Swimming in cash from your backyard money tree at your lavish estate? Then this message is not for you. Close the tab. Move on. Until next time.
Alright, for those who are still with me, I empathize with your situation of not being wealthy yet. But don’t panic. Keep calm. The more you engage with my content, the sooner you can stop needing to read what I write.
Let’s dive into the matter: There are three categories of individuals in relation to finances. Your goal in reading this is to identify which category you belong to and make any necessary changes.
The categories are…
1. Individuals who claim money is insignificant and deride the financial world.
I wouldn’t go as far as to label these individuals as outright fools, but they come pretty close. Perhaps “foolish” fits better.
They’re definitely struggling financially. And they’re likely not the ones perusing this article, so let’s not waste our breath trying to enlighten them just now. There’s little hope for them anyway. Those with such a mindset tend to be quite stubborn. They believe they’re superior to others when, in reality, they are merely afraid to take ownership of their lives and confront the full spectrum of reality.
2. Individuals who express a desire for financial independence and genuinely mean it.
As long as money isn’t the center of your existence? Bravo. You possess wisdom. And you’re unique. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll soon reach your goals.
3. Individuals who express a desire for success and believe they mean it—but don’t genuinely do so.
You, my friend, belong to the majority. The encouraging news is that you’re likely not alone. The troubling news is that you’re surrounded by ignorance.
But fear not! I am here to liberate you from your chains of unawareness with my blazing sword of truth that I carry around for scenarios just like this! This post is aimed at you.
I can anticipate your thoughts. You must be thinking, How do I determine if I fit into category #3? I’m glad I anticipated your question. I’ll do my best to keep this straightforward.
If you find yourself in a financially precarious situation (which could range from being heavily in debt to lacking at least six months of living expenses saved) while concurrently engaging in any of the following actions, you’re a #3…
• Watching television more than two hours per week (the typical American indulges in five hours a day)
• Working less than 10-12 hours daily
Does that sound like a lot? Look up “who pioneered the 8 hour workday?” I’ll give you a hint: His political leanings rhyme with “shmommunist.”
People have been working 12+ hour days since the dawn of civilization—often closer to 16 hours. I’m currently reading a biography of Billy Graham, who, as a child, would wake at 2:30 a.m., tend to the cows, complete various chores, attend school, return home to do more chores, do homework, and hit the sack at 10 p.m. And this wasn’t even the stone age; it took place in the 1930s.
• Working fewer than six days a week
• Reading/studying less than 2-4 hours daily for perpetuity until your financial situation improves.
Wait…reading?!? You think I have time to read??? You don’t understand my circumstances, Preston. I have kids, a job, I’ve… Let me interrupt you right there. You’re most definitely a #3. Extra large.
• Engaging in consumer shopping ever
• Checking Facebook/Twitter/Instagram more than once at night after a long, productive day of meaningful work and progress (the average American spends over two hours daily on their cell phone’s apps and Internet)
The reality is nearly everyone says they aspire to improve their lives, and almost everyone genuinely believes they’re doing all they can to achieve it… but they aren’t. They’re deceiving themselves. You’re not on Facebook every five seconds out of enjoyment. You’re scrolling through it every five seconds to escape from reality.
In truth, nine times out of ten (with rare exceptions), you have exactly what you desire. You’re comfortable where you are. You fear change. You aren’t prepared to make the sacrifices that freedom demands. You prioritize comfort over growth and success. You profess the desire for transformation, and you undertake what appears to be honorable efforts, but ultimately? You’re not dedicated. You don’t genuinely want it. Because I assure you this with all my conviction: Those who truly want something achieve it. Nothing stands in their way.
What’s your level of commitment? Commitment means nothing without taking action—not just any action, but MASSIVE action. Sure, you may want it superficially. But not sufficiently. You don’t want it to the degree required to actually attain it.
You need to crave it like a UFC fighter desires that championship belt. Like an NFL athlete yearns for that Super Bowl ring. Like an Olympic synchronized swimmer aspires for that gold medal. Do you have any idea how intensely those synchronized swimmers crave that gold medal? Neither do I, but it’s likely far beyond your desire for financial freedom!
Am I implying your life must be devoid of fun? Yes. That’s precisely what I’m saying. Until your financial situation is stabilized to at least a normal level. After that, you can start to ease off. We need downtime and relaxation for our mental health. But our bodies can withstand six months with very little of it. And that’s all you might require to kickstart your journey.
You’re capable of achieving it. So go ahead and do it. Stop the procrastination.
