The Cost of Delay (or The Life of Brian)

Recently, we had a family pilgrimage to the local multiplex; splitting up to see preferred films. Along with three of the offspring I plumped for "Yes Man" with Jim Carrey, having read the Danny Wallace book that inspired it. The film bore little resemblance to the book, a fact that Mr Wallace must have been happy with as he made a brief cameo.

Differing from the book's chance encounter with a swami on a bus, Carrey (as the central figure) goes to a self-help seminar run by Terence Stamp. This took me back to the last century...

Like me, you may have had the pleasure of seeing the legendary sales and motivational guru Brian Tracy in action. Now Brian was just a walking advert for his life changing publications (available at a "if it were cheap you wouldn't value it" price in the foyer). But when I "experienced" his brand of self-aggrandisement, Brian was late, and left early due to a much more important sounding engagement. I had thought punctuality to be important, but clearly not to Bri. I had expected to at least learn something about the secret of Brian's success (vague even what business he was previously successful and had learned the tricks of the trade in) and I know he wasn't going to give it away, but it appeared reminiscent of an internet scam where all you have to do is 'pay an administration charge and we'll deliver your prize to your door'

Compare this approach to that of another, perhaps better known Brian; Brian Clough. Before retiring, my uncle worked for Rolls Royce in Derby, and his department was treated to a motivational session with the then Derby County manager. Due to commence at 7.30pm, Clough took to the podium at 7.29 to hearty applause (Mark Knopfler had yet to pen the theme to Local Hero) then at 7.30 on the dot signalled to the stewards to secure the doors. "The first principle to be adhered to in achieving success in business is punctuality!" hectored Cloughie in his usual style. "I don't care who is locked out. My time is valuable. If you don't value my time, or yours for that matter, I can't help you." He continued with a rollercoaster ride through the Gospel According to Clough.

Going from Derby County across the East Midlands to Nottingham Forest, Clough went on to manage them in two consecutive European Champions' Cups; at the time, Nottingham was the smallest City to hold the trophy. Sadly, Cloughie died in 2004 at the age of 69. His brief, unhappy 44-day dalliance with Leeds in the interim has been immortalised on celluloid in The Damned United. Whatever happened to Brian Tracy?

Well, surfing the net I found Brian Tracy's site, he is still going strong, and clicking on "Free Stuff" found this pearl of wisdom (abridged) offered gratis by Tracy:

"Time is your most precious resource. It is the most valuable thing you have. It is perishable, it is irreplaceable, and it cannot be saved. And time is absolutely essential for the important relationships in your life."

I still don't know what Brian Tracy's lasting legacy will be. But living up to his new-found belief in the significance of time, I note he has ample opportunity to make the most of the chance to boost his retirement income, as he is a mere 64 years old. Do not procrastinate further Mr Tracy, you could receive a pension 33% higher than if you waited five years and made the same single payment. You could receive a pension 78% higher than if you waited ten years and made the same single payment!

I see Brian Clough's son Nigel has taken over the reins at Derby County. Never underestimate the value of time, or succession planning, young man.

Mark Lisle is compliance manager at Rowanmoor Pensions

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