My undergraduate economics professor insightfully said: "There are three ways to get rich in America: 1) Be born Rich, 2) Be awfully lucky or very smart, 3) Marry rich." He went on to say: "For most of us, by far the easiest way is to "marry rich, and that's what I did!" Most of my enterprise students want to know how to get rich. After all, that's why some of them study business. In this country "bigger is better" and that includes bank accounts. Citizen want more of all things - especially money. Many authors have made tidy sums writing books about getting wealthy. It's a very popular subject.
The book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," (Robert Kiyosaki & Sharon Lechter, 2001) emphasizes knowledge, experience, and attitude. This data is beneficial and sound. The Rich Dad mindset touts investments before consumption. But we are a nation of consumers, and 70% of our Gnp is based on consumer spending, so spending money (often unnecessarily) is almost a national pastime.
Suzie Orman, internationally acclaimed financial advisor, has a Tv show (Cnbc) where she consistently emphasizes "financial responsibility." She believes that Americans (especially women) have a "totally dysfunctional" association with money (Time, Cnn, April 5, 2007).
What is the inexpressive to becoming rich? Well, if I knew I'd be there. And, the authors of "Money" magazine(s), books, newsletters, etc., can't tell you either. You see, wealth is as much a state of mind as anything. Like whatever else, it's all a matter of perspective. And, there is not a handy roadmap with clear directions to your wealth destination.
Is there a Science for Getting Rich?
In his book "The Science of Getting Rich" (2001 ed., orig. Pub. 1910 ) William Wattles tries to make a case for a "scientific" approach to becoming wealthy. His system is built upon "financial success through creative thought," and the interconnectedness of all elements in the universe, along with thoughts. The use of reasoning imagery and vision are cornerstones of the approach. The premise is that if the vision is strong adequate the universe will conspire to build a realization of the subject of the thought, i.e., $$$$. Wattle's book is claimed to be a precursor to the wildly popular "The Secret" (movie [2006], and book [2007]).
The inexpressive refers to the "Law of Attraction" which insists that you will attract what you think about most. Interestingly, a "down on his luck" lottery player earning about "0 a week" practiced this formula concentrating on money, and in 2007 won a Florida Lottery prize of million (Miami Herald, Aug. 8, 2007). Draw your own conclusions.
Luck, Hard Work, brain
Many Citizen think rich folk are smarter or work harder than the rest of us. And, often that's true. However, many of the hardest workers are not rich, and most of the smartest Citizen aren't either. So, what is the explanation? Obviously, the inexpressive to becoming rich does not depend so much on these attributes as it does on some other factor(s).
How about "luck"? Yes indeed, luck does seem to play a role. Choosing the "right" enterprise or career. Living in the "right" area at a fortuitous period. Taking advantage of a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. Or "falling" into a favorable situation. How many Citizen prospered from buying a home or other real estate during a good period? Were they omniscient, or particularly analytical? usually not. Although some of them recognized a trend and jumped on the bandwagon. However, probably an equal estimate didn't realize what was going on, or failed to get out before the situation reversed. Much of our wealth can often be attributed to "dumb luck" rather than astuteness.
Obviously, luck seems to play a role in good fortune, misfortune, or amassing a fortune.
Discipline
One of the more data-based studies of wealth involved surveying wealthy individuals. "The Millionaire Next Door" (Thomas Stanley & William Danko, 1996) captured attitudes and experiences of wealthy Citizen and found that most had accumulated their riches by being disciplined over the years. The old-fashioned attitudes of thrift, even frugality, spending less than you earn, and long-term goals were in clear evidence in the study.
Preparation
Of course, there is something to be said for preparation. Taking courses, studying, reading books, accumulating information, are all helpful. The old axiom "a fool and his money are soon parted" rings true. Unknowledgeable individuals will make uninformed decisions which have a higher probability of being poor ones. Study and try to come to be devotee in those areas which will enhance your probability of financial success.
Make Getting Rich a Priority
Napoleon Hill wrote what is maybe the most predominant of all wealth books. His "Think and Grow Rich" (pub. 1937) described "Laws of Success" along with such characteristics as: desire, faith, conquering your fears, and persistence. He recommends "self talk" to reinforce your motivation, attitudes, and commitments.
Just choosing that accumulating wealth is a top priority will help. Accumulating wealth is not necessarily dependent on development more money. Frequently, our investment and spending priorities are the choosing factors. Evaluating your life's priorities to determine what is personally most important is a significant step. Establishing a top priority necessarily means that other priorities will have to take a subordinate place. And your top priorities will consume most of your attention, time and energy. This may not be exactly what you want, after all. There are tradeoffs and family, personal life, and your desire to lead the so-called "balanced life" may suffer.
Goals, Focus, attempt
Perhaps a more direct, commonplace and business-like approach is called for. Citizen with goals are more likely to succeed. "Goal Theory" indicates that having specific, well-defined goals make us focus on outcomes, direct our energies, and growth our likelihood of attainment. Of policy merely wanting to be rich will not effect in our becoming wealthy. The goal(s) needs to be "specific," "measurable," "attainable," "realistic," and "timely." These Smart goals, as they are referred to, will significantly enhance your odds.
Most Citizen do not have very definite financial goals. As a result, they are beyond doubt distracted from their normal objective of "getting rich." Also many individuals do not have measurable goals. They have not decided on what wealth beyond doubt means to them, and how they will portion it. A uncomplicated "net worth" statement, calculating the discrepancy between assets and liabilities should suffice. In order to attain a goal it needs to be reasonably within your reach. There are many millionaires-- nearby 1% of the Citizen (New York Post, June 25, 2008) so attaining that goal seems fairly realistic.
Finally, timeliness includes developing "benchmarks," interim steps and periodically assessing your results. Attaching dates to these interim goals will help you accomplish your greatest goal. And you need adequate time. If you're eighty years old with ,000 in total assets your goal is to collect million by the time you're eighty-five, although it may be definite and measurable, your goal is not realistic, attainable and Timely. On the other hand, if you're twenty-five and have the million dollars net worth goal you have plenty of time, and opportunities to realistically attain it providing you apply the Smart principles.
Getting Rich the Smart way
Maybe getting rich is not so mysterious and elusive after all. It doesn't want having the "right" relatives, super-intelligence, amazing luck, or "marrying rich!" It may not even want esoteric, mystical or sacrificial approaches or techniques. maybe it's just like any other goal or ambition. What we must do is apply ourselves, and focus on developing a Smart goal. Then comes the significant part, looking the discipline, vigor and focus to attain the Smart goal.
