Ethan goes to Disneyland!
Another week and another week of memories.
This past week we took Ethan to Disneyland for the first time! He had never seen Mickey or Minnie before, so we were curious as to how he would like it.
We decided to spend the $649 USD to get the annual pass so that we can go to Disneyland as many times as we like in a 12 month period. I think it is definitely worth it if you have kids.
Disneyland is only about a 40-minute drive from my house, and going there anytime you want is one of the benefits of living in Southern California! For the price of the ticket, technically, you need to go about seven times to break even. But the way I look at it, you break even immediately because you save time, and time is money!
You save time because the time with Ethan is better spent. In the past, I’ve always wanted to arrive first thing in the morning and rush through Disneyland so that we can get to as many rides as possible, so that we get our “money’s worth.” But with the pass, it makes things more fun. There is no rush and we can take our time to really enjoy “the moment” there.
Quality always beats Quantity
We ended up taking Ethan to only two rides (horse carousel and Dumbo), and took him to Mickey’s house. And then between eating and diaper changes, Ethan got tired, and it was time to go home. I must say that I had more fun going on just two rides than I had when I crammed the day with rides in the past. The time was much better spent and way worth it!
Now… I’m already planning the next trip back! I think I’m just a big kid after all!
I Don’t Care Much about the Toys
It comes shocking to many people in the network marketing industry that I’ve never really driven by the materialistic “toys” such as the nice cars, big houses, boats, nice watches, etc.
Ferraris or Lambos, etc, don’t get me excited. I’ve even subscribed to the “Robb Report” magazine to learn more about fancy cars, etc but I found myself not want to read the issues. It was “work and a chore” to read and look at pictures of those things.
Of course those toys are “nice” to have but when you give me a choice, I’d rather spend the money on other things… or simply choose not to have the money and have time instead. To me, the value of time is more important than anything materialistic that you can buy.
Who Cares about a Car?!
I definitely don’t fit the stereotype of a successful network marketer who has the mansions and nice cars. Those things just don’t motivate me. I will make a confession here that the reason I have a nice car (Mercedes M550) is because I had to fit into an image and my old 2001 Toyota 4 Runner was “hurting” my business every time I went to a meeting in that car. So that’s the ONLY reason I got the Benz… but for the record, I still have my Toyota and like it more than my Benz!
Call me unsophisticated but for me, cars are just transportation and I always value (Toyota) over luxury (Benz).
The Real Value of Money
The real value of money is the time it gives you and the Memories that you can create with that time.
That is what motivates me.
I’m grateful to the network marketing industry because it has given me the time to spend with my son, Ethan. I can take him on Tuesdays for Baby Gym and I can take him to Disneyland on a Monday afternoon while others are working. (yeah! no lines!).
Money allows me to get an annual pass to Disneyland and go there anytime I want.
Cars get worthless, clothes get thrown away and houses deteriorate… but I will cherish my memories with Ethan forever.
Money allows me to create Memories and Memories last forever.
That is my value of money. What is yours?
Sincerely,
Simon Chan
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well said simon. I still remember after few years in the business, when i was prosepcting, the first question prospect asked me : What car are you driving now?; What? it’s so funny, he didn’t ask how many books i read, how many top entrepreneur i meet and etc.. Most people value success based on numbers of materials we own, personally i don’t agree with that. It’s nothing wrong to have good house or cars, but that shall not be indication to level of success.. ( just my opinion.. cheers)
I must agree with you both, the time freedom and personal development are the real “exotic” cars in my life, however the M550 isn’t to shabby a ride to go get pampers at 10:30 at night either.
Simon, you are the right clear example of mindset and attitud.
In my case, is important being capable to put the right value to each thing or aspect in your life ($ and other materialistic things), moments with family and friends and “you”
“Concious about that value” is important. During this days many people live under the umbrella of “Social Conventionality” and some times people loose the floor.
That’s true what u mentioned the value on owning the luxuries lifestyle. I always learn to appreciate my family as my major role. For me what i most concern is the value of time with my love ones as it is more value than money. A car which still in gd condition and a house which still can occupying to stay im most appreciate in what i have.
Well said Simon! I totally agree and that is what drives me as well. Spending quality TIME with my wife and 3 kids and creating lasting, positive memories. “Roots and Wings” like Denis Waitley says.
I have never been about fancy cars either..imagine how many lives you could affect for the really needy children/families throughout the world (e.g. CHF) instead of a $100K + car.
Hi Simon
Your message this week really resonated with me. Your idea of having a good time sounds just like mine. Quiet time spent with family and friends, having a good time and chilling out. Anyone who has read Robert Kiyosaki’s books will know cars are a depreciating asset anyway. To me giving back especially to those less fortunate is what really grabs me.
I totally agree. I am not about the money but all for the time freedom. The money will help my family and my ministry. I look forward to the day when I can help my parents who live just slightly above poverty level because they worked hard but didn’t know how to save right or invest. I want to give my kids success that will carry them through to the next generation of givers. That’s my vision and it’s getting bigger!
Simon, I definitely agree with what you are doing. And the way you look at things.
Time is the most valuable thing that we have, it’s a luxury for most people on this planet, funny paradox if there’s one, time is free but not renewable… the cars, the houses and all the rest are but not your time. I agree with you Simon, time spent with our loved ones is the greatest investment and it brings so many dividends. Cherish your time and spend it wisely. God bless you all!
We took our twins to Disneyland Paris and queued for a long time to go on the Dumbo ride twice! It was such fun to share their joy. That was about 13 years ago and still well remembered.
I don’t spend a lot of time in my car, as I walk and use public transport mostly, so I have a small, economical car. It’s cute and red and practical!
My children are all grown up now, and I was a stay at home mum when they were young, but I have always chosen to work part time or from home later so I could be around for them, and cook good meals for them to come home to after school and support them so they could spend their time studying and enjoying growing up. We didn’t have much money, but I agree that time spent with them and for them is more important.
They were very successful at school, so they are ‘set up’ for a good future. They are healthy, too. When I am a diamond director, earning lots of money, I hope we can have great family holidays so we can all relax together and have fun as a reward for the hard work we have done in our lives.
Until then, my networking marketing business is my ‘baby’, which I am nurturing and growing… I use some of my spare time for voluntary work at a local center. I can do that because I work from home.
The time we give to our children and others is very rewarding and the mentoring we give to our team to help them grow their businesses is rewarding too. I see money as a very helpful tool to appreciate and use wisely. We don’t need many ‘things’ in reality.