Ah, that age old debate…which came first the chicken or the egg?
Well, now we can finally solve the mystery. How you ask? Just order one of each from Amazon and see which one arrives at the door first. Ha ha.
All kidding aside, there’s a similar debate often discussed in the wealth building arena…which comes first, the money or the success?
Without a doubt, success comes first. Surprised?
You see, having more money is great, but it does not automatically make you successful.
Because there are rich liars, cons, and thieves. There are wealthy scam artists and drug dealers. And yes, there are people who have more money than you right now, just because they were willing to sink so low as to take advantage of others.
Obviously we wouldn’t label these people successful.
You see, it doesn’t take wealth to be a great friend. You don’t have to be rich to be honest, kind, and a person that is respected.
That’s the essence of real success — you pursuing a better life for yourself on your own terms.
The sad truth is that many who aspire to monetary success often make comprises in other aspects of their life in order to make the big bucks. Our society almost encourages the sacrifice of personal integrity for the sake of material success. But what is success if it can’t be respected or appreciated as an honest victory? What is a life of freedom if you have to sell your soul to the devil just to get it?
The good news is that you don’t have to, because money follows success, not the other way around.
The late, great teacher Jim Rohn acknowledged this fact, as his mentor, Earl Shoaf, gave him an inspiring perspective on striving to be a millionaire.
Shoaff advised Rohn, then age 25, to: “set a goal to become a millionaire for what it makes of you to achieve it. Do it for the skills you have to learn and the person you have to become.”
“Do it for what you’ll end up knowing about the marketplace. What you’ll learn about the management of time and working with people. Do it for the ability of discovering how to keep your ego in check.”
“For what you have to learn about being benevolent. Being kind as well as being strong. What you have to learn about society and business and government and taxes and becoming an accomplished person to reach the status of millionaire.”
Shoaf was right, what’s more important is who you have to become in order to become a millionaire. You have to learn how to overcome your fears. You have to learn to let go of past beliefs that don’t serve you well now. You have to learn how to ask people for help, so that they teach you how they did it. You have to change one of the hardest things to change – your perspective on life. That’s right, to achieve a 1,000% increase in your bank account, you must make a corresponding 1,000% change in your beliefs and philosophies.
All of that can be scary. But, when you do it and survive, guess what happens? Answer: You’ll no longer be afraid to do it in the future.
Maybe the question shouldn’t be “to be or not to be.” Maybe the question should be: “Who are you willing to become?”
In other words, for the years before you’re “make it”, will you work on becoming that person who has “made it”?
One of the best ways to do this is to emulate. Find a couple of millionaires you admire and then make a list of the characteristics you respect about them. Then start to emulate those traits.
Ask yourself these types of questions…
What type of money management skills do I need to become a millionaire?
Then begin working to build them.
Ask yourself:
How must I think in order to become a millionaire?
Then begin thinking that way.
Ask yourself:
What kind of people do I need to associate with so I can achieve my goals faster?
Then strive to become a person those people will want to be around.
Ask yourself:
How do millionaires spend their time?
Then begin to lose the habit of wasting time.
Look, nobody can afford to underestimate the value and importance of the real reason to become a millionaire. The greatest value you will receive by becoming a millionaire is the person you have to become to make it in the first place. That is the greatest reward of your journey to success.
The point is you must go after your goals and dreams with a burning desire because you will begin to see a transformation in yourself. A greater self-confidence and belief in yourself will be the first of many rewards.
As Jack Canfield said, “You want to set goals that are high enough that in the process of achieving those goals, you become someone worth being.”
Be free. Nothing else is worth it.
P.S. Why aren’t you wealthy yet? It’s because of something you don’t know. Otherwise you’d already be rich! Isn’t it time to learn what you don’t know? Consider signing-up for my newsletter below, to help you build wealth faster.
P.S.S. Looking to make an overnight fortune? Don’t sign-up to receive my newsletter below. There’s no magic secret. Becoming financially free takes time and dedication. But learning professional-grade money skills can have a life changing effect. If you’re ready to put in the work and learn, I can show you how to achieve financial freedom faster than normal.
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Ready for more tips on how to achieve the free life? Check-out more articles from the blog archives below:
No, Magic Plans Never Create Magic Solutions. But They Do Have A Knack For Doing This…
No, Children Are Not Keeping You From Becoming Wealthy. The Real Thief Of Building Wealth Is…
Working For A Future You Won’t Participate In. Will You Feel A Little Bit Cheated? Live Fully Now.