Latest news with #ThinkandGrowRich
Time Magazine
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Magazine
10 Classic Business Books According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. Business books have played a vital role in shaping successful entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders for decades. They provide timeless knowledge on everything from leadership and strategy to innovation and financial management. While the business world continues to evolve, many classic business books remain just as relevant today, offering wisdom that can guide both new entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals toward lasting success. In this article, with research assistance from ChatGPT, we explore 10 classic business books that have earned their place in history. From foundational leadership principles to strategies for business growth, the timeless advice in these books remains indispensable to entrepreneurs and business professionals. Top Business Books 1. 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill Napoleon Hill's 'Think and Grow Rich' is one of the most iconic self-help books ever written. Published in 1937, it distills Hill's research into the common traits of successful individuals, such as Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford, offering a step-by-step guide to achieving success. The book emphasizes the power of positive thinking and the importance of setting clear goals and visualizing success. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential books on personal development and business success. Additional Insights: Power of Thought: Hill emphasizes that all success begins with a thought or idea. Definiteness of Purpose: Stresses the importance of having a clear, focused goal. Mastermind Groups: Advocates surrounding yourself with like-minded people to foster creativity and accountability. Persistence: Hill teaches that persistence in the face of obstacles is crucial for achieving success. Visualization: The practice of visualizing goals can help manifest success and shape one's future. Legacy: Over 100 million copies sold and continues to be recommended by business leaders worldwide. 2. 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie Dale Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends and Influence People,' published in 1936, is a classic on interpersonal communication and leadership. This book provides principles for improving social interactions, building strong relationships, and effectively influencing others. Carnegie's advice remains highly relevant for leaders and entrepreneurs looking to improve their communication skills and build rapport with others, whether in business or personal life. With its simple yet profound insights, the book has inspired generations of leaders worldwide. Additional Insights: Effective Listening: Carnegie advocates for the importance of truly listening to others, making them feel valued. Building Rapport: The book provides strategies to quickly establish trust and likability. Handling Criticism: Teaches readers how to offer constructive feedback without causing offense. Persuasion: Carnegie focuses on how to influence others positively through encouragement and empathy. Leadership: Strong leadership stems from understanding and valuing the people around you. Timeless Wisdom: The book has sold over 30 million copies and remains a must-read for anyone in business or leadership. 3. 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham Benjamin Graham's 'The Intelligent Investor' is considered the bible of value investing. Originally published in 1949, this book focuses on the fundamentals of investing, stressing the importance of long-term planning and avoiding market speculation. Graham teaches readers to analyze stocks, bonds, and other investments critically, using a disciplined, risk-averse approach. Warren Buffett, a student of Graham's, credits this book as one of the most influential in his investment career. Additional Insights: Value Investing: Graham's strategy focuses on buying undervalued stocks and holding them for long-term profit. Risk Management: Emphasizes the importance of minimizing risk and avoiding speculation. Margin of Safety: Investing with a margin of safety ensures that investors are protected from downside risks. Discipline: Successful investors remain disciplined and stick to a well-thought-out strategy. Investor Psychology: Focuses on the emotional discipline necessary to avoid irrational decisions in volatile markets. Legacy: Graham's principles continue to shape modern investment strategies and are credited with influencing Warren Buffett's approach. 4. 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen R. Covey Stephen Covey's 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,' published in 1989, has become one of the most influential books in the field of personal and professional development. Covey's framework focuses on the development of positive habits that foster both personal growth and effective leadership. The seven habits outlined in the book are essential for anyone seeking to enhance their productivity, interpersonal relationships, and long-term success. It continues to be a go-to resource for leaders and professionals around the world. Additional Insights: Proactivity: Covey advocates taking responsibility for your actions and focusing on what you can control. Time Management: Stresses the importance of prioritizing high-value tasks and avoiding distractions. Interpersonal Relationships: Effective communication and collaboration are key to achieving success with others. Personal Vision: Aligning personal goals with core values ensures a meaningful and fulfilling life. Leadership: Focuses on empowering others through visionary and empathetic leadership. Global Impact: This book has sold over 25 million copies and has helped shape leaders and organizations worldwide. 