7 Tips to Becoming a Millionaire

Becoming a millionaire is easier than it's ever been. 

Many people have been writing me with the notion that it's an impossible task. They say, "It's pure luck. You have to be born into a rich family. You'll have to win the Lotto. Your parents have to help you out a lot."

A single mother with five children wrote the following, "Daniel, I read your article and I believe in what you're saying. However, I'm 50 years old and work long hours at two dead-end jobs. It's Christmas time and I barely have enough money to buy gifts for my children. What should I do?"

Another man wrote, "Well, if you work for the government or a non-profit, you cannot expect to become a millionaire. After all, you're on a fixed salary and there’s little time for anything else. By the time you get home, you've got to play with the kids and entertain yourself."

These queries got me thinking of the true possibilities of wealth all over the world, particularly in America. I've seen people come to America who speak little to no English, have no connections, no money, or formal education, but have still been able to create fortunes for themselves and others. 

The truth is that all of us can become as wealthy as we decide to be. None of us is excluded from wealth. If you have the desire to receive money, whatever the amount, you have all of the rights to do so. There's no limit to how much you can earn for yourself.

Money is like the sun. It does not discriminate. It doesn't say, "I will not give light and warmth to this flower, tree, or person because I don't like them." Like the sun, money is abundantly available to all of us who truly believe that it is for us. No one is excluded.

Related: 10 Major Differences Between Rich and Poor People

Here are 7 tips to becoming a millionaire: 

1. Change Your Thinking

You have to see the bigger picture. When most people see just trees, you need to look at the entire forest. This way, you'll be able to chart your own course and get to where you want to be. By having a vision and the goals to attain that vision, your possibilities are endless.

You'll have to go through plenty of self-discovery before you earn your first million. Knowing the truth about yourself isn't always the easiest task. Sometimes, you'll find that you're your biggest enemy and best friend -- even in the same day! Nonetheless, changing your thinking is a requirement for wealth.

2. Save Relentlessly

This will address the queries that I've recently received. For many individuals, there's too much month at the end of the money. However, you'll have to make your best effort to save as much as you can, even if it's a ridiculously low number. 

There are many techniques for saving money. You need to find your own system and start building your wealth. Even if you're on a fixed income, you need to find the discipline necessary to save. Whether you start out with saving $50 or $500 per month, do the best you can and invest this money in the best way possible.

3. Learn from Millionaires

Most people are surrounded by what I like to call "Default Friends." These friends are acquaintances that we see at the grocery store, gym, school, work, and other places. We naturally befriend these people as trust grows. However, in most cases, these people aren't millionaires and cannot help you become one either. 

If you truly desire and aspire to be a millionaire, these people may tell you that it's impossible. They'll tell you that you're living in a fantasy world and why you'll never be able to make it happen. Instead, learn from millionaires. Let go of these relationships and seek new ones that can help you get to the next level.

Related: 10 Phrases Every Millionaire Avoids

4. Indulge in Wealth

To become wealthy, you must first learn about wealth. This means that you'll have to put yourself in situations that you've never been before. For instance, you can test drive a new car, get a realtor to show you an expensive home, or get a brownie from the finest bakery in town.

Most of this will not break your bank. In fact, some of it is free. You'll have to go where 97 percent of people aren't willing to go if you want to make your financial dreams happen. Are there luxury golf courses, spas, or museums in your area that will allow you to indulge in wealth? If so, take advantage.

5. Believe It's Possible

If you believe that it's possible to become a millionaire, you can make it happen. However, if you've excluded yourself from this possibility and think that it's for other people, you'll never have money. Also, be sure to bless rich people when you can. Haters of money aren’t likely to receiving any of it either.

The best way to do this is to learn relentlessly about yourself and money. You can do this by reading books that have been written by millionaires themselves. By gaining a well-rounded education and staying inspired, you'll be able to get the wealth you've been looking for. 

6. Enlarge Your Service

Your material wealth is the sum of your total contribution to society. If you know my famous question, "How do I deliver more value to more people in less time?" then you'll know that you can always increase your quality and quantity of service. People are waiting to be served.

Enlarging your service is also about "going the extra mile." When it comes to helping others, you must give it everything you have. Don't think about if the people you serve will appreciate it or not. You just plant the seeds and nature will take care of the rest. 

7. Seize ALL Opportunities

In every neighborhood, no matter where you are, there are always opportunities to do good. Your community desperately needs your help. If you would only open your mind and heart to these opportunities, you'll find that they will be ready to reward you in due time.

