Several weeks ago, my twin brother — Gary Cardone — attempted to interview me. I am the more outspoken one between the two of us, so I kind of stole the show. However, it was eye-opening how our upbringings affected us differently despite being raised the same way…
Growing Up, We Were Either Best Friends… Or Fist Fighting
Other than my mother, I’ve known Gary longer than any other person on the planet. I think I’ve actually known him longer now that I think about it…
For that reason, my brother and I have an intuitively close relationship that you only understand if you’re a twin. He even reminded me that we had the same imaginary friend at one point!
BUT WHEN WE FOUGHT, WE WENT FOR BLOOD.
Many times, these brawls would end up with one of us going to the hospital…
In one altercation, I gave my twin brother a huge gash in his leg…
Another ended with Gary busting open my spleen…
After reflecting on those fights, we came to the same conclusion about them. In fact, we finished each other’s sentence about it…
“If our dad had been there…” (Gary) “… We wouldn’t have been so angry.” (Me)
There was all kinds of Hell we’ve been through together and caused each other. But before we get into all that, I’ll share the ups and downs of being a twin…
No One Could Tell Us Apart — Which Was a Good and Bad Thing
As I mentioned before, Gary and I are identical twins. So, there are very few physical differences that you wouldn’t notice unless you knew us…
OUR OWN MOTHER EVEN CONFUSED US HALF OF THE TIME.
So, we decided to have some fun with that fact. My twin brother and I would switch places to see if people noticed — and how far we could take it.
In our catch-up, he reminded me of a time we’d pulled off the swap…
BUT I DID SOMETHING PRETENDING TO BE HIM THAT GOT GARY IN BIG TROUBLE.
This event happened while we were in high school. My brother and I thought it would be hilarious to see if this stunt would work for trading classes.
THE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS COULDN’T TELL WHO WAS WHO. BUT, THERE WAS A PROBLEM…
See, Gary had quietly gone to my class and no one was the wiser…
In contrast, I had acted out in his course room….
So when my twin brother tried to return the next day, the instructor told him that he had been permanently kicked out!
Gary was annoyed with me at the time. However, the schedule change assigned him to one of the best teachers he ever had. (Those are his words, not mine.)
But, Gary liked going to school overall which was much different from my view…
My Twin Brother Gary’s View on Education Vs. Mine
Now, don’t get me wrong. My brother and I were average students at best while we were in senior high.
NONETHELESS, THERE WERE TWO DISTINCT DIFFERENCES IN OUR PERSPECTIVES ON THIS. AND SUBSEQUENTLY, OUR COLLEGE EDUCATION.
For me, I hated the entirety of school. I felt like I learned nothing of value and it brainwashed me into thinking small.
Similarly, Gary felt that there was a lack of real-world lessons. Still, he believed the routine of going to school was beneficial.
Also, my twin brother felt he got valuable information in college. But he resented higher education telling him he wasn’t ready to jump into the marketplace.
There are a lot of parallels between my brother and I. One of them was that the Cardone Boys were known troublemakers.
Eventually, Gary and I both used our skills to achieve success — both personal and professional. That being said, we took very different paths to get there…
We Look Identical But Had Different Make-Break Points
Most of you know about my turning point. It happened when I was 25 years old and a full-blown junkie with no purpose.
Back then, I had no idea I would go from a drug addict to a billionaire.
Gary used substances and alcohol recreationally but never got to the same state I was in. Nonetheless, he had his make-break point when he had no idea where to start after school.
As a result, my twin brother started getting into trouble.
“I’M DANGEROUS WHEN I’M BORED,” GARY COMMENTED.
While his issues weren’t as severe as mine, they had the same consequences…
Our mother kicked us out.
Although that sounds horrible, Gary and I agree that was the best thing our mom ever did for us. The reason is because it forced us out of our comfort zone.
And without that, the Cardone Boys would still be small-town nobodies.
But what is it about business that keeps us motivated to win despite all odds?
He Follows the Game, I Follow the Money… BOTH Are Right
My twin brother and I had a wild ride to get where we are today. I can confidently say that both of us are major players in our respective industries.
I have zero shame in saying that I’m after the money. Cash flow is what will create opportunities and take care of my family.
On the other hand, Gary says he likes the big game…
“I like waking up every day and being behind. I love the pressure,” Gary Cardone
At the end of the day, our motivations aren’t identical, but achieving success is what matters.
The same is true for you. No matter the hand you’ve been dealt or how you feel about it, you can make it.
And you don’t have to take the long road there like my twin brother and I did either…
Be Great,
Grant Cardone
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