Epoch Times - Check Out Larry Elder’s 32 Personal Pledges | Larry Elder
Aired: 2021-01-14
Duration: 05:11


=== Things Are Better Now (05:07) ===

[00:00:03]  This is what I call Larry Elder's Personal Pledge 32.
[00:00:07]  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.
[00:00:14]  It was just a happy coincidence.
[00:00:17]  Here they are.
[00:00:19]  Number one, there is no excuse for lack of effort.
[00:00:30]  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.
[00:00:41]  While I may be unhappy with my circumstances, I have the power to change and improve my life.
[00:00:47]  I refuse to be a victim.
[00:00:50]  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.
[00:01:01]  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.
[00:01:11]  Others succeed under conditions far worse than mine.
[00:01:15]  Six.
[00:01:16]  Some schools and some teachers are better than others, but my level of effort, dedication, curiosity, and willingness to grow determine what I learn.
[00:01:26]  Seven.
[00:01:27]  Ambition is the key to growth.
[00:01:30]  Eight.
[00:01:30]  I will set apart some time each day to think about where I want to go and how I intend to get there.
[00:01:37]  A goal without a plan is just a wish.
[00:01:40]  Nine.
[00:01:41]  Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
[00:01:45]  Ten, if suitable role models are not nearby, I will seek them out.
[00:01:50]  A role model is someone who, through hard work and a positive outlook, has achieved.
[00:01:56]  12.
[00:01:57]  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.
[00:02:09]  13.
[00:02:10]  I will contact role models and seek their advice, guidance, and counsel.
[00:02:14]  People remember when they were my age and are eager to help.
[00:02:19]  14.
[00:02:20]  I will seek out recommended magazines, articles, books, biographies, videos, and motivational and how-to books and use them for education and motivation.
[00:02:31]  Fifteen, the light is always green.
[00:02:34]  You cannot go full speed with one foot on the brake.
[00:02:38]  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.
[00:02:48]  I will avoid friendship with people who do not share my goals and commitments.
[00:02:53]  Non-supportive relationships waste time and energy.
[00:02:58]  I will not seek immediate results, as I understand life is a journey and not a destination.
[00:03:05]  I will read a newspaper or an equivalent each day.
[00:03:10]  I will entertain myself in ways that challenge and expand my mind.
[00:03:14]  As someone said, a mind, once expanded, never returns to its original size.
[00:03:21]  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.
[00:03:31]  Twenty-two, drugs are stupid.
[00:03:34]  People who believe in drugs don't believe in themselves.
[00:03:38]  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.
[00:03:48]  24.
[00:03:49]  A well-rounded, competent student studies math and science.
[00:03:54]  25.
[00:03:55]  People are not born deficient in mathematical ability.
[00:03:59]  Through hard work and dedication, the subject can be mastered.
[00:04:04]  Twenty-six.
[00:04:05]  It is essential that I learn to speak and write standard English.
[00:04:10]  This is not acting white, but acting smart.
[00:04:14]  Twenty-seven.
[00:04:15]  A strong vocabulary is the key to communication, and I will read books on vocabulary enrichment.
[00:04:22]  Twenty-eight.
[00:04:23]  I expect sometimes to be teased, even ridiculed.
[00:04:27]  This will not stop me.
[00:04:29]  It will only make me stronger and more determined.
[00:04:32]  Twenty-nine.
[00:04:34]  I control my body and will not create a child until I am spiritually, psychologically, educationally, and financially capable of assuming this awesome responsibility.
[00:04:46]  30.
[00:04:47]  Life is difficult.
[00:04:49]  I expect setbacks and will learn from them.
[00:04:53]  Struggle creates strength.
[00:04:55]  31.
[00:04:56]  Every day is precious and one without growth is squandered.
[00:05:01]  32.
[00:05:03]  There is only one me, and I'm it.
[00:05:06]  This has been Larry Elder with Personal Pledge of 32.
[00:05:10]  We've got a country to save.