Furthermore, you cannot say "no" to opportunities and expect to become a millionaire. You must seize every opportunity that has your name on it. Sometimes the monetary reward will not come immediately, but if you keep planting seeds, eventually you'll grow your fruitful crop.

Money is the harvest of your production. Everything that you have is in direct proportion to your actions. If you've done everything that you can do and have a purpose leading your life, you can expect to become wealthy. You must desire wealth and eventually the money will come when you are ready for it. 

The more seeds (service) you plant, the more plants (money) you'll have.

Source: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/253514

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The 1 Question That Made Me a Millionaire

Every day, my inbox is filled with requests from my readers and audience members about what I did to become a millionaire.

My answer often surprises them. 

Let me put it this way: Earning $1 million in a year takes the same effort that earning $10,000 per year takes. However, the difference is not in the effort which you put forth, but in what you think about your efforts.

I've had dozens of jobs before I learned the secret formula of obtaining wealth. In fact, I remember one job at a car-manufacturing factory where I had the displeasure of waking up 3 am to walk a dozens miles per day as I traversed stray items to it's proper location. It was menial, but even worse, degrading. 

After that particular job, which ended promptly at 9 am, I would wearily go to school, barely able to heed the lessons from my professors. It was an endless endeavor that I despised. Deep down inside me, I knew that there had to be a better way to earn my money. But how? 

I felt like another gumball in a machine that hadn't been used for years: useless. 

However, I could not continue to see myself becoming stale and rotten. I knew that I could never accumulate a fortune in such misery, and I was tired of feeling worthless and unchallenged. After years of bouncing back and forth from job to job, I finally learned this question that changed my life: 

"How can I deliver more value to more people in less time?"

When you ask the question, “How can I deliver more value to more people in less time?” what you’re basically asking is how I can become better to more people in the fastest way possible? 

Related: 7 Deadly Excuses that May Be Holding You Back

Let’s break it down in three parts:

1. How Can I Deliver More Value? 

This question is basically asking, how can I give people more service? It makes you want to give the people you are serving everything you’ve got. The goal here is to focus on the quality of service that you render to others.

In the beginning of my career, I wasn't fond of going the extra mile or giving people what they wanted. In fact, I scoffed at overachievers and volunteers until I became one myself. Eventually, by asking this question, I realized that I can only win by giving people the kind of service that I would want if I were them.

Soon enough, I stopped taking shortcuts in my work and started giving people the best quality of work that I could produce, which significantly increased my value in the marketplace. Every month, my work gets deeper and people are impacted. You can only get rich by enriching others. 

2. How Do I Reach More People? 

Studies have shown that the average person connects with an estimated 27 people per day, either directly or indirectly. Whether you reach 27 people per day, more or less, you can always increase your numbers by expanding your reach and frequency. 

Reach refers to the number of people who will be exposed to your work.Frequency refers to the number of times each person will be exposed. For me, I wanted to distribute my value more broadly by increasing my reach and frequency simultaneously, which is the secret to my wealth.

Related: The Only 5 Relationships That Matter in Life

With technology, you can extend your arm to nations afar. It's easier than ever before, but you can't compromise your value in the process. The key here is to plant more seeds. You cannot grow those seeds yourself, but if you're planting 1,000 seeds per day, you'll be better off than the person who's planting 10 per day. 

You can count the seeds in an apple, but you can never count the apples in a seed.

3. How Do I Do It In Less Time? 

Time is the most valuable asset, and we all want more of it. This question increases your efficiency and will help you increase your productivity. Not only are you giving a better-quality service to a higher quantity of people, but you are doing it in the fastest way possible.

If there's one thing you should know for certain it is that you're running out of time. Even at 21 years of age, I knew this. Unfortunately, there are many people who continue to think small and they are withholding their blessings from the Earth. It's time to speed up your work and produce more results in record times.

If you can double your reach, you'll double your income. Think of ways to give your value to more people in the fastest time possible and you'll become richer than you could have ever possibly imagined. The secret of living is giving. Give abundantly to many people as fast as possible.

Thus, the question breaks down to: How do I increase the quality and quantity of what I do in the fastest way possible? Write this question on a note card and repeat it to yourself every day for the next 30 days. You will start to see dramatic results in your life. When you do, send me a note. 

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10 Phrases Every Millionaire Avoids

Everywhere I go, I hear people talking about money. 

At one particular conference, I heard a group discussing how "Money Isn't Everything" and "Money Doesn't Make You Happy." After noticing their poor thoughts, I knew that this was clearly the conversation to avoid.

