17 Ways Rich People Think & Act Differently

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth

"Rich men have dreams. Poor men die to make them come true."

Introduction

There's a common saying that the rich get richer while the poor get poorer. While this may not always be the case, it is undeniable that there are certain habits and behaviors that set the wealthy apart from the rest of society. In fact, there are distinct ways in which rich people think and act that contribute to their financial success.

In this article, we'll explore 17 ways in which rich people think and act differently. These include prioritizing education, valuing time over money, and surrounding themselves with other successful individuals. By understanding and adopting these habits and behaviors, it's possible to increase your own chances of financial success and create a life of abundance and opportunity.

Your Money Blueprint

Computers run on logic and rules. Likewise, we make decisions based on what we believe is sensible at that point in time, based on the “files”, beliefs or logic in our minds.

Eker identifies 17 ways in which rich people think and act differently from the poor or middle-class. To develop a millionaire mind, we can consciously catch ourselves when we are using “poverty files” and switch to alternative “wealth files”.

#1: Rich people believe “I create my life”. Poor people believe “Life happens to me”

This wealth file is about taking ownership of your life and accepting responsibility for your actions and outcomes. Rich people believe that they have the power to shape their lives through their choices and actions.

They don't blame external factors like luck, circumstances, or other people for their failures or successes. In contrast, poor people tend to see themselves as victims of their circumstances and believe that their lives are controlled by external forces.

#2: Rich people play the money game to win. Poor people play the money game to not lose

This wealth file is about the mindset towards money. Rich people view money as a tool that can be used to create more opportunities and options in life. They see money as a means to an end, not an end in itself. 

Poor people, on the other hand, view money as a scarce resource that needs to be conserved and saved. They tend to focus on not losing what they have instead of seeking to gain more.

#3: Rich people are committed to being rich. Poor people want to be rich

This wealth file is about the level of commitment towards achieving financial success. Rich people are willing to make sacrifices and invest time, money, and effort into creating wealth. They have a strong desire and dedication to achieving their financial goals. 

Poor people may have a desire to be rich, but they lack the commitment and willingness to take the necessary actions to achieve it.

#4: Rich people think big. Poor people think small

This wealth file is about the mindset towards goals and aspirations. Rich people have big dreams and set ambitious goals for themselves. They are not limited by their current circumstances and believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. 

Poor people tend to set small goals that are within their comfort zone and are often limited by their beliefs about what is possible.

#5: Rich people focus on opportunities. Poor people focus on obstacles

This wealth file is about the mindset towards challenges and problems. Rich people see obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. They focus on finding solutions and ways to overcome challenges. 

Poor people tend to focus on the problems and barriers that stand in their way, which can limit their ability to find solutions and take action.

#6: Rich people admire other rich & successful people. Poor people resent rich & successful people

This wealth file is about the mindset towards wealth and success. Rich people admire and seek to learn from other successful people. They see successful people as role models and sources of inspiration. 

Poor people, on the other hand, often resent and criticize successful people, viewing them as greedy or lucky, and may even avoid associating with them.

#7: Rich people associate with positive, successful people. Poor people associate with negative or unsuccessful people

This wealth file is about the company you keep. Rich people surround themselves with positive, successful people who can inspire and support them in their goals. They understand the importance of networking and building relationships with people who can help them achieve their goals. 

Poor people often associate with negative or unsuccessful people, which can limit their ability to grow and learn from others.

#8: Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value. Poor people think negatively about selling and promotion

This wealth file is about the mindset towards self-promotion and marketing. Rich people understand the importance of promoting themselves and their value in order to create opportunities and attract wealth. 

They are not afraid to market themselves and their ideas. Poor people may have negative beliefs about marketing and selling, which can limit their ability to create opportunities and attract wealth.

#9: Rich people are bigger than their problems. Poor people are smaller than their problems

This statement is a reflection of mindset. Successful people tend to have a growth mindset, meaning they see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. They don't let obstacles stop them, but instead, they find ways to overcome them. 

On the other hand, people with a fixed mindset tend to see challenges as insurmountable obstacles that they cannot overcome. They may feel overwhelmed by problems and give up easily.

#10: Rich people are excellent receivers. Poor people are poor receivers

Successful people understand the importance of networking and building relationships. They are open to new ideas and perspectives, and they are always looking for ways to improve themselves and their businesses. 

They actively seek out opportunities to learn and grow, and they are not afraid to ask for help when they need it. In contrast, people who struggle financially may be more closed-minded, resistant to change, and reluctant to seek assistance.

#11: Rich people choose to get paid based on results. Poor people choose to get paid based on time

Successful people tend to be focused on results rather than effort. They understand that the value they provide to others is what ultimately determines their income. Therefore, they are always looking for ways to increase their value and deliver better results. 

People who struggle financially, on the other hand, may be more focused on putting in the hours and collecting a paycheck, rather than creating value and delivering results.

#12: Rich people think “both”. Poor people think “either/ or.”

Successful people tend to be more open-minded and see the world in shades of gray rather than black and white. They understand that there are often multiple solutions to a problem and are willing to consider different perspectives.

People who struggle financially may be more rigid in their thinking and tend to see things as either right or wrong, good or bad, without considering other possibilities.

#13: Rich people focus on their net worth. Poor people focus on their working income

Successful people tend to focus on building long-term wealth rather than short-term income. They understand the importance of investing and building assets that will generate passive income over time. 

People who struggle financially may be more focused on their immediate needs and may not be thinking about their long-term financial future.

#14: Rich people manage their money well. Poor people mismanage their money well

Successful people tend to be more disciplined and intentional with their money. They create budgets, track their spending, and make informed decisions about how to allocate their resources. 

People who struggle financially may be more impulsive with their spending and may not have a clear understanding of where their money is going.

#15: Rich people have their money to work hard for them. Poor people work hard for their money

Successful people understand the importance of leveraging their resources to create passive income streams. They invest in assets that generate income without requiring their constant attention. 

In contrast, people who struggle financially may be more focused on earning money through their own labor and may not be thinking about how to create passive income streams.

#16: Rich people act in spite of fear. Poor people let fear stop them

Successful people tend to be more resilient and persistent in the face of obstacles. They understand that fear is a natural part of the process of growth and are willing to take risks to achieve their goals. 

People who struggle financially may be more risk-averse and may let fear hold them back from pursuing opportunities.

#17: Rich people constantly learn and grow. Poor people think they already know

Successful people tend to be lifelong learners. They are always seeking out new information, skills, and experiences that will help them grow and improve. 

They understand that there is always more to learn and that no one has all the answers. People who struggle financially may be more closed.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, rich people think and act differently than the average person in various ways. They tend to have a positive mindset, take calculated risks, invest in themselves, and prioritize their goals. They also surround themselves with like-minded individuals, constantly seek new opportunities, and understand the importance of delayed gratification. 

Additionally, they are not afraid of failure, are resilient, and make strategic financial decisions. Ultimately, adopting some of these habits and mindsets can help individuals achieve financial success and reach their goals.