T. Harv Eker has an engaging, simple writing style which makes Secrets of the Millionaire Mind a lot of fun to read.
Mr. Eker wastes no time by immediately challenging our “financial blueprints” as readers with questions like, “How did your parents handle money while you were growing up?” This question alone had me considering the types of jobs my parents had, along with their formal and informal educations, and their stance when it comes to learning something new. These blueprints are outlined by three different influences: verbal programming (what have we learned/are we telling ourselves about money that’s influencing how we spend it?), modeling (what are we trained to do when we think of these things?), and specific incidents (did a past experience shape how you view and use money?) What are your answers to these questions? How has it shaped your current financial habits?
Are you already making a good amount of money? Great! In this book is a story of a man earning $500K a year for seven years… but Eker thought this to be a bad thing. He was stagnant for years. The challenge given to this man was unlocking his full financial potential. This same man is now making millions each year simply because he changed his goals. My first thought was, “I don’t care to make millions of dollars. I’d be content with just X amount each year.” I’m trying to open my mind because of what’s in the rest of this book.
Eker then delves into “Wealth Files” which make up the rest of the book. There are 17 lessons paired with plenty of Action Reminders to get you into the habit of a millionaire mindset. One Action Reminder I’m currently practicing is ridding myself of powerless complaining. We all have complaints each day, but how often do we accept responsibility for them? I’m now making a more concerted effort to analyze my part in things that go wrong. After all, according to the first Wealth File, rich people create life instead of let it happen to them.
Being successful isn’t about luck. In the words of our favorite Gotham City politician, Harvey Dent, “I create my own luck.” Successful people play to win rather than “not lose” and that’s closely related to the popular quote by Norman Peale, author of The Power of Positive Thinking, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Successful people are committed to their cause and do the work to get there because they think big. They are bigger than the obstacles that present themselves.
In this book is yet another recommendation to spin up on marketing and sales. Guess what’s on my to-do list this holiday season? Did you know that Mr. Eker, like Mr. Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad Poor Dad), has made and lost a fortune? Both books advise the importance of the mind. The rich are bigger than their problems and think in a “both” mindset instead of “either/or.”
Wealth Files #16 and #17 were my favorite. #16: The rich act in spite of fear instead of letting it stop them. He added a brilliant comment: “If you are willing to do only what’s easy, life will be hard. But if you are willing to do what’s hard, life will be easy.” Anyone ever jump off a diving board into a pool or maybe even skydive? In both those instances, my fear never subsided before I jumped. I was afraid and I did it anyway. Ray Bradbury said it best, “First you jump of the cliff and build your wings on the way down.” This reiterates Eker’s mantra of “Be. Do. Have.” instead of “Have. Do. Be.” The rich don’t wait for money to do things with it- they do things that make them money.
Then the last Wealth File: The rich constantly learn and grow where as others think they already know. A coworker of mine did not believe in my goal for financial independence through real estate and thought doing it by 30 was absolutely impossible. It was such a foreign thought to him that he immediately dismissed it. It made me wonder: How many things have I shut my mind off to simply because I thought I knew it all? I agree with the message here; having an open mind and constantly learning will open yourself up to so many opportunities. Ben Franklin has a great comment on the matter, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
These authors have been on such an incredible journey and neither of them came from affluent families. Sure, some millionaires are mentored and groomed from day one, but I’m inspired every time I’m reminded that everyone in this world starts with the same amount of knowledge: None. It’s up to us to unlock our full potential.
Written by Sarah Pritch