All of my gratitude post in the November contest have been about people and their impact on my life but I have to share one post that is something that is a luxury that I enjoy and now I have hooked my wife on, traveling first class both domestic and international. Charlene and I are not people who buy expensive cars, high end clothes, or designer anything, instead we put money away and buy real estate. When it comes to cars we think it's time to buy a new one once we reach 200,000 miles. If you reach a point of success where security seems assured there has to be something to reward yourself on fro the sacrifices you make because that is the price of success.
When we fly from Oklahoma City to West Palm Beach to go to our second home we go through Atlanta. When we fly first class besides being the first on, the most important part is being first off. This means that when we fly to Atlanta for our connection we can make a 42 minute layover. For anyone who has flown in the back you know this is an impossibility because getting off is time consuming. This means we can get to Florida before Noon but even more importantly is the lack of wear and tear on your brain. Maybe first class domestic is not like the old days and free alcohol isn't that important but I will be on twenty different trips next year so being comfortable and making things easier making connections is worth it.
Where first class really makes a difference is on international flights. This year's annual trip for business to Israel started with Delta in Fort Lauderdale with one stop at JFK. When you start dealing with 12 hours or greater flights this is where it makes a huge difference. United Airlines are now creating separate lounges for international flights. With the new Airbus planes delta is upping their game also. The ability to be in a compartment with 180 degree beds among other amenities allows you to recover much quicker and arrive feeling better. I hit the ground running so for business it makes a big difference. The other part of this is points. You get a lot of bonus points and added to the fact that we pay everything on AMEX and do not carry balances builds up those points also so it is not as expensive as you might think.
My main point is this, it isn't about status or ego, it is about giving yourself a treat. I know that those of you here are the most successful in your areas and you have something you don't have to spend money on but do because you can and it makes you feel your work gives you something special. This doesn't mean you don't give money to charities, good causes, people in need, not does it mean that you spend money frivolously
. For me this is a part of my business as well as something that when Charlene and I go overseas twice next year on vacation, those 44 years of self employment, self discipline, sacrifice, and dedication to success will not be for nothing. As the old saying goes, you can't take it with you.
