You are fighting the odds. In virtually every area of your financial life, you are fighting against odds heavily stacked against you.
What you’re reading here are my observations based from the many clients and prospects I meet with and advise in the course of my daily work.
First off, if you’re older and retired or near retirement, you are being forced to make difficult choices. Do you work longer and retire later? Do you take Social Security earlier? Do you cut back your budget … eat out less … take smaller vacations … or no vacations? Do you take bigger risks with your principle to earn more income?
If you’re younger, you’ve probably lost a huge chunk of any net worth you’ve accumulated in your life. Your home is worth less than what you owe on it … sometimes hundreds of thousands less. The same is true for your retirement plans. With the slide of the stock market, billions have been lost, and those who think the stock market will only go up from here stand to lose even more.
If you’re a business owner, you’re either bankrupt or on the verge. You have significant cash flow problems. Your accounts receivables and uncollectables have grown, while your ability to get cash from banks has gone away. You’re losing clients and finding it impossible to cover your overhead. Forget about trying to sell your business … there’s no money out there to buy it unless you’re prepared to give it away.
If you’re an employee, you’re hanging on to your job for dear life. You know people who’ve been laid off, and you realize that job security is an oxymoron. You’re praying to keep that steady paycheck and your benefits; despite the fact you know that a job can never lead you to your financial dreams.
Recently, I was meeting with my banker. Sean’s an experienced banker, having been in the business for many years. I asked him how many of the business clients he works with are seeing success today. He told me that other than my business and the real estate business I’m the CEO of, EVERY OTHER BUSINESS IS STRUGGLING. He was simply confirming what I already know from hearing from my clients and prospects on a daily basis.
Read these words as if your entire financial future depended upon it … because it does …
IT IS NOT AN ACCIDENT THAT FINANCIAL SUCCESS OCCURS FOR SOME PEOPLE ON A REGULAR BASIS, AND NOT FOR OTHERS. It’s all based in your blueprint.
Andrew Carnegie created the proven philosophy of financial success in the 19th century, and Napoleon Hill formalized this philosophy in the 20th century.
After almost 30 years of concentrated research and analysis, isn’t it interesting that the book Napoleon Hill introduced to the world begins with the word “Think”!
In his life transforming book, which I consider my bible of all books, Think and Grow Rich reveals the Carnegie philosophy in a step by step approach that uncovers every critical element.
Do you read and study business books and personal development books on a daily basis? I don’t know anyone who does.
Do you listen to audio programs on a daily basis? I don’t know anyone who does.
Do you attend seminars on a regular basis? I don’t know anyone who does.
Do you look to add value in the lives of every person you meet? I don’t know anyone who does.
Do you provide incredible client follow up and service? I don’t know anyone who does.
Do you have a system for managing your money for success? I don’t know anyone who does.
Do you have a plan for increasing your income every year? I don’t know anyone who does.
Do you have a methodology for increasing your network of friends and associates? I don’t know anyone who does.
Is it any wonder why virtually everyone is struggling these days? How many people can honestly say that they’re modeling the successful people they know and are MASTERING the success principles that have stood the test of time? According to the results my banker is seeing, the answer is few or none!
Do you want to get on the FAST TRACK to financial success? Read “Think and Grow Rich”, then “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” written by my friend and mentor T. Harv Eker, find a coach to help and guide you, develop a burning desire, take action, and never quit.
Namaste.
Jeff
P.S. If you would like the ebook version of Think and Grow Rich, email me at Jeff@Jefffagin.com and I’ll be happy to send it to you.
Hey, Jeff! You know me! I’m doin’ some of this stuff right! Anyone who wants to get rich needs to know that of the 1% of the people who are actually rich, 76% of them made their fortunes using real estate as the vehicle and the tax advantages of business as the key. I know that you’re rockin’, and anyone who will listen to your advice will do well. It’s impossible for them not to do well! Anyone out there who is reading this who wants a real, practical EDUCATION on how to be a real estate investor only need give us a call. Not late night gurus, but real people who teach what they DO not what they DID! 623-565-TMWC(8692). Thanks for all you do for your clients, JEFF! We’re so glad we listened!
“When the going is tough, the tough get going” and “When one door closes another one opens” are common adages that speak to dealing with distress. The choice is to hang one’s head and cry or take action. Jeff, like you said, it takes work!
I think so many people are reading and listening to the so called experts and burying their heads in the sand because they are afraid. They are afraid to do anything differently than they may have in the past.
Your message shakes everyone’s tree and says we can all succeed. There are no easy solutions. Nor should there be. People who came before us worked to their limits but they succeeded. That premise should not have changed. Great post Jeff. Time to saddle up and forge ahead.
Right on with your message, Jeff. You have to take action and emulate success in any area of life. The key is always action. The action you take dictates the level of success you achieve.
