In today's world, many of us have been conditioned to view certain stereotypes as the "real gangsters." We often think of them as individuals involved in illegal activities on the streets. However, a closer look reveals that the true gangsters are not the ones running the streets but those who operate behind the scenes on Wall Street and within the government. These individuals have found ways to accumulate wealth and power without risking their lives in the way that street hustlers do. This realization sparked a profound change in perspective for many, leading them to reevaluate how they approach life, wealth, and success.
Understanding that poverty often stems from a lack of information and resources is crucial. Money itself is infinite; it's printed every day. The challenge lies in believing that one is capable of attaining it. The obstacles we often face are not external but internal—the stories we tell ourselves, the excuses we make, and the blame we place on others.
To win the game, it's essential to understand the pieces on the board and your position. Many people who have achieved financial success have done so because they had access to different information. They learned the rules of the game and used that knowledge to their advantage. Once you have the right information, it's like finding a treasure. You want to share it with everyone, but not everyone will be willing to listen. The power lies in becoming economically informed and making strategic decisions based on that knowledge.
Not everyone will build a billion-dollar business, but everyone can invest in one. This is where the wealth pyramid comes into play, with three key components: stocks, business, and real estate. While it's ideal to have all three, even having two can set you on the path to financial success.
For example, if you buy a pair of Nike shoes, that's a one-time transaction. However, if you own Nike stock, that transaction becomes a lifetime profit, as long as the stock remains valuable. This concept of turning one-time transactions into long-term investments is crucial for building wealth.
This concept also applies to gains. Unrealized gains are profits that exist on paper but haven't been cashed out. Wealthy individuals, like Jeff Bezos, have much of their wealth tied up in stock, which fluctuates in value. Despite these fluctuations, as long as they don't sell, they haven't lost any money.
The Street and Wall Street: A Comparative Analysis
Street hustlers and Wall Street moguls may seem worlds apart, but they share striking similarities in their methods. A good hustler on the streets knows the importance of having a great product and a loyal clientele. This is not much different from a successful business in the stock market, which thrives on having a competitive edge that keeps competitors at bay. The key difference lies in the level of risk and the scale of operations. While street hustlers risk their lives daily, Wall Street professionals leverage information and resources to build empires with minimal personal danger.Understanding that poverty often stems from a lack of information and resources is crucial. Money itself is infinite; it's printed every day. The challenge lies in believing that one is capable of attaining it. The obstacles we often face are not external but internal—the stories we tell ourselves, the excuses we make, and the blame we place on others.
Overcoming The Blame Game: The Power of Self-Belief
For many, the biggest barrier to success is the blame game. It's easy to say that certain opportunities are inaccessible because of one's background, race, or circumstances. However, this mindset only serves to hold us back. Real change begins when we shift our focus from external factors to internal ones. The most significant issue we face is not the systemic barriers in society but our belief in ourselves.
The biggest barrier to success is the blame game - Source: Internet
This shift in mindset is often accompanied by a change in daily habits. Instead of spending time on activities that don't contribute to personal growth—like partying, watching Netflix, or playing video games—it's more beneficial to invest that time in reading, researching, and developing new skills. As we evolve and learn more about how the game of life is played, our confidence grows, and so does our potential for success.
Financial Trauma: Breaking Free From the Cycle
Financial trauma is deeply ingrained in many people, especially those who come from underprivileged backgrounds. It's a cycle of fear and scarcity that keeps individuals trapped in poverty. When you begin to understand the rules of the financial game, you realize that you're often playing the wrong role. In this game, you're not the king, the queen, or even the bishop—you're a pawn, constantly being sacrificed.To win the game, it's essential to understand the pieces on the board and your position. Many people who have achieved financial success have done so because they had access to different information. They learned the rules of the game and used that knowledge to their advantage. Once you have the right information, it's like finding a treasure. You want to share it with everyone, but not everyone will be willing to listen. The power lies in becoming economically informed and making strategic decisions based on that knowledge.
Investing: The Key to Building Wealth
Investing in the stock market is not about being the most brilliant person in the world; it's about understanding basic economics. Concepts like supply and demand are familiar to everyone. For instance, if Michael Jordan releases a new shoe, people will line up to buy it. If you can buy that shoe, hold onto it, and later sell it at a higher price, you've just made a smart investment. This principle applies to the stock market as well.Not everyone will build a billion-dollar business, but everyone can invest in one. This is where the wealth pyramid comes into play, with three key components: stocks, business, and real estate. While it's ideal to have all three, even having two can set you on the path to financial success.
Investing in the stock market is not about being the most brilliant person in the world; it's about understanding basic economics - Source: Internet
The Importance of Ownership
Ownership is the foundation of wealth. Those who are wealthy, regardless of their background, own assets—whether they are stocks, businesses, or real estate. People who aren't wealthy often don't own anything of value. If your money is sitting in a bank account, you're losing money every day due to inflation. The value of cash diminishes over time, making it essential to invest in assets that appreciate in value.For example, if you buy a pair of Nike shoes, that's a one-time transaction. However, if you own Nike stock, that transaction becomes a lifetime profit, as long as the stock remains valuable. This concept of turning one-time transactions into long-term investments is crucial for building wealth.
The Role of Patience and Understanding in Investment
Investing requires patience and a belief in the future. Markets fluctuate, but understanding the difference between unrealized and realized losses can help you navigate these ups and downs. Unrealized losses occur when the value of an investment drops, but you haven't sold it. As long as you hold onto the investment, you haven't lost any money. Realized losses, on the other hand, occur when you sell at a loss.This concept also applies to gains. Unrealized gains are profits that exist on paper but haven't been cashed out. Wealthy individuals, like Jeff Bezos, have much of their wealth tied up in stock, which fluctuates in value. Despite these fluctuations, as long as they don't sell, they haven't lost any money.
