The Rich vs Poor Mindset: How to Break Free from Traditional Thinking
Many of us were brought up with the traditional idea of going to school, getting a job, working hard, saving money, getting out of debt, and investing in the long-term in the stock market. While this may have been a sound plan in the past, it is no longer a viable option. With trillions of dollars being printed and a massive gap between the 1% and 99%, it is clear that we need to take a step back and examine our thinking. In this article, we will explore the rich vs poor mindset and why embracing entrepreneurship is key to financial freedom.
According to Robert Kiyosaki, the author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” every one of us has a poor person, a middle-class person, and a rich person inside. The middle-class person desires security and a steady paycheck, while the poor person is always worried about money. On the other hand, the rich person has a different mindset. They are willing to take risks, embrace change, and create new opportunities.
The Problem with the Paycheck
Kiyosaki’s rich dad refused to pay him, arguing that a paycheck is one of the most damaging things you can take in your life. He believed that the moment you accept a paycheck, you become an employee and adopt an employee mindset. As an entrepreneur, Kiyosaki never relied on a paycheck, and this mentality drove his poor dad, a government employee, crazy. While Kiyosaki’s rich dad was not against the idea of a paycheck, he did not want to be a slave to money. He believed that an entrepreneur should always be willing to try new things and be open to failure.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurship is not just about running a business; it is a mindset, skill set, and set of rules. Depending on whether you are an employee or a small business owner, the rules, mindsets, and skill sets are different. The entrepreneur is always hungry, always looking for new opportunities, and always willing to take risks. If you are thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, Kiyosaki suggests that you embrace failure and be willing to take the leap of faith.
The Benefit of Becoming an Entrepreneur
When Kiyosaki became an entrepreneur, he had no money for years. However, his rich dad encouraged him to take the risk and become an entrepreneur. The benefit of becoming an entrepreneur is that you find out who you are when you don’t have anything. Kiyosaki believes that when you don’t have a paycheck, you become hungrier and smarter, and it is a test of your character. Will you become a crook, a dishonest person, or a better human being? The choice is yours.
Preparing for the Future
Kiyosaki stresses the importance of looking at the bigger picture and preparing for the future. Too many people focus on what will happen to them, rather than looking at the bigger picture. When something bad happens, something good will follow, but you have to prepare for whatever is coming. If you think the next 20 years will be like the last 20 years, you are mistaken. The world is changing, and we need to change with it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the traditional idea of going to school, getting a job, and saving for the long-term is no longer a viable option. We live in a fast-paced world that demands adaptability and a willingness to constantly learn new skills. The gig economy has provided people with more opportunities to work and earn a living in non-traditional ways.
