugent.com.
Vote for this story!