5. 'The E-Myth Revisited' by Michael E. Gerber In 'The E-Myth Revisited,' Michael Gerber explains why many small businesses fail and how entrepreneurs can build scalable and sustainable businesses. The book advocates for working 'on' the business, not just 'in' it, which means focusing on creating systems and processes that allow the business to run independently of the owner. Gerber's insights are vital for entrepreneurs looking to transition from small-scale operations to growing, successful companies. Additional Insights: Systemization: Emphasizes the need for creating repeatable systems for all business operations. Franchise Model: Gerber recommends adopting a franchise-style approach where everything is systematized. Delegation: Effective delegation allows business owners to focus on strategic growth instead of daily tasks. Building a Scalable Business: Focuses on creating a business that operates smoothly without constant involvement from the owner. Entrepreneurial Mindset: Encourages business owners to shift from being technicians to entrepreneurs. Operational Efficiency: Helps entrepreneurs build a streamlined business model that supports long-term growth. 6. 'Good to Great' by Jim Collins 'Good to Great,' published in 2001, explores why some companies make the leap from good to extraordinary while others fail to do so. Through extensive research, Jim Collins and his team identified the factors that enable companies to achieve sustained greatness. Key concepts like the 'Hedgehog Concept' and 'Level 5 Leadership' provide a framework for organizations seeking to achieve long-term success and excellence. This book remains a go-to resource for businesses aiming to create lasting value and high performance. Additional Insights: Level 5 Leadership: Emphasizes the importance of humble yet determined leadership in driving organizational success. Hedgehog Concept: Encourages businesses to focus on what they do best, what drives their economic engine, and what they are passionate about. Culture of Discipline: Collins stresses the importance of creating a disciplined culture within the organization. Technology as an Accelerator: Technology should be used to accelerate the business, not as a driver of success. Sustained Performance: The book outlines how companies can maintain their success over decades. Research-Based: Collins' findings are based on a five-year research project on companies that made the transition from good to great. 7. 'The Lean Startup' by Eric Ries 'The Lean Startup' is a must-read for entrepreneurs looking to minimize risks and maximize growth potential. In this book, Eric Ries introduces a methodology for developing businesses based on rapid testing and iterative product development. By focusing on creating a minimum viable product (MVP), entrepreneurs can quickly validate their ideas and make necessary adjustments based on customer feedback. This lean methodology has revolutionized the way startups approach business development and growth. Additional Insights: MVP: 'The Lean Startup' emphasizes testing ideas with the least amount of resources to gather valuable customer feedback. Validated Learning: Focuses on using data to validate or pivot business ideas early on. Innovation: Encourages a culture of constant innovation and iteration to adapt to market needs. Efficiency: The Lean methodology minimizes waste by focusing on what matters most—validating the business concept. Customer Feedback: Gathering real-world feedback from customers is key to shaping the product or service. Global Influence: The Lean Startup methodology has influenced the way businesses, especially in the tech industry, are built and scaled. 8. 'The 4-Hour Workweek' by Timothy Ferriss Timothy Ferriss' 'The 4-Hour Workweek,' published in 2007, advocates for a lifestyle-driven approach to entrepreneurship. Ferriss teaches readers how to build businesses that allow for financial independence while providing time for personal passions and freedom. He promotes strategies such as outsourcing, automating income, and designing a business that operates without constant involvement from the owner. This book has become a cornerstone for those seeking to achieve more by working less. Additional Insights: Lifestyle Design: Ferriss encourages building a business that supports the lifestyle you want to live. Outsourcing: Focuses on outsourcing tasks to free up time for more important work. Automation: Teaches how to create passive income streams that generate revenue with minimal effort. Location Independence: Encourages running businesses remotely from anywhere in the world. Minimalism: Advocates for simplifying your life to focus on what truly matters. Time Management: Shows how to manage your time efficiently to achieve greater success in less time. 9. 