| Time | Text |
|---|---|
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Things Are Better Now
00:05:07
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| This is what I call Larry Elder's Personal Pledge 32. | |
| And no, there's no truth to the rumor that I came up with that number because it matched the number of the jersey of my favorite player growing up, Sandy Koufax. | |
| It was just a happy coincidence. | |
| Here they are. | |
| Number one, there is no excuse for lack of effort. | |
| Two, although I may be unhappy with my circumstances, and although racism and sexism and other isms exist, I know that things are better now than ever and the future is even brighter. | |
| While I may be unhappy with my circumstances, I have the power to change and improve my life. | |
| I refuse to be a victim. | |
| Four, Others may have been blessed with more money, better connections, a better home environment, and even better looks, but I can succeed through hard work, perseverance, and education. | |
| I may be a product of a single or a no-parent household, but I will not hold anyone responsible for my present or allow anyone to interfere with my future. | |
| Others succeed under conditions far worse than mine. | |
| Six. | |
| Some schools and some teachers are better than others, but my level of effort, dedication, curiosity, and willingness to grow determine what I learn. | |
| Seven. | |
| Ambition is the key to growth. | |
| Eight. | |
| I will set apart some time each day to think about where I want to go and how I intend to get there. | |
| A goal without a plan is just a wish. | |
| Nine. | |
| Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. | |
| Ten, if suitable role models are not nearby, I will seek them out. | |
| A role model is someone who, through hard work and a positive outlook, has achieved. | |
| 12. | |
| A role model may be a parent, relative, friend, church member, judge, doctor, attorney, business person, or someone I've read about in the newspaper or seen on the local news. | |
| 13. | |
| I will contact role models and seek their advice, guidance, and counsel. | |
| People remember when they were my age and are eager to help. | |
| 14. | |
| I will seek out recommended magazines, articles, books, biographies, videos, and motivational and how-to books and use them for education and motivation. | |
| Fifteen, the light is always green. | |
| You cannot go full speed with one foot on the brake. | |
| I am always in school, and I will not waste my summer by failing to read about and speak to people who can inspire me. | |
| I will avoid friendship with people who do not share my goals and commitments. | |
| Non-supportive relationships waste time and energy. | |
| I will not seek immediate results, as I understand life is a journey and not a destination. | |
| I will read a newspaper or an equivalent each day. | |
| I will entertain myself in ways that challenge and expand my mind. | |
| As someone said, a mind, once expanded, never returns to its original size. | |
| Twenty-one, I will pay attention to my diet and overall fitness as they are the keys to a healthy and productive body and an enthusiastic mind. | |
| Twenty-two, drugs are stupid. | |
| People who believe in drugs don't believe in themselves. | |
| Twenty-three, I understand that jobs of the future require more preparation and training than ever, and I am determined to obtain the necessary background. | |
| 24. | |
| A well-rounded, competent student studies math and science. | |
| 25. | |
| People are not born deficient in mathematical ability. | |
| Through hard work and dedication, the subject can be mastered. | |
| Twenty-six. | |
| It is essential that I learn to speak and write standard English. | |
| This is not acting white, but acting smart. | |
| Twenty-seven. | |
| A strong vocabulary is the key to communication, and I will read books on vocabulary enrichment. | |
| Twenty-eight. | |
| I expect sometimes to be teased, even ridiculed. | |
| This will not stop me. | |
| It will only make me stronger and more determined. | |
| Twenty-nine. | |
| I control my body and will not create a child until I am spiritually, psychologically, educationally, and financially capable of assuming this awesome responsibility. | |
| 30. | |
| Life is difficult. | |
| I expect setbacks and will learn from them. | |
| Struggle creates strength. | |
| 31. | |
| Every day is precious and one without growth is squandered. | |
| 32. | |
| There is only one me, and I'm it. | |
| This has been Larry Elder with Personal Pledge of 32. | |
| We've got a country to save. | |