Wealth Mindset Series: 4. Continuous Learning & Personal Growth
We’ve now reached our fourth principle in cultivating the wealth mindset. Let’s look back to see what we’ve covered up to this point:
Article One: Abundance Thinking
Article Two: The Power of Delayed Gratification
Article Three: The Importance of Financial Goal-Setting
Today, let’s prepare our minds and enhance our skills through continuous learning and personal growth.
Learning is a fundamental pillar of success. Whether you agree or disagree with traditional education methods, continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. Famous entrepreneur and speaker Jim Rohn said, “We get paid for bringing value to the marketplace.” To transfer value, we first need to understand what the marketplace values and deliver that value at a high level.
Having expertise, knowledge, and mastery in an area creates more opportunities for wealth creation. Stacking multiple mastery areas in your craft can set you apart in your industry, making you highly sought after and in demand. The more you learn, the more you can earn. However, knowledge by itself is not power; applied knowledge is.
Embracing Continuous Learning
You’ve likely heard the phrase, “It’s a journey, not a sprint.” On our path to wealth, this is certainly true. Creating the rhythm of living in the moment while also preparing for the future is simple in concept, yet not easy to execute. This is where we connect all the pieces together. Changing our perspective towards abundance thinking if you’ve grown up in an environment of financial or mental poverty takes time to unwind, and we must be patient with the process. Remember, patience is key in this journey. Training your mind to delay immediate gratification and not act on an impulse buying decision, but instead, choose to shift that money towards an investment vehicle. Setting goals, executing the tasks needed to achieve the goals, consistently tracking progress, and making adjustments as needed. If you’ve guessed by now, this pursuit needs to become part of our lives that we commit to.
Here are some ideas you can begin with towards the pursuit of lifelong learning:
- Make learning part of your daily routine—Designate time daily to increase your skillset or knowledge in a particular subject. For instance, I aspire to become a public speaker. Every day, I dedicate at least 15 minutes to studying effective communication techniques. I practice by recording myself using the voice memo app on my phone, which provides instant feedback on my tonality, pace, and articulation.
- Attend Industry Conferences – As a professional in your chosen field, it’s essential to immerse yourself in environments where your peers learn and grow together. Conferences are not just about learning; they are about expanding your network and influence within your industry. Imagine the thrill of being in a room filled with like-minded individuals, all striving for excellence.Pro Tip: Invest the extra money to elevate your access beyond general admission. Most conferences offer ticket packages, and higher-level packages typically come with additional access and networking opportunities. Remember, this is not an expense; it’s an investment in your future. Leverage this access to meet other high achievers.
You may have the opportunity to attend VIP sessions that gather a smaller group of attendees with direct access to the event speakers. When connecting with event speakers, think beyond getting a selfie. You are a leader with a curiosity to learn and improve. Be prepared with specific questions to gain expert insights that will help you elevate.
- Consider joining a mastermind group – This is a next-level move and may not be an immediate reality. However, as abundant thinkers, we will stretch ourselves! Mastermind groups come with a higher cost (think 5 to 6-figure investments), but the benefits can be incredible at the right time in your journey. Imagine the power of being part of a smaller group of high achievers who will push you to be greater. You will also gain exclusive and consistent access to the Mastermind leaders, who should be top-level experts in their fields.
For this type of investment, you must be ready to commit both time and money. However, if you commit and actually do the work while in the community, you can make leaps and bounds in a significantly shorter period than imagined. The thought of being part of such a group should ignite a fire in you—a fire of ambition and eagerness to take your personal and professional growth to the next level!
Technology has opened doors to many alternatives to traditional education, most of which are free or of minimal cost. Examples include podcasts, YouTube, books, audiobooks, and more. To level up your skills and the specific knowledge you wish to gain, consider investing in high-level coursework, conferences, one-on-one or group coaching, or joining a mastermind group. Learning and continuous self-improvement are likely the best investments you can make.
If you research the most successful people in any industry, you will find that continued learning is a core piece of their daily activities. Warren Buffett, for example, views reading and learning as essential for his success. He reportedly spends at least 5-6 hours daily immersing himself in these activities. Buffett has been quoted as saying, “Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it.” An abundance mindset finds a way to begin today with one hour and slowly works up to dedicate more time each day to learning and education.
Applying Knowledge
Remember that acquiring knowledge is just the first step — the true power of learning lies in applying what you have learned. Based on the new knowledge and skills you acquire, take actionable steps. Experiment, innovate, and adapt. By continuously learning and applying your knowledge, you can create value, seize opportunities, and build wealth.
The path to wealth begins with the right mindset. Your words and thoughts shape your beliefs, influencing behaviors and actions that determine your results. Control your mind, live intentionally, and, most importantly, take action! Embrace abundance thinking, practice delayed gratification, set clear financial goals, and commit to continuous learning and personal growth.
Remember: Life gives us opportunities, not guarantees. Take advantage of today’s opportunities.
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