'The Millionaire Next Door' by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko 'The Millionaire Next Door' provides an in-depth look at the habits and behaviors of America's wealthy individuals. Through extensive research, Stanley and Danko uncover the surprising characteristics that contribute to long-term financial success. Contrary to popular beliefs about wealth, the book reveals that many millionaires live frugally, prioritize saving, and invest wisely. It provides actionable advice for anyone looking to build wealth through disciplined financial management. Additional Insights: Frugality: Many millionaires live below their means and avoid unnecessary expenditures. Wealth-Building Habits: Focuses on the habits that lead to sustainable wealth, such as budgeting and investing. Investing Smartly: Emphasizes the importance of long-term investing in stocks and real estate. Financial Independence: Encourages building wealth through careful planning and smart investments. Delayed Gratification: Teaches the value of living below your means and delaying gratification for long-term success. Practical Lessons: Provides real-world strategies for individuals looking to build wealth. 10. 'Principles: Life and Work' by Ray Dalio In 'Principles: Life and Work,' Ray Dalio shares the guiding principles that have shaped his successful career as a hedge fund manager and entrepreneur. Drawing from his own experiences at Bridgewater Associates, Dalio outlines the rules and philosophies that have helped him achieve both personal and professional success. The book covers topics such as decision-making, building an effective culture, and facing challenges with resilience. Dalio's principles provide a roadmap for anyone seeking to improve their leadership abilities and approach to work. Additional Insights: Radical Transparency: Dalio advocates for open, honest communication in both personal and professional life. Decision-Making Framework: Provides a structured approach to making better, more informed decisions. Effective Culture: Dalio stresses the importance of creating a strong company culture to drive innovation and growth. Learning from Failure: Teaches how to learn from mistakes and use them as stepping stones for improvement. Personal Growth: Offers practical advice on personal development and building resilience. Business Strategy: Dalio's principles have influenced major companies and are applicable across industries. Conclusion on Business Books The classic business books featured in this article have provided indispensable wisdom and guidance to entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals for decades. From financial management and leadership to building businesses and fostering personal growth, these books offer valuable lessons that remain relevant today. These books have shaped industries, transformed careers, and equipped business minds with the strategies necessary for success. Whether you're looking to grow your business, improve your financial situation, or refine your leadership skills, these books provide essential tools for achieving your goals. Their timeless advice continues to inspire entrepreneurs and professionals around the world, making them essential reading for anyone committed to success in the business world. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
10 American bestsellers every booklover must read for success
Success is built with good books in hand. If you're on a journey to grow smarter, think sharper, and reach your goals, books can be your best mentor. These days, we're surrounded by quick content. Reels, tweets, short videos, motivational quotes that disappear after 24 hours… It's easy to forget the power of sitting down with a good book. But if you're truly serious about leveling up in life—whether it's your mindset, your career, or just becoming a more well-rounded human—books are where the real magic happens. Why? Because books aren't just about information. They give you depth. Unlike a social media post or a five-minute video, a well-written book pulls you into the author's world, thoughts, and experiences. You get to walk in their shoes, learn from their failures, and soak up lessons that took them years—sometimes decades—to figure out. And that's powerful. Books are also mentors you can carry around in your bag. Whether it's personal development, leadership, money smarts, or emotional intelligence—someone's written a book about it, and chances are, it's brilliant. Plus, reading boosts your focus, sharpens your thinking, and keeps your mind flexible. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo In a world full of distractions, being able to sit and think deeply is practically a superpower. So, if you're chasing success in any shape or form, don't underestimate the humble book. It's not just about turning pages—it's about turning the page on who you used to be. The right book at the right time can seriously change your life. Here are a few bestselling American reads that can fuel your path to success—whether in business, mindset, or life. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill A personal development classic that dives into the mindset of wealth and success. Hill shares lessons from top achievers of his time, offering a blueprint for goal-setting, persistence, and turning dreams into reality. Atomic Habits by James Clear Success starts with small actions. Clear explains how tiny behavioral changes, done consistently, can create massive results. This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to build better habits and break unhelpful ones. