If you watch Gold Rush on Discovery every Friday at 9p, then you would know that Parker’s Grandpa John Schnabel is like a grandfather to everyone there. Today is his 96th birthday, yes he’s 96 years young, and he has some words of wisdom to share with all of us. Having him share his knowledge about life with us is worth more than its weight in gold.
When he was asked what he has learned, in his nearly 30 years, of mining gold, he shared with his fans, “Optimism is the first ingredient that will allow you to succeed. Cause optimism gives you the strength to face difficulties otherwise you would just lay down and say, ‘I quit!'” Then he added, “I think you have to enjoy what you are doing. Frankly, that is almost as important as anything else can be. If you don’t enjoy your work then you are in the wrong place.”
Then someone wanted to know how to succeed in life? His advice is, “You got to make up your mind when you start anything that you are going to win. You can only succeed if you have confidence and an attitude, then it’s possible to be a winner. Otherwise you are going to be left on the side of the road.”
When it comes to what he loves to do besides mining gold. He sweetly revealed, “It’s to spend time with members of my family.”
My favorite question that he answered wasn’t on the video. Someone wanted to know from him how to deal with a difficult person. His response is one we should all follow, “Don’t give up on them. If a person is being difficult, try to find out why. If you can develop an ability to have some measure of empathy with them that will enable you to understand why they act the way they act…you can be a very valuable element in making their life better.”
He is making our lives better by sharing these golden nuggets with us. His words can be used for so many things in our daily lives. Take what he says to heart, and some day share his knowledge with someone else. You can then make someone else’s life better, like he has just made yours.
Now, when it comes to Grandpa John Schnabel, can you believe he will turn 100 during the next leap year? He doesn’t look anywhere close to his age. He looks and acts like someone who is in their 70’s if not younger. Don’t you think?
Make his birthday even more special and watch Gold Rush tomorrow and every Friday at 9p on Discovery.