The two books you mention are amazing and an excellent start. I would recommend rereading them to those who have read them a while back.
After that, find a book to read that inspires you every month. Read, take notes and follow the ACTION step contained in the pages.
Couldn’t agree with you more, Jeff. Excellent advice for us all.
Jeff you bring up a great point here. Those who become a student of the game will win! Studying classics like Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich I believe is essential for success. It is your mindset that will take you to success and nothing else. Anything else is nothing more than having a lottery mentality hoping you’ll strike it rich some day. I have listened to my father about this for as long as I remember. To this day, he still hasn’t won enough money to cover his expenses with the lottery.
When you tune up your mindset for prosperity then and only then will you attract it. I also recommend Think and Grow Rich to everyone because of what it has done for me. Today I am a millionaire. I attribute this success to all the hard work I put in becoming a better thinker and changing the thoughts that once held me back.
The great news is, anyone can do it.
To Your Success,
Dr. Andy Fuehl
best selling author of Wealth Without a Job
Jeff, I concur with your analysis. I only wish I had met you 20 years ago. Thank you for all your sound advice. Sad to see people being mislead by so called experts and the “greedy” Wall Street crowd.
As usual you offer a very insightful analysis. I set-aside one day a week for studying my educational programs and self-improvement activities. That seems to work best for me. I need to have complete focus without the distractions of projects. In addition, I love using my iPhone to watch video or audio programs while I am in the car or waiting in a line.
Never waste a moment!
Having grown up in Texas, this reminds me of a familiar saying used at rodeos:
Just before the announcement for the shoot to be opened for the next bullrider, the gate watcher says, “Cowboy Up!” He had better be ready at that moment because the time is “Now!”
The saying is also used by parents as a “Character” reminder for children to be honest and have intergrity in all areas of their life.
I believe this is of great value whether we are taking charge of our finances or being responsible business partners. We need to be responsible.
I am privledged to know you, Jeff. I appreciate all the positive feedback you give me.
My favorite saying can also refer to the fact that sooner- or -later, that bullrider is going to be down on the ground or under that bull. The most important thing he can remember is “Cowboy UP!”
Very well written with very sound advcie which everyone should take to heart.
Hi Jeff: It always comes back to your “blueprint”. What is great is that you are helping so many understand that they can change their “blueprint.” Think and Grow Rich is an excellent place to start for those who have not read it and a good re-read for those of us that have and maybe gotten a bit sidetracked with the daily ups and downs of life. In the end…we are what we think and therefore do. It is often hard to accept “radical responsibility” for where one is at any given time. But with a good plan and follow-thru ACTION any course can be corrected or reversed. Good post…keep ‘em coming!!
Jeff, great insights.
I am young (under 30), getting married soon and want to start a family. Financial security and especially long term planning have become real concerns for me. The old practices of simply investing in the stock market, waiting for improved values, and buying a “starter home” as a first significant and value creating investment don’t seem to be the path to financial freedom anymore.
I have not been an avid reader of financial planning publications or motivational books, but you have me thinking it is necessary today.
Thanks for the insights!
Hi Jeff..
in my business I unfortuntally run across a lot of people who think “the means justifies the end.” This market brings out the worse in us that is usually fueled by the fear, every day the media is gloom and doom, this company is laying off, this company is shutting it’s doors, everyone is just scared. It’s no wonder people are frustrated.
I am most impressed with your positive attitude and steady eye on the how to grow real wealth. Attitude is everything. Thank you for reminding me that the path to wealth and well being is still alive and well.
Tough talk here, Jeff. And not a moment too soon. Interesting to read your challenging list of questions. There’s one person about whom I could confidently answer “yes” to all these questions, and that’s Jeff Fagin! You walk your talk and because of that you’re an inspiration to a fast-growing tribe — as the responses above indicate.
Hey Jeff,
Some great insight and advice. It really makes you think in the long run who is going to strive or who is going to continue to dive. You are starting to ingrain in me success habits just like my father has done. Our company is one of the few that will come out on top and I can’t wait to have you by my side while I grow and become the success that I have dreamed of becoming. Thank you for your help and the great blog.
HI Jeff - you hit the mark by cutting through the hype and illusions of our business and financial environments. The challenge to learn what it really takes to shift the ‘financial DNA’ is a steep climb. For me, I’m constantly learning - and now find that so much easier with new technology (like the iPhone) and new media (audio, video etc) so anytime – anyplace I can be engaging in new thinking to get where I need to go.
Wow! That gets to the point. It really is all about how we think — and what we do day-by-day. Thanks for this challenging and uplifting blog post, Jeff. Having a plan, having a method, having a daily practice… You are right that very few of us really do this. I’m inspired!