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Covey's iconic framework teaches powerful principles of personal and professional effectiveness, from being proactive to thinking win-win. It's a guide to becoming a more disciplined, focused, and trustworthy leader. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki Through personal stories and lessons, Kiyosaki explains the mindset difference between the rich and the poor. This bestseller challenges how we think about money, education, and financial independence. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie A timeless manual on communication and relationship-building. Carnegie shows how simple behavioral shifts—like listening more and appreciating others—can open doors, win trust, and grow influence. Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins This raw and powerful memoir by ex-Navy SEAL David Goggins teaches mental toughness, resilience, and how to overcome life's biggest hurdles by mastering your mind and pushing beyond pain. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Success isn't just about ambition—it's also about presence. Tolle offers insights on how to quiet the mental noise, find peace in the moment, and unlock true clarity in both life and work. Grit by Angela Duckworth Talent is important, but grit—passion plus perseverance—is what really drives success. Duckworth's research and stories from athletes to entrepreneurs show how grit can outshine natural ability. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss Ferriss turns the idea of traditional work on its head. Learn how to escape the 9-to-5 grind, create passive income streams, and design a life of freedom and adventure. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell Gladwell explores what makes top performers stand out. It's not just intelligence or talent—it's timing, culture, and 10,000 hours of practice. A fascinating read for anyone chasing high-level achievement. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Mint
30-04-2025
- Business
- Mint
7 KEY lessons from Napoleon Hill's ‘Think and Grow Rich' every investor should know
Napoleon Hill's book Think and Grow Rich has inspired and provided practical wisdom for millions of investors worldwide. First published in 1937, this book has remained invaluable and has stood the test of time. It offers valuable lessons on achieving success in personal growth and financial markets. Here are seven key lessons from Think and Grow Rich that can guide aspiring investors and professionals towards financial prosperity and success. Hill believes that 'desire is the starting point of all achievement.' This means that, without a clear burning desire, it is impossible to create the necessary drive and desire to create wealth. Whether you are looking to climb the corporate ladder or build a new business, passion, desire, and a fundamental commitment are crucial elements. According to Hill, 'faith is the visualization and belief in the attainment of desire.' Developing unwavering faith in your abilities, coupled with clarity of vision and positive thoughts, helps overcome doubts and negative influences. That is why it is extremely important to trust your potential, especially in difficult times, to achieve your financial goals. Hill emphasises and stresses the importance of repetition in his principle of 'autosuggestion'. You should constantly reaffirm your goals and visualise success; your subconscious mind aligns with your long-term goals and objectives, thus transforming your beliefs into reality. That is why positive self-talk is a powerful method and a tool for success. Hill highlights that 'knowledge will not attract money unless it is organised and intelligently directed.' That is why acquiring specific knowledge and skills related to your goals and aspirations can significantly enhance your chances of long-term success and planned investing. Continuous learning and applying new knowledge are crucial to staying ahead in the competitive financial landscape. Hill encourages investors to use their imagination to create ideas. He believes that ideas are the bedrock of all prosperity. This ability to think in a creative fashion and innovate can unlock numerous unique opportunities. In today's rapidly evolving world, those who can think outside the box and take calculated risks are the ones who achieve long-term financial success and prosperity. Without a vision and plan, even the most well-intentioned dreams often remain unfulfilled. 'A goal without a plan is just a wish,' Hill says. Think things through and develop a clear roadmap to achieve your financial goals and aspirations. To achieve long-term success, all your ideas should be backed by determination, calmness, professionalism, and sincere execution. Hill elaborates on the significance of collaboration through the mastermind principle. 'No individual may have great power without availing himself of the mastermind group.' Associate with like-minded individuals who have a vision in life. Such associations can amplify your potential, boost your confidence and provide valuable support in your journey of wealth creation. The book, Think and Grow Rich, adds meaning to the idea that success is not merely a result of hard work only- it's a mindset. Hence, by adopting these eternal lessons and applying them strategically in both investing and day-to-day life, individuals can pave their way to financial prosperity and long-term success. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. First Published: 30 Apr 2025, 11:02 AM IST
