What IS the difference between millionaires and you?
A lot of people think hustling is the best way to get wealthy.
But in my experience, this is simply not true.
Of course, you need to take massive action. And the more action you take, the more likely you are to make a lot of money.
But there’s something that matters more than your hunger…
Your drive…
And how hard you’re willing to work.
That thing is your “money mindset” (or your beliefs around your ability to become rich).
Henry Ford once said, “Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right.”
This is true when it comes to closing deals, winning at sports, staying in shape, and yes…
It’s true when it comes to creating wealth too. Case in point:
When a team of researchers surveyed over 10,000 millionaires about their attitudes toward money, they discovered something fascinating.
97% of those surveyed said they had always believed they could become a millionaire.
They felt it in their bones that they had what it takes to get rich.
But what really sets these people apart?
These millionaires did NOT believe their wealth was determined by their education…
Heritage…
Upbringing…
Inheritance (or lack of)…
And so on.
Instead, they believed they were in total control of how rich they became.
Which is probably why they became millionaires.
And goes to show why you must adopt the right money mindset if you want to get wealthy.
But how do you know if your money mindset is positive or negative?
A negative money mindset can rear its head in many ugly forms.
And the “symptoms” you display will likely be very different from your friends’, co-workers’, and family members’ symptoms.
However…
The result is almost always the same: if you have a negative mindset, you will never create the wealth you desire.
This is why you must spot the signs of a toxic money mindset BEFORE you hustle yourself to the bone…
Only to let your mindset steal your wealth.
Here are some common money beliefs that can sabotage your success:
#1 The saver – “My money will run out”
You’ll know you’re a saver if you’ve ever worried about your money running out… or if you feel compelled to save for a rainy day.
A lot of people think saving for the future is a good thing.
And sure…
You want to have assets you can draw on when an emergency hits. But here’s the problem with the saver mindset:
If you save all your money, you’ll miss out on opportunities to expand your wealth. So you will never get rich.
Not only that…
Year after year, inflation will chip away at your money – until your cash in the bank is worth far less than you thought.
#2 The indifferent – “Money won’t make me happy”
I’m always skeptical when I hear people say, “I don’t care about money”. Why?
Because money gives us choices.
And choices give us freedom.
And who wouldn’t want to create more freedom for themselves? It’s why I believe something sinister lies behind people’s indifference to money.
And that something is a belief that money won’t make you happy.
Think about it…
If, deep down, you believe that rich people are not happy – you will not make the necessary sacrifices to make more money…
And you will not strive to get rich.
Instead, you’ll likely rest on your laurels, telling yourself, “I’m happy with my lot.” Which is guaranteed to keep you poor.
#3 The overspender – “Spending money will make me happy”
On the opposite end of the money mindset spectrum, lies the belief that money holds the key to your happiness.
People who believe this are more likely to overspend, over-give, and over-donate. So, no matter how hard they work…
Money comes in.
And the money goes out.
And they never build lasting wealth.
There’s a scientific reason why overspenders do this.
Research shows when you spend money on material possessions like shoes, handbags, watches, and so on…
Or when you’re generous to others…
Your brain releases endorphins and dopamine (or happy chemicals).
For some, this pleasure can become addictive. And for others, it can become a way of regulating negative emotions…
And triggering temporary feelings of joy.
The result? A permanently empty wallet.
#4 The repeller – “Money is the root of all evil”
We’re often told that money is the root of all evil. And if you hear these words often – they stick like glue (whether we realize it or not).
This is why many people grow up to accidentally repel money.
Because let’s face it…
People do not want to be evil.
And if people do not want to be evil…
It makes sense that they will make choices to keep the devil at bay (like not making a lot of money).
#5 The unworthy – “I don’t deserve money”
Years ago, I used to suffer from feelings of unworthiness when it came to money.
It’s why I used to conceal the diamond engagement ring Grant bought for me. Because I didn’t feel worthy of valuable things.
When people feel unworthy of money, two things can happen:
First, you might accidentally build a glass ceiling for yourself…
A glass ceiling that stops you from ever earning more than, say, $40,000 per year.
So, no matter how hard you try, you will never make more money than that.
Because you’ll sabotage yourself the minute you look set to bust through your income ceiling.
Second, you might give away your money to people or causes that you feel are MORE worthy than you.
Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing…
Unless you’re giving away so much money that you leave nothing in the bank for yourself.
(Which often happens if you don’t believe you’re worthy of money).
These beliefs are the difference between millionaires and you.
I could go on and on about all the ways you could accidentally block yourself from getting rich.
But the key point is this…
If you want to create enduring wealth, you must eliminate negative money beliefs.
And you must replace them with positive ones BEFORE you start hustling to get wealthy.
Here’s how to remedy the difference between millionaires and you:
Step 1 – Take responsibility for your financial situation
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that money problems don’t “just happen”.
Sure, you might live through an economic crisis.
You might get sick.
Or your bank might collapse unexpectedly.
It’s rare to go through life without experiencing some form of financial shock. But here’s the thing…
Financial shocks are not the problem.
It’s how you react to these shocks that will determine if you keep your money or lose it.
So – no matter what’s going on in the outside world – you must take responsibility for your financial situation.
Step 2 – Put money policies in place
The next step after you’ve accepted responsibility for your financial situation, is to reflect on your past mistakes with money…
Spot the red flags you missed…
And the opportunities you failed to seize.
Then, put in place policies that will prevent you from making the same mistakes again.
This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes. It goes:
“You can never make the same mistake twice. Because the second time it’s not a mistake… it’s a choice.”
Step 3 – Don’t place so much meaning on money
Often, people attach a lot of meaning to money.
Whether it’s social status…
Worthiness…
Intelligence…
Success…
And so on…
People often place too much importance on money for money’s sake. When the fact of the matter is…
Money is meaningless.
Money is simply pieces of paper that symbolize an exchange of time, energy, and resources.
It’s worthless until you’ve invested it in an asset. And money does nothing to prove you’re a good person.
But here’s what money can do for you: it can give you freedom and security if you put it to work in your empire.
So, don’t see money as a sign that says, “I’ve made it.” Instead, harness money for all the doors it can open for you.
Step 4 – Get in front of the right people
Grant always says the secret to getting wealthy is asking yourself, “Who’s got my money?”…
“What do they want?”…
And “How do I get in front of them?”
The answer to these questions will become your business plan, your marketing strategy, and your sales pitch.
They’re the basis for how you’ll get known by the right people…
People who will exchange their money for the value you bring them.
And how you can create unlimited opportunities to build wealth.
With all that said, I’d love to know how you rate your current money mindset. Do you have a positive money mindset?
Or have you spotted some growth opportunities?
Comment and let me know.
Build an empire,
Elena Cardone
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