Watch Me Become A Millionaire

You may be wondering what a topic like “Mind, Body & Spirit” has to do with becoming financially independent.  In my opinion, it has everything to do with becoming and staying financially independent and wealthy! I oftentimes read stories of business owners or company executives who achieve great success, yet neglect their health.  One article I read a while back featured an executive who was proud of having achieved a certain financial goal in a short period of time.  When asked about his lifestyle, however, he claimed that he was drinking in excess of 20 cups of coffee a day and his diet was not at all too healthy.

It is my firm belief that a quest towards financial independence must also include improving one’s mind, body, and spirit.  This is not optional; It is vital.  What is the point of being rich if you are going to be too sick and stressed out to enjoy it?

As someone who in his earier years grew up on all sorts of junk food, I am convinced that you really are what you eat.  I noticed a profound change in myself over the years by switching from unhealthy foods to ones that are healthier for me.  Don’t get me wrong - I am not advocating drastic measures such as chewing on alfalfa sprouts and not ever having so much as one cup of coffee ever again.  However, personal responsibility in taking care of one’s mind, body, and spirit is essential, in my opinion, to overall financial independence in the future.  Think of all the money you will save on those expensive restaurants and medical bills.

While we cannot predict what the future will bring, we can at least make an effort to improve our own personal well-being.  It is not only the financial gain, but the quality of life to be able to enjoy those gains that is important.

Ever hear someone go on and on about how wealthy they are? Or perhaps they like to show off their wealth with their expensive car or expensive clothes? The truth, I am discovering, is that many financially independent people are ones who you would least expect to be wealthy. They simply do not have a need to show off their wealth and brandish it around for all to see. No, they quietly and wisely accumulate wealth, not wasting precious dollars on fancy, expensive items.

Time and time again, I am surprised by those who are truly wealthy and those who would have you believe they are, but are just putting on a show. The wisdom of those who are more quiet about their success becomes apparent when you observe their actions. Would they rather put their wealth into a $90k car to show to the world, or perhaps the money would be better spent elsewhere – Such as in a real estate investment or mutual funds?

A fascinating book that touches on this topic is The Millionaire Next Door. For example, on page 40, authors Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko state “They [The Affluent] became millionaires by budgeting and controlling expenses, and they maintain their affluent status the same way.” I find this statement to be right on the money so to speak, looking back at my own actions in the past. The me of yesteryear would spend, spend, spend! Although different people have different fancies, my particular one was spending money on new musical equipment, only to resell it at half the price or less at a later date. Not only was this not financially wise, but it was also a profound waste of time.

I have just finished reading this book and have gained very valuable insights as to those who are financially independent. I will share more of what I have learned from this book in the articles to come.