Emirates Woman
25-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
Friday book club: Ultimate reads on investing and wealth building for the modern woman
Welcome back to Emirates Woman's Friday Book Club—your go-to source for books that don't just inspire, but truly week, we're focusing on the transformative power of investing and wealth building—essential skills for any woman looking to secure her financial future and create lasting prosperity. In today's world, financial literacy is more than just balancing a budget—it's about understanding how to make your money work for you. Whether you're starting with your first investment or looking to expand your portfolio, these books will equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to grow your wealth with intention. From timeless classics to modern must-reads, each selection offers unique insights into building financial freedom on your own terms. From timeless classics to modern must-reads, we've curated a selection that demystifies the psychology of money, challenges outdated financial myths, and delivers actionable strategies—whether you're starting with your first investment or scaling a portfolio. These aren't just books about numbers; they're about rewiring your mindset, spotting opportunities, and making your money work as hard as you do. So, grab your notebook (or your favorite highlighter), and let's dive into the reads that will redefine your relationship with wealth. Here's your curated reading list for mastering the art of investing and wealth creation Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill This legendary book reveals the psychological blueprint behind extraordinary wealth. Hill studied 500+ millionaires to identify universal success principles that anyone can apply. Learn how to harness the power of your subconscious mind, develop unshakable purpose, and attract wealth through the 'Master Mind' principle. More than just money, this book teaches how to cultivate true abundance in all areas of life. Order it here. Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki Kiyosaki's groundbreaking book challenges everything you thought you knew about money. Through contrasting lessons from his highly-educated but financially-struggling father ('poor dad') and his best friend's wealthy entrepreneur father ('rich dad'), you'll learn why the rich don't work for money—they make money work for them. Discover why your home isn't an asset, how to spot real investment opportunities, and why financial education matters more than job security. Order it here. The Millionaire Fastlane – MJ DeMarco DeMarco's radical approach shatters conventional wisdom about getting rich slowly. Discover why the traditional 'go to school, get a job, save for retirement' path keeps most people financially stagnant. Learn how to identify lucrative business opportunities, create systems that generate passive income, and accelerate your journey to financial freedom. This book is a wake-up call for anyone ready to escape the rat race. Order it here. The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel Housel masterfully explores the emotional side of financial decisions through 19 insightful stories. Learn why two people with the same income can have completely different financial outcomes, how luck and risk influence success, and why wealth is what you don't see. This book will change how you think about saving, spending, and investing, helping you develop healthier money habits that last a lifetime. Order it here. Rich Woman – Kim Kiyosaki Written specifically for women, this empowering guide addresses the unique financial challenges we face. Kim Kiyosaki shares her personal journey from financial insecurity to wealth, offering practical steps to overcome money fears and build confidence. Learn why women often make better investors than men, how to start investing with small amounts, and strategies for creating multiple income streams that provide true financial independence. Order it here. You Are a Badass at Making Money – Jen Sincero Sincero's hilarious, no-filter pep talk tackles the fears and excuses keeping you broke. With sass and actionable steps, she shows how to rewrite your 'money story,' attract opportunities, and finally earn what you're worth. Order it here. I Will Teach You to Be Rich – Ramit Sethi Sethi's no-nonsense guide makes personal finance simple and actionable. His 6-week program covers everything from automating your finances to intelligent investing to guilt-free spending. Learn how to negotiate better salaries, optimize credit cards, and invest in low-cost index funds—all while still enjoying the lifestyle you want. This book proves you don't need to be a financial expert to build wealth, just consistently apply smart systems. Order it here. Why These Books Matter Investing isn't just about stocks and real estate—it's about investing in your financial education. These books provide the foundation you need to: Develop an investor's mindset Avoid common wealth-building mistakes Create multiple income streams Make confident financial decisions Did you read our last week's guide to morning routines? Friday book club: The ultimate guide to morning routines of high achieving women Stay tuned for next week's Friday Book Club, where we'll explore another must-read category for the modern woman. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Pinterest
