Why Should I Get Rich? Article originally from January 20th’s 2017 FPC Weekly Newsletter
Why Should I Get Rich?
It fascinates me how we’re taught from a young age the importance of going to school and getting a proper education so we can earn a good living. We take our parents advice and follow through year after year, studying hard the curriculum outlined for us by those who apparently know which courses best to advance our path to the “Good Life”.
As a young man I recall that making money was part of the equation that led to the good life and this seemed to be pretty much agreeable from those who mentored me. It became apparent early on in my studies that although money was part of the equation, it wasn’t part of the curriculum.
It seems we have all been led to believe that becoming well versed in a given trade or occupation would somehow be sufficient in fulfilling the missing gaps on the understanding of money, its value, functions and ability to work for us.
Then the let-down. As I entered the working world, I realized I had absolutely no understanding of money…and neither did my parents, my teachers or my friends. And because of this, very few of my colleagues and friends earned significant income. Over time, the definition of the good life began to change. More often I would here “It’s not about the money. Success just isn’t about that”. What happened to “go to school so you can earn a good living”?
I’ll tell you what happened. Those around me found that earning the kind of money they once dreamed of eluded them. They couldn’t understand it and became frustrated and angry. They teamed up with others that were struggling and dove into conversations that would justify their position and concluded that money was evil. Those who focused on becoming rich were selfish, greedy and thought only of themselves.
Take heed to this. Most of the advice we get about money is from people close to us that either don’t have money or have given up on it. Getting rich has become taboo in our society. That is unless you redistribute your wealth to those who are complaining.
Here’s what this type of thinking has led to. Although America is one of the richest countries in the world, 76% of people live paycheck to paycheck, nearly 50% of Americans have no money for retirement and 47% of Americans don’t have the ability to meet a $400 emergency.
How can any of these people help those in need? How can America prosper with a mind-set that becoming wealthy represents evil? Who is giving the big bucks to all the organizations representing those in need? Is it the 76% of those living paycheck to paycheck?
Stepping out of middle class and earning significant wealth isn’t just about you. Living paycheck to paycheck invalidates your abilities. The middle-class life is a compromise and it’s selfish. When you compromise your finances, you become unable to help others because you are struggling to simply take care of yourself.
Becoming wealthy is a decision. You have to decide, find purpose in it and then reinforce that decision over and over again. Over 80% of all millionaires today are self-made or first generation. Daddy didn’t hand it down to them.
Those who complain about money the most are the most broke. If you want to become financially free and help those around you, quit complaining and making excuses and drop the entitlement thing. Most of all…show up for the game.
Next game is our winter quarterly February 10th and 11th. See you there.