Jeff,
Great Blog. These are the types of things that we have been discussing the last few months. As a CPA by trade, I see the struggles everyday that people are going through and they continue to do the same things. Following the masses only leads to failure. You have made me realize that investing in yourself by constantly reading personal development books is vital to my future success. Thanks for the insight Jeff.
Jeff,
As I am sitting here in my office at 8pm still following up with client phone calls and making sure our deals go as planned, the wisdom of your words strike me.
When the general economy goes to the toilet and everyone starts to run the other way, it is time to find some great people and start a business. I left my cushy job at PwC and my new promotion this year because I have a burning desire to build a fantastic business and help everyone I know make back the losses they experienced in 2007 and 2008.
It’s all about keeping your head down, keeping to the plan, working hard, and directing your focus to the task at hand.
-Cheers
Chris Loeffler
Carnegie’s steps of philosophy are great blueprints to run a successful business and a guide to refer to when times are challenging.
Fantastic article, Jeff! You hit the nail on the head! Your insights are brilliant, and your steady guidance shines like a beacon of light during a dark stormy night! Thanks!
Having odds, although stacked against you, means there IS a chance…
Everyone, once again, is starting from ground zero. “You can be whatever you want to be” applies more today than ever before. As Napoleon Hill scribed in his findings, “There will be a greater shift of wealth in the next few years, than we will ever see in the rest of our lives.”
If this doesn’t excite you, you are in big trouble!
-JC
PS Thanks for reiterating the idea of action!
So true. I practiced doing those things listed above way before I even started my business. If you are not doing those things you will not succeed. PERIOD.
Study the Masters! And that includes Jeff!!
Jeff,
I didn’t have many of the above criteria checked off before meeting you. After reading your blog posts for nearly a year now, I can say that I am a lot closer to answering yes to all of these than before.
Please keep hammering this financial mindset until we’re all blue. With things changing so quickly in this world, every little bit of help is appreciated.
I acknowledge that all of the practices you mention may produce results for some, in the short term.
I have not seen or heard any reference to the shift in global consciousness, nor the possible (likely) changes coming to this planet, that will render most, if not all of the established systems of commerce obsolete.
If one’s security is tied to money, one had better watch out.
Prosperity is more to do with connection and flow. If the “money gods” or devils, depending on your polarity, turned off the money machine tomorrow, what would you do?
THe US dollar is in the control of people who could literally “turn it off” at a whim. The next World War could be won without a single shot being fired.
True prosperity is being able to have all of one’s primary needs met on a daily basis, and has very little to do with stockpiling resources (money, etc.). The experience of lack is maintained by the insane need of some to exploit others for their personal survival.
I believe that true prosperity comes with a maturing and inclusive consciousness, and a social conscience.
Wishing you a Fair-Share-Care future.
Jeff Fagin response:
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your comment. Your points are all well taken.
In my world, social consciousness and financial freedom aren’t mutually exclusive. To say that money isn’t as important as other things is like saying your arm isn’t as important as your leg. They’re both important! Generally, comments like these come from people who are broke. Hopefully, that’s not your case.
If you’re adding value to the lives of others on a daily basis, as I’ve suggested, and give before you ever expect to receive, you can’t be too far off.
Best,
Jeff
Dear Jeff,
Please do not lump me in with those who live in a poverty consciousness, believing that money is evil or dangerous.
I fear that might be an assumption on your part.
I have re-read my posting and fail to see where I said that money is not important. Having money can provide a degree of comfort and ease, and enables one to be effective in certain ways, and indeed make a difference on the planet.
My point was rather that if one’s survival/thrival is dependent on money, there is the potential for a major problem.
I do not challenge or invalidate anything you have said, but attempted to expand the conversation on your blog.
I deal on a daily basis with people who are in crisis (financial or otherwise) , and the problem tends to be that they have disconnected from their source.
Their money script is often matched in other areas where lack shows up.
When they re-define themselves and re-connect, or find their place in the Universe, the flow resumes. Having said that, the flow includes many other riches such as health, vitality, nourishment, friendship and love.
I am also pleased to report that I meet many prosperous people who are looking to invest in sustainability on the planet. Most of them have an ease around their wealth, and do not labor to manifest or maintain it. Their consciousness rather than their efforts sustains their prosperity. Just an observation.
Keep up the good work.
Mark.
Jeff is “in the trenches” every single day, implementing principals that even new investors can practice. I have to hand it to Jeff. He’s not just out there getting rich by selling books that tell other people how to get rich.
Thanks Jeff
Jeff,
You’re right. In times like these, financial stability is key. I sit back and learn from people in all walks of life. The positive people have a plan, the negative people talk. The smart people surround themselves with smart successful people who will teach them everything they need to do to bring them up to their level of success. I’m listening.
Interesting take on today’s economy Jeff and some really good advice.