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: Government funding crisis averted — solutions avoided
Three weeks ago, I gave a preview of what the shutdown showdown over government funding would look like, sound like and, ultimately, what it would become. I am no Nostradamus. It is actually easy to predict the 'hair-on-fire-hysteria' from both the left and the right that foments political fundraising, drives cable news ratings and ultimately results in the continuation of what is a dangerous status quo of spending. Both parties seem to have made dramatic and sudden shifts in their principles. Democrats voted for a similar continuing resolution, or CR, just this past December. And for years, they have been calling for an end to the filibuster in the Senate. Now, with Republicans in the majority, they want to protect and deploy it. Republicans who had said, 'No more CRs — ever,' somehow came to think it was the responsible thing to do. Such political 180s from both parties are whiplash-inducing to financial markets, main-street businesses and citizens sitting at their kitchen tables trying to make ends meet. Urgency was the watchword for three weeks — until it wasn't. Demands for change, promises to reform and declarations of what must be done appeared to be more urgent than ever in the history of our republic — until the crisis was avoided, the government funded, and everyone ran to Washington's airports, highways and railroads to get home. Was a government funding crisis averted? Sure, but now we've once again diverted attention from the crucial conversation America desperately needs regarding our broken budget process. In times like these it is important to remember that there have always been times like these. With a little leadership, we might be closer than ever to success in the battle of our budget and fiscal woes. We might even be 'three feet from gold.' A colleague of mine often refers to Napoleon Hill's classic 'Think and Grow Rich,' which was published in 1937 when America was beginning to emerge from the Great Depression. Hill interviewed successful people to discover what principles they had learned and applied in their pursuit of excellence. One of those people Hill interviewed was R.U. Darby, a millionaire at the time. Darby shared with Hill a story from his past that became a defining moment for his successful future. It was a lesson in persistence and staying the course. As a young man, Darby's uncle convinced him to go with him out West to work in a gold mine. The uncle had found a promising spot and secured the necessary machinery to work the mine. Their early efforts were promising, and hope of riches ran high. Then, the vein of gold ore they had been mining disappeared. The two desperately kept going, but it seemed that their luck had come and rapidly run dry. They were only digging themselves deeper and deeper into debt. Finally, they quit — selling the drilling machinery to a nearby junkman and returning home in defeat. The junkman wasn't convinced that their mine had no gold and decided to pick up where the Darbys had left off. With the help of a mining engineer, he found the elusive vein of gold just three feet from where Darby and his uncle had stopped drilling! Three feet! The lesson of giving up and giving in so close to the prize became a principle that forever changed Darby's future. He would stay the course in his pursuits and ultimately achieve wild success. Hill wrote, 'The business depression marked the death of one age, and the birth of another. This changed world requires practical dreamers who can and will put their dreams into action. The practical dreamers have always been and always will be the pattern-makers of civilization.' He concluded, 'Never has there been a time more favorable to pioneers than the present.' America urgently needs practical dreamers and pioneering reformers in Washington. Practical dreamers lean into the tempestuous moments in history to transform industry, government and society. The power of perseverance, even when required action and sacrifice seem futile, is what gets you through those three feet to gold. When we're back in session, Congress needs to turn our attention right back to deficits, our broken budgeting process and the mounting national debt. My plan is to introduce legislation to eliminate disruptions caused by CRs. The bill would create a baseline budget that restarts each fiscal year at the prior year's spending levels unless altered by Congress, eliminating the possibility of shutdown showdowns and providing Congress flexibility to determine the budget based on real funding needs, not arbitrary deadlines. It also would allow flexible funding duration — short-term when necessary, and multi-year when stability is required. Without reforms like this, I fear that we will fill in the mine, pour political cement over it and forget about it until September rolls around and the crisis can begin anew — only to leave us, once again, three feet from gold. I will keep digging and welcome others interested in breaking through three more feet to strike gold and provide victory over the most pressing challenge of our time and our grandchildren's future.
