Development

Robin Sharma, "Wealth Money Can't Buy: 8 Secret Habits for a Rich Life": an excerpt from the new book

Robin Sharma, "Wealth Money Can't Buy: 8 Secret Habits for a Rich Life": an excerpt from the new book

Practical course: "Personal finance: investments and trading"

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Introduction

Money plays an important role in our lives. It is necessary to pay for housing, food, hobbies and education, as well as for many other needs. When you have enough money in your wallet and bank account, you feel free, because you can devote time to what you really enjoy. Money is certainly an important part of a fulfilling life, but it's not the only aspect. It's important to remember that true wealth lies not only in material possessions, but also in quality relationships, experiences, and personal development. Financial well-being is just one of eight key components of a fulfilling and fulfilling life. For nearly thirty years, I've coached clients, including billionaires, show business and professional sports stars, and opinion leaders. I noticed that many of them had nothing beyond material possessions. Despite surrounding themselves with luxury, their lives remained impoverished emotionally and spiritually. This experience confirms that true wealth lies not only in money, but also in harmony, happiness, and personal development.

To achieve success and ensure a rich life in all its manifestations, you need to master eight key forms of wealth.

Image: Robin Sharma / Wealth That Money Can't Buy. 8 Secret Habits for a Rich Life. ACT, 2024

The Eight Forms of Wealth model is based on eight hidden habits that are not often talked about, but which can be key to achieving success. Mastering these habits will help anyone improve their life and achieve financial well-being.

  • Growth. The habit of developing every day. People are happiest and truly wealthy when they discover their natural talents and develop skills day after day. Constant growth is your most important asset.
  • Health. The habit of taking care of yourself. Excellent mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is a key element of a rich and happy life.
  • Family. The habit of building strong connections with loved ones. Wealth and material goods will not bring you happiness if you are alone. Therefore, strengthen your connections with those dear to your heart. Surround yourself with true friends who will make you much happier.
  • Mastery. The habit of perceiving your work as a movement towards a noble goal. Consider what you do not only as an opportunity to fully demonstrate your genius, but also as a way to make the world a better place. Mastery is something worth investing in.
  • Money. The habit of abundance. Contrary to popular belief, material well-being is not evil. It is a way to make your life generous, free and exciting.
  • Environment. The habit of associating with the right people. This habit is based on a scientific fact: a person’s thinking, emotions and actions are significantly influenced by other people. Therefore, gather wonderful people around you, and your life will be transformed.
  • Adventure. The habit of enjoying knowledge, not possessions. It's not material possessions that make us truly happy, but the magical moments when we do something that fills us with gratitude, admiration, and awe. Discover new things, do what inspires you, and your days will be filled with delight and wonder.
  • Service. The habit of being useful. It has long been known that one of the greatest goals is to change the lives of others for the better. By dedicating yourself to an important cause, you will not only find your higher self, but also make this world a kinder place. You will discover treasures far greater than money, things, and social status can bring.

The First Form of Wealth. Growth. The Habit of Developing Every Day

True wealth is within us, and it is in this inner world that we find our true refuge. Understanding this fact can change our perception of life and help us achieve inner peace and harmony. By exploring our thoughts and feelings, we can discover limitless resources that will help us overcome difficulties and achieve goals. It's important to remember that true wealth is not measured by material possessions, but lies in our inner state and our ability to find joy and satisfaction in simple things.

Rumi is a preeminent 13th-century Persian poet, philosopher, and mystic whose works continue to inspire people around the world. His work covers themes of love, spirituality, and human relationships. Rumi teaches us to seek the truth within ourselves, overcoming barriers and stereotypes. His famous poetry and prose, such as the Masnavi and Divan-e Shamsi, immerse the reader in a world of deep wisdom and emotional power. By exploring Rumi's ideas, we can find answers to important life questions, developing our spirituality and enriching our inner world. Rumi's poetry remains relevant in today's society, inspiring us to find harmony and understanding in our inner and outer worlds.

Have you ever wondered how your individuality was shaped? What factors and events led to you becoming the person you are today? Each of us is unique, and behind this there are many factors that influence our perception, behavior, and thinking.

The Principle of Five is an effective tool for achieving results. It is based on the idea that to successfully complete a task or achieve a goal, you need to focus on five key aspects. This method helps optimize the process, improve productivity, and achieve the desired result more effectively. Applying the Principle of Five can be beneficial in various areas of life, including work, education, and personal development. Use this approach to maximize your potential and achieve success.

Are you interested in understanding your beliefs, habits, and behavior? All of these are shaped by five core forces. By understanding them, you will be able to better understand how they influence your life and the decisions you make. Understanding these forces will help you make changes to your habits and behavior, which in turn can lead to a more harmonious and successful life.

