L.F.G. – This Acronym is the Secret for Success in Anything

What does L.F.G. stand for, and what is the story behind this acronym? Would you believe me if I told you that understanding and applying the principles of this acronym would ensure your success in anything in life?

In early 2008, I started a real estate investing business. In the process of setting up the legal entity, I wanted to choose a company name that reflected what type of business it was, and yet also be something that was personally meaningful and applicable to me. Ideally, I wanted a name that would be somewhat of a mission statement and daily reminder of why I was in business, how I should conduct business, and the type of person I should be.

After much thought, I decided to name my company LFG Properties. Because it was a real estate business, the word ‘properties’ was a logical choice; but why the acronym L.F.G.? This simple acronym reflects not only my priorities in life and business, but it also reveals the necessary elements to be successful in anything in life. Perhaps more importantly, the acronym itself should suggest and define what ‘real’ success is in life.

The letters of this important acronym stand for:
L - Lord
F - Family
G - Give

It is simple in theory, but extremely difficult to put into practice these priorities and actions on a daily basis. And yet, putting God first in our lives, making time for family, and then giving of our time and resources to bless the lives of others is – and always has been – the secret for success in life. It is these priorities that are absolutely necessary to achieve success financially, academically, mentally, athletically, socially, spiritually, or in any other pursuit in life.

What is missing in this acronym, however, is the letter W – and that W stands for ‘Work.’ We all understand that daily action, discipline, and effort are required to achieve our goals and dreams. However, what the majority of us fail to realize is that in connection with putting in the work and effort towards our goals and dreams, we also need to put forth work and effort on the much more important areas of our life – God & Family. And then, after we put forth this effort and live by these priorities, the ‘real’ success will only be accomplished if and when we use our time, talents, knowledge, resources, and money to give to and help others.