Today’s Brilliance from Jason O’Neill

After having my business for five years, my life is definitely different than most kids my age. The one thing that hasn’t changed, though, is that I still get to be a regular kid. My parents believe kids should be kids first and that childhood goes by too quickly so we all work to keep things balanced.

In 500 words, I can’t begin to write all of the things I have learned from the experiences and opportunities I have had. Here are just a few life lessons I want to share with you now.

Success does not equal wealth and it is not always about the money. Even if you are wealthy, it is more important what you do with the money than how much you have. The same goes for donating to a charity. Some people think that how much they give is more important than what they do. Even the smallest effort can make a difference in someone else’s life. The important thing is that we all do something.

While having a goal is good in theory, sometimes people get so stuck on one goal that they forget to look around and see other opportunities that might pop up right beside them. Then if they don’t reach their goal, they feel like they failed.

It’s important to remember that goals CAN be changed because life is about opportunities and options and sometimes the road getting to the goal is more fun than actually reaching it. There is a reason for everything and if you are open to possibilities, things may happen that are better than you could have ever planned.

Another important lesson I have learned is that you have to make things happen but it’s not good to force things to happen.

When asked what advice I would give to parents, I simply tell them, “Listen to your kids’ ideas and support them. No one can do it alone, especially kids.” I tell kids, “If you have an idea, try it and don’t be quick to give up. You can make a difference in this world!”

Being a young entrepreneur hasn’t always been easy but then what really is? I have had my share of challenges and times that I have wanted to quit. The best thing to do is take time to see the options and try to make the best decision on the information you have at this point. No one has a crystal ball so sometimes you might make the wrong decision but that’s life.