Parents play a key role in shaping their children's worldview and beliefs. Despite their sincere intentions and desire to raise you well, they may also transmit false beliefs. These beliefs are often based on their own parents' experiences. If your parents faced financial difficulties and had a negative attitude toward money, you likely inherited their views. Children subconsciously absorb the thoughts and behaviors of those around them, especially those who raise them. If your parents viewed life as difficult and the people around them as unkind, you may have accepted these beliefs as a given. As a result, the negative beliefs you learned in childhood can become part of your reality, influencing your perception of life and your ability to control your destiny. Understanding these mechanisms can help you change your beliefs and achieve financial well-being. Our environment plays a key role in our well-being and emotional state. Our lives change noticeably when we allow mediocrity into them, whether it's violence on television, toxic news on social media, or the superficial messages of bloggers. This information pollution can cause you to lose interest in life and creativity, and your days to become monotonous and gloomy. It is equally important to remember that the environment in which we grow up significantly influences our behavior and perception of the world. Creating a positive information space and consciously choosing content can help improve your quality of life and promote personal development.

Society has a significant impact on your perception of the world. The social environment in your country, whether it is a state of war or prosperity, unrest or stability, shapes your understanding of the opportunities and goals you can achieve. These factors create the context for your ambitions and visions of the future. It is important to be aware of how your environment influences your thoughts and actions, which can help you better adapt to the current situation and take advantage of existing opportunities.

Environment plays a key role in shaping our state of mind and behavior. Pay attention to the people you spend time with: they can hint at your inner feelings and actions. Your social circle reflects not only your financial situation but also your lifestyle. Associating with emotionally unstable or chaotic individuals can negatively impact your well-being and life circumstances. The choice of environment directly affects your life and can be a decisive factor in achieving harmony and success.

Still: film "The Great Gatsby" / Warner Bros.

The information field surrounds us everywhere. Every day, we are exposed to a vast amount of information from various sources: advertising for products and services, advice from bloggers and influencers, and recommendations on how to adapt to societal standards. All these factors gradually shape our perception of ourselves and the world around us. They affect our ability to see opportunities, take risks, and strive for growth. It's important to recognize how this information influences our thinking and behavior in order to more effectively manage our life path.

The Principle of Five reveals how you were formed as a person. We recommend reflecting on this and discussing it with a loved one or meditating alone. The more deeply you understand the factors that influenced your development, the better you will understand yourself. This understanding will help you make more informed decisions that will contribute to your success.

The Fifth Form of Wealth. Money. The Habit of Abundance

Wealth management is the key to freedom. When we control our financial resources, we gain independence and the ability to make conscious decisions. Otherwise, if money begins to control our lives, we become dependent and lose our financial freedom. It is important to learn how to manage your funds wisely, not only to ensure a comfortable existence but also to develop your personal and financial potential. Wealth management is the path to true freedom and well-being.

Rumi is an outstanding Persian poet, thinker, and Sufi mystic of the 13th century. His works are imbued with profound philosophical reflections on love, spirituality, and human existence. Rumi is considered one of the greatest poets of all time, and his works continue to inspire people around the world. His renowned poetry and prose explore themes of unity, divine love, and inner enlightenment, making them relevant today. Rumi's teachings on love and self-knowledge resonate with many, and his works are read not only in their native tongue but also translated into numerous other languages, making them accessible to a wide audience. Rumi left a significant legacy that continues to influence literature, philosophy, and spiritual practices. Nearly all the wealthy people I spoke with exercise regularly and pay attention to their physical fitness. They exercise almost every morning, take active walks, and prefer to hold "standing meetings." These people invest in high-quality exercise equipment and often use the services of personal trainers, massage therapists, and nutritionists. They understand that good health is a key factor in achieving financial success.

Many of my students actively practice meditation, monitor the quality of their sleep, engage in exercise, regularly visit the sauna, spend time outdoors, and use longevity clinics. If you want to live a full and fulfilling life, it is essential to pay attention to your health and well-being.

You may wonder when these people find time for work. They adhere to the principles of minimalism, giving up many activities in order to achieve the highest mastery in a few key areas. These people are focused on what really matters to them. They understand the importance of investing in their health and vitality, because without it, achieving financial well-being is extremely difficult. Of course, maintaining health requires some expense, but the costs of treatment and illness far outweigh these investments.

Health is the basis of vital energy. The more energy a person has, the higher their productivity. High productivity contributes significantly to the professional sphere. Financial reward is a natural market response to quality products and services that improve people's lives. Maintaining good health and energy are key factors for achieving success in both your personal and professional lives. Imagine we're in a cozy library, where the warmth of a fireplace creates a calming atmosphere. I'd be happy to share a diagram that illustrates the key ideas of our conversation. Health directly impacts energy levels and productivity. Better health leads to greater productivity and contribution to your professional life. This, in turn, contributes to increased income and a better quality of life. Maintaining good health is an important aspect of a successful career and financial well-being. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest help maintain high energy levels, which leads to more effective work and career achievements. Improving your physical health directly impacts your productivity, which, in turn, contributes to increased professional contribution and a better financial situation. Imagine how many lives you could enrich if you extended your life by ten to twenty years. During this period, you could not only earn significant sums but also leave a positive legacy. As the famous billionaire Ted Turner said, "He who serves best gets rich." This statement emphasizes the importance of service and contribution to society as key factors of success.

