Ever wonder how those Fortune 500 CEOs do it? How they make so much money, and how they keep themselves so God-damned motivated all of the time? Well, recently I came across a book entitled “How to Develop the Millionaire Mentality,” so of course I took a look, hoping to gain an insight into these hyperactive-neurotic specimens. The book says that all you have to do is focus your attention in the right direction, on the right idea and the success will follow. I was interested by it and decided to look further into the idea that there may actually be a “successful mentality.” Here is what I found in the numerous biographies and occupational psychology research I’ve read.
Working Hard
Ever since the beginning of time we homosapiens have been searching for the quick-fix solution, and who can blame us? If I had the opportunity to get rich quick, I would most certainly take it, and never look back. However, this attitude is in complete opposition to that of “the millionaire.” A lot of their financial success basically comes down to hard, consistent work over a long period of time (I give up already). This hard work along with the correct attitude is a vital part of the process, which brings me on to the next point.
Attitude
Success is more about attitude than aptitude. Some of these self-made millionaires are not even that bright. In fact, they even appear quite dim at times. However this interpretation was a mistake on my part. What I classified as stupidity was actually a complete fixation on a very specific goal, almost oblivious to everything else. Quite simply, they have a goal in mind, they think about nothing else, and do everything to achieve it. In this way, they do actually miss out on some parts of living, but it all depends on what you are willing to do in order to be “successful.”
Fear
Fear of the unknown or fear of failure keeps millions of people in jobs they hate, or even in unhappy relationships. Fortunately, a huge portion of this fear is imagined and totally illogical. Unfortunately many people do not realize this and continue living unhappy lives, settling for mediocrity when they can have greatness. According to psychologists, 50 – 60% of people’s worries are concerned with the future, focused on things that usually do not even happen. Another 20 – 30% is concentrated on the past, with the small remainder kept for actual problems. In the “millionaire mentality,” the way to overcome this fear is by taking action, instead of sitting around simply thinking and doing nothing. So yeah, get up off your ass and beat the shit out of the bully that is fear.
Perseverance
It is one of life’s little truths that the higher you set your goals, the more resistance you will encounter. Having the will to overcome all of these challenges on a long-term basis will enable you to reach your goals. This means that you have to learn to become proactive, and never procrastinate. You must develop the habit of never putting anything off. And that’s all it is really, a habit. You developed the habit over a period of time and with some work you can change a bad habit into a good one. At the beginning it will sting a little (especially the procrastination) but after a short period of time, you will develop the habit of doing things now instead of the eternal later. With a little perseverance these bad habits can become good.
Preparation & Confidence
Preparation will help you overcome the fears that come with your goals. This preparation will allow you to understand the problems you will encounter and show you exactly how to deal with them. Preparation will build your confidence, and confidence will give you greater pleasure in your undertakings. This confidence will then help you focus on your new progressively higher goals, and achieve the success you desire.
Remember “money is a terrible master but an excellent servant." – P.T. Barnum.
This is a guest post by Chris O’ Hara.
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