Everyone talks wealth. Few know how to build it.
Play the game, or get played. Ready to learn the moves?
The journey to financial freedom? It’s not some hidden treasure map—it’s a blueprint built on strategy, discipline, and knowledge. I’ll break down the 7 lessons for building wealth. Lessons that rewrote my financial story—the ones I wish someone had put me on to years ago..
1. Discover Your “Golden Circle
Your “Golden Circle” is your personal “why”—the deeper reason driving you toward financial freedom. Many people climb corporate ladders or chase money without knowing why they’re doing it. That’s a recipe for burnout and disappointment.
For me, my parents’ sacrifices to give us a better life became my “why.” Their selflessness pushed me to build something meaningful for my family. Take a moment to think: Why do you want financial freedom? Is it to support your loved ones, escape financial stress, or live life on your terms? When you identify this, it becomes your anchor, keeping you motivated even when things get tough.
Write down your “Golden Circle.” Define your “what,” “how,” and most importantly, your “why.” Place it somewhere visible as a daily reminder.
2. Stop Being a Cog in Someone Else’s Machine
At every job, no matter how good it seems, you’re replaceable. This harsh reality hit me when a friendly coworker disappeared, and nothing changed. Businesses are built to benefit their owners, not their employees.
To break free, you need to build your own machine—a business or side hustle that generates income for you, not someone else. It’s not an easy path, but it’s the only way to truly own your time and wealth.
Start brainstorming what kind of “machine” you want to build. Whether it’s a side hustle, investment portfolio, or business, commit to taking the first step today.
3. Choose the Right Business Idea with the Hedgehog Concept
Many people fail because they chase trends or pick ideas that don’t align with their strengths and interests. The Hedgehog Concept helps you focus. Draw three circles:
- What you enjoy
- What you’re good at
- What people want and will pay for.
Where these circles overlap is your sweet spot. For me, it was combining my love for teaching, my financial knowledge, and the widespread need for financial literacy.
Use the Hedgehog Concept to map out potential ideas. Narrow it down to one you’re excited to explore.
4. Build the Skills Schools Didn’t Teach You
Our education system teaches us to be great employees, not wealth builders. To change that, you need to learn skills like investing, budgeting, and running a business—things that school often skips.
Podcasts, books, and online courses became my lifeline. I immersed myself in content like The Lean Startup and How I Built This, surrounding myself with the mindset of success.
Dedicate 30 minutes daily to consuming educational content that aligns with your goals.
5. Ideas Alone Don’t Build Wealth—Action Does
A great idea without action is worthless. Too many people dream about starting something but never take the first step. On the flip side, spreading yourself too thin by trying everything is just as bad.
Focus on one idea and give it your all. Small, consistent steps compound into big results over time. Remember, progress beats perfection.
Choose one idea and commit to making measurable progress this week.
6. Invest Time or Money—There’s No Free Pass
Building wealth requires a trade-off. You either invest time, money, or both. If you’re short on time, hire help or use tools to free yourself up. If you’re short on money, dedicate extra time to learning and executing.
Books like The Almanac of Naval Ravikant and Who Not How taught me the value of outsourcing. Spending a little money to save a lot of time often accelerates your growth.
Identify one task you can outsource or streamline this week to save time.
7. Play the Long Game
Financial freedom doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of small, consistent actions taken daily over years. Whether it’s dedicating 10 minutes a day to your side hustle or reading a chapter of a book, every step adds up.
You won’t see immediate results, but don’t let that discourage you. Keep showing up, and over time, your efforts will compound into something incredible.
Schedule daily blocks of time for your goals, no matter how small. Stay consistent.
Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now
Financial freedom isn’t reserved for a lucky few—it’s achievable for anyone willing to take focused, intentional action. Start by finding your “why,” learning the skills schools didn’t teach, and committing to daily progress. Five years from now, you’ll thank yourself for starting today.
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