Martin Luther King Jr Had a Dream – Do You?

As I had a chance to reflect on one of America’s great historic figures this weekend, I couldn’t help but think of you.

Granted, what this man endured had nothing to do with personal finance, but it had everything to do with amazing self-sacrifice, determination, courage and hope.

These are all things that are needed when trying to defy overwhelming odds in order to make big changes in your life.

On August 28, 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. delivered one of the most inspirational speeches ever, about a dream and a vision he had for America. That dream was inspired by something inside him that believed it was possible to change something very wrong with his country. His dream was brought on by some truly sad times of racism that I couldn’t possibly begin to understand.

What I do understand, however, is that he never gave up, even though his opposition must have been overwhelming.

As he found himself jailed for his activism, he very easily could have given up, but at what cost to his dream? He could have just let his surroundings and his situation deter him from what he knew to be right. Instead of giving up though, when times were difficult, he marched on, thinking not of himself, but of those he was trying to help. He sacrificed so much for what he believed in, which in the end, cost him his life.

Martin Luther King Jr. may not have lived to see the result and impact of what he did so many years ago, but I have to believe that if he had to do it all over again—he would.

Perhaps some will say that my using Martin Luther King, Jr’s story to inspire financial freedom is quite a stretch. Maybe in content, but not in character, principle, or in action.

What I see, and how I relate the two, is very simple.

What you are experiencing today financially, may seem so overwhelming that you just can’t comprehend being able to overcome it. My assumption is that there were likely times when MLK must have thought he was fighting a losing battle, yet I have read nothing to imply that he ever thought of giving up.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Martin Luther King, Jr

Change comes with lots of hard work and sacrifice. It is not something that just happens because you want it to. Change is not easy, but one thing is for sure, if you keep doing the same things with your money, you will keep getting the same results. You may struggle along your path to financial freedom, but that is precisely what will teach you the most, as well as strengthen you for what is to come. Be strong—do not let your struggles and perceived failures be the reason for your financial demise. We all have struggles, even those of us who have managed to turn our finances around. Financial success isn’t reliant upon the absence of problems, it is reliant upon how you handle the problems you face.

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom.” Martin Luther King, Jr

Your solution, or the solution that society seems to look to first, are not necessarily your best options. It may seem as though they are at first glance, but using a debt consolidation company to manage and pay off your debt, teaches you nothing. It can also cost you more than just the fees they charge for the opportunity to do so. Most people end up right back where they started, because they didn’t learn what needed to be learned to keep from returning to the debt they eliminated. The easiest way is typically not the best way.

Bankruptcy seems like the right thing, because after all, you pretty much get to start all over. Just like with debt consolidation companies, you didn’t really solve the problem that caused the financial mess in the first place. You technically just avoided the problem all together and treated the symptom instead of the cause, which happens to be your behavior.

Think about what is at stake before you make each financial decision.

“Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.” Martin Luther King, Jr

Martin Luther King, Jr might have been fighting for the rights of blacks in America, but you should be using the same principles to free yourself from the bondage that enslaves you.

  • You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel at first, but know that it is there!
  • It may be difficult, and at times feel impossible, but know you can do it!
  • It may be hard to believe in your ability to turn things around, but keep this in mindyou are your best solution!

You are the one that must step up to the plate. You are the one that must be strong and courageous! It is YOU that will make the difference!

I hope you’re able to take from this story the message of hope and hard work, determination and courage, and above all, the belief in your ability to make great things happen.

You don’t have to be in debt. You don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck. The choice is yours, and your dream is what you make it. If you follow your dream the way he followed his, chances are, your dream will become a reality.

What is your financial dream, and what are you willing to sacrifice to accomplish it? Are you willing to pay the price and sacrifice to become financially independent? If you’re not, what cost are you willing to pay to do nothing?

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About Brad Chaffee

26 Responses to “Martin Luther King Jr Had a Dream – Do You?”

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  1. Excellent post, Brad! I absolutely see the connection between Dr. King’s quotes, faith and perseverance and financial success.

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Thank you so much Dustin!!!! They are absolutely all connected! Now I just have to keep that in mind when dealing with my own weight loss struggle. These principles are universal and compatible in almost every aspect of life and growth! Thanks for sharing your thoughts my friend!

  2. Not much to comment here except to say that I really enjoyed reading this post.

  3. Great job casting the vision for a preferred future Brad!!

  4. Jeff Kosola says:

    Great post old man. I can’t believe you were there to watch the speech. I completely agree with the sacrifices Dr. King has made as well as the ones each of us make everyday. I’m willing to sacrifice today in order to have a better tomorrow. I know you understand the things that we give up with the dream of becoming debt free.

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Thanks Jeff! I think if anyone knows of sacrifice it is definitely you brother! You are living the sacrifice everyday and willing to do mighty things to turn your situation around. I admire that about you, because I know just how hard and how much you are giving up in the short term for a better future for you and your family! You are awesome and your example is an inspiration to many!! Keep rocking it man and your dream will surely come true!!

    • J$ says:

      @Jeff – Dude, you are hilarious – haha… love it. Reminds me that Brad and I need to get our asses over there one day! I heard we can get all the pizza we want, right?

  5. Very nice post Brad. You’re right, it’s about character, principle, and action. One of my favorite quotes from King speaks of the way we’ll all look back in history after our struggles are over. He said that we won’t remember the criticism of our adversaries as much as we’ll remember the silence of our friends. Thanks for being a friend who speaks up and breaks the silence that many of us live with.

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Thank you Clair! That is one of my favorite quotes too, thanks for sharing it with everyone. People need to get it out of their head that they don’t have the ability to make their own dreams come true! ๐Ÿ™‚ As soon as that changes so will the financial mindset that has gotten America and other countries into financial bondage!

  6. This post is beautiful and timely!!

  7. J$ says:

    One of my favorites from you, sir! WELL DONE!

  8. Dr Dean says:

    Brad, great article. I will be spreading the word for you!

  9. Barro says:

    Speaking of following our dreams…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk-0o5ezK3Y

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Hahahaha! Funny video.

      Dreams by themselves don\’t pay the bills, but taking action on those dreams will give you the results that do. A dream is nothing but a wish until it is turned into a goal on paper.

      My dreams are giving my family extra money each and every month baby!!

  10. I still get shivers every time I hear MLK’s great “I have a dream” speech. And you’re right — his principles can be applied to every facet of life and work well with the idea of financial freedom. It’s good to see his words and beliefs kept alive in so many diverse ways.

  11. Brad Chaffee says:

    Yeah I agree with that. It’s one of the most inspirational and moving speeches of all time! Thanks for stopping by! ๐Ÿ˜€

  12. I like how you used MLK’s words to inspire people financially or in whatever struggle they’re going through. Great job!

  13. Debt Solution says:

    Yes I have a dream! Now that I’m in the position to give back I want to educate people about how debt is stealing their future wealth.

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Stealing their future wealth is right. If people only knew how their income is their leading resource to wealth building then they wouldn’t tie it up with loads of debt. We will never ever use debt ever again! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Brad Chaffee says:

      Stealing their future wealth is right. If people only knew how their income is their leading resource to wealth building then they wouldn\’t tie it up with loads of debt. We will never ever use debt ever again! ๐Ÿ™‚

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