Fairly early in our marriage, Margaret and I realized that in my career, I would often have the opportunity to travel. And we decided that any time I got the chance to go someplace interesting or to attend an event that we knew would be exciting, she would come along with me, even when it was difficult financially.
I love taking my family with me—including on business trips —because I get to share the opportunities and rewards of the journey. Those trips have been fun. But our travels around the globe don’t in any way compare to another trip I’ve taken them on: the success journey. But many people are now realizing that the hope of happiness at the expense of breaking up a family is an illusion.
You can’t give up your marriage or neglect your children and gain true success. Building and maintaining strong families benefit us in every way, including in helping us make the success journey.
I believe my greatest accomplishment in life was getting Margaret to marry me. We’re partners in everything, and I know that I wouldn’t have experienced any measure of success in life without her. Several years ago I realized that all the success in the world means nothing if you aren’t loved and respected the most by those closest to you. When I reach the end of my days, I don’t want Margaret, Elizabeth, or Joel Porter to say that I was a good author, speaker, pastor, or leader. My desire is that the kids think I’m a good father and that Margaret thinks I’m a good husband. That’s what matters most. It’s the measure of true success.
—Your Road Map for Success
DO THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU LOVE AND RESPECT YOU THE MOST?