In addition to the habits already mentioned in this book, the wealthiest people share nine more important qualities. These character and behavioral traits contribute to their success and financial well-being, distinguishing them from others. Understanding these aspects can help anyone striving for wealth develop the necessary skills and approaches.

The first habit of successful people is manic determination. In a modern world where many suffer from distraction, business giants have a unique ability to focus on a few key projects and bring them to perfection. In the process of work, their attention and efforts are focused exclusively on solving current problems. These people don't come to work to mindlessly browse the internet or feign busyness, but to effectively achieve their goals and achieve meaningful results.

The second habit: unwavering optimism. Successful businesspeople strive to improve the world through their innovations and discoveries. They are creators, not just consumers. These people sincerely believe that creativity, high productivity, effective teamwork, and a significant contribution to their industry are more important for success than luck or random chance.

Habit Three: Live Outside the Box. These people see the world as we do, but their mindset is focused on possibilities that only a few dare to dream of. They reject the usual copycat practices and possess a rich imagination that generates revolutionary ideas and products. These innovations have the potential to completely transform established industries and offer new opportunities to millions of consumers. Such individuals understand that if they aren't called crazy, it means they aren't ambitious enough in their dreams. They don't care about the disapproval of others, because they strive for large-scale change and new horizons.

The fourth habit of successful people is incredible perseverance. They persistently move towards their goals, despite criticism, negative comments, and internal doubts. Through practical exercises, they have developed resilience and persistence, which allows them to complete what they start. Moreover, billionaires develop endurance and are able to work on important projects for long periods of time, without being distracted by difficulties. This dedication to their goals is a key factor in their success and achievement in a competitive environment.

The fifth habit of successful people is a penchant for intelligent risk-taking. Magnates are able to turn favorable circumstances into significant achievements. They are masters of so-called "calculated risk," choosing projects with the highest probability of success. It is important to remember that without risk, significant results cannot be achieved.

The sixth habit: controlled perfectionism. People with this habit are true perfectionists. If they are launching a hotel chain, they may delay the opening of a new property for several months if they discover that the marble for a restaurant isn't the perfect shade. In the IT industry, such specialists refuse to release a product until it is a true work of art. Steve Jobs, for example, strove to make the icons on the iPhone so attractive that customers would want to touch them. In show business, these perfectionists also work tirelessly on their albums and films, disregarding the time, money, and effort required to achieve perfection. Controlled perfectionism helps them achieve outstanding results, but it also requires a constant balance between the pursuit of excellence and the realities of business. Habit Seven: Developing Leaders. Outstanding leaders actively develop new leaders within their teams. If new leaders aren't emerging under your leadership, it may indicate that you're following rather than leading. One of the most effective ways for successful companies to increase their capital is through leveraging their influence. This applies not only to paying off "safe debt" but also to developing leadership skills in their subordinates. When a leader invests in the growth and training of their employees, who are capable of mastering their tasks with a high level of skill, they are freed up to perform their core functions. Much cannot be achieved alone, and the more ambitious your goal, the more important it is to build a team of professionals. Developing leadership skills within a team not only strengthens the organization but also fosters an innovative atmosphere where everyone strives for success. Habit Eight: Solution-Oriented. Many people focus on problems instead of looking for solutions. Every challenge contains a potential solution, even when it's not obvious. This is because the human brain tends to focus on negative information. Thousands of years ago, this trait helped our ancestors survive threats such as famine or attacks by wild animals. Modern businesspeople have learned to see opportunities in every difficulty and solutions in every problem. It's important to remember that a problem only becomes one when we decide to view it as such. By focusing on finding solutions, you can not only overcome difficulties but also achieve success in business and life. Habit Nine: Desire to Be Contributing. It should be clear to you that money is a reward for the service rendered. Successful entrepreneurs create companies that help billions of people, which in turn leads to billions in revenue. Achieving financial success is difficult if your activities don't significantly benefit society. A passion for creating value and helping others is key to achieving wealth and prosperity.

I hope the habits of the successful and wealthy that I've described will be useful to you. At this point, I will conclude this detailed chapter, as I need to call my parents—I made them a promise.

Goodbye!

Personal Finance: Investing and Trading

You will understand how to allocate a budget for investments and profitably trade securities. Learn how to make money and not lose it on investments. Start your path to financial freedom. The course speaker is Yulia Afanasyeva, a stock market investor with a personal trading account of over $1 million.

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