When someone says ‘Money isn’t important’, I either think they’re broke or they’re rich and wealth hasn’t made them any happier. But being a millionaire isn’t just about work ethic and luck, its about a clear and defined mindset. In his book Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, T. Harv Eker casts a light on specific ways that rich people think differently to the rest of us.
This book isn’t so much a personal finance checklist, but more of a motivational tool and it shouldn’t be considered anything more. It’s about changing your psychological approach to money, success, and happiness.
How do we think like a rich person? Here are 17 Ways Rich People Think and Act Differently from Poor and Middle-Class People.
1. Rich people believe “I create my life.” Poor people believe, “Life happens to me.”
2. Rich people play the money game to win. Poor people play the money game to not lose.
3. Rich people are committed to being rich. Poor people want to be rich.
4. Rich people think big. Poor people think small.
5. Rich people focus on opportunities. Poor people focus on obstacles.
6. Rich people admire other rich and successful people. Poor people resent rich and successful people.
7. Rich people associate with positive, successful people. Poor people associate with negative or unsuccessful people.
8. Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value. Poor people think negatively about selling and promotion.
9. Rich people are bigger than their problems. Poor people are smaller than their problems.
10. Rich people are excellent receivers. Poor people are poor receivers.
11. Rich people choose to get paid based on results. Poor people choose to get paid based on time.
12. Rich people think “both.” Poor people think “either/or.”
13. Rich people focus on their net worth. Poor people focus on their working income.
14. Rich people manage their money well. Poor people mismanage their money well.
15. Rich people have their money work hard for them. Poor people work hard for their money.
16. Rich people act in spite of fear. Poor people let fear stop them.
17. Rich people constantly learn and grow. Poor people think they already know.
Though not a list about wealth accumulation and specific tips on how to get rich, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind does give great advice on how thinking differently WILL make you happier and more successful.
Use the information at face value and take time to implement these mindsets into your life. Eker’s seventeen lessons were exactly what I needed to hear right now.