Many people proudly preach their philosophies about money. Unfortunately, I find that they are seriously miseducated about personal finances. However, when it comes to having money, there's a certain way of thinking about it.

Let's dive deeper into the 10 phrases every millionaire should avoid:

1. I Work Hard for My Money

The majority of people think that they must "work hard" for their money. This forces them to grind, even when it's completely unnecessary. You don't have to work hard for money, but you must let money work for you. Money is never hard to come by if you can attract it. Instead, say this: Money easily comes to me from all directions. I am always prospering.

2. Money Doesn't Grow on Trees

This person is basically stating they believe money must come from only one source, which is an erroneous thought that many people have. Instead of thinking that you can only get money from a particular place or person, believe that it can come from anywhere and at anytime. If you want to become a millionaire, you'll most likely need multiple income streams.

Related: 5 Secrets to Monetizing Your LinkedIn Experience

3. It's Too Expensive/We Can't Afford It

This usually happens when a person meets an immovable price. The truth is that the price you may be seeing is exactly the limitation you need to overcome and often separates most people from achieving their goals. If you live by the price, you die by the price. In other words, if the price was always cheap, everyone would have it and no one would work for anything. 

4. Save for a Rainy Day

When people talk to me about saving, they meekly chuckle and say, "Ya know, you gotta save for the rainy days." What they're basically saying is, "I expect disaster and my savings account will immediately diminish when it happens." Instead, save for sunny days, which are days of prosperity -- luxury vacations, homes, big investments, etc.

5. Money is The Root of All Evil 

This is a highly misquoted verse in the Bible. This makes people also believe that rich people are evil. However, the proper quotation states, "The LOVE of money is the root of all evil." Money has no personality. Therefore, it cannot act in a good or evil manner. If money was evil, how would you have a device to read this article right now? 

The lack of money is the root of all evil --Mark Twain

6. My Spouse Runs the Finances

This person clearly doesn't take responsibility over their money and doesn't deserve to have more of it. The other day, I heard a man say, "My wife keeps ALL of the money. I NEVER touch any of it." It wasn't a big surprise that this man was always in financial despair. Lesson: Always know what's in your bank account, even if you trust your spouse. Check it everyday.

7. It's Not in My Budget

There's a lot of people who advocate that "money is tight" or that they're "bootstrapping." These absurd phrases repel wealth away from them entirely. If you close your wallet and force yourself to believe that a product or service cannot be acquired, you'll probably never get it. Instead, ask, "How can I acquire this product or service?" or "What must I do to make this purchase happen?"

Related: 7 Truths Every Millionaire Knows About Business

8. Money Doesn't Make You Happy

I always smile when I receive money. It really makes me happy. After all, I can take care of my family and buy many things that make life easier. When people say, "Money can't buy happiness," they're referring to the people that they see on mass media, not the majority of actual millionaires who enjoy their lavish and happy lives. Truthfully, I was never happy when I didn't have money. Been there, done that.

9. You Can't Have Money if You Love God

This is a touchy subject, but I personally believe that money is the expression of God's favor and abundance. Money can only be happily acquired through righteous deeds. If you believe that it's righteous to be poor, just remember that King Solomon was the richest man that ever lived (according to Abrahamic religions). Moreover, diamonds and gold were made for God's people, not his enemies.

10. Money Isn't That Important

People often say, "It's just money" and "I don't do it for the money." If it's "just money" and you "don't do it for the money," why do you accept money when it comes to you? Money is very important and must be taught at home, school, work, and religious circles. Those who evade the responsibilities of money will cease to have any of it. 

Money tends to react to your attitude about it. If you have mixed feelings about what money means to you, begin by jotting down your thoughts and refrain from using these phrases. Rewire your mind by assuming that you're ready for true wealth. Find a great teacher to coach you. And remember, when the mind is ready the money will come. The world will only give you money when you're ready for it.

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The BEST Way to Save Your Money

Most people don't know how to save money. I was one of them. 

There's actually a lot of ways to save money that I teach my clients, but this one seems to work the best for me personally. It's one of my deepest money secrets.

For every $500 I earn, I have my assistant go to the bank and get $100 in cash. The bill must be new and crisp. No crummy bills please!

When she brings it to my office, I thumbtack it on my wall. One side of my office is filled with $100 bills. Today, there's no more room, so I have to get a bigger office.

I won't tell you what I do with the excess money or how many bills I have on my wall, but what I can tell you is that you can use this method too.

Suppose you earn $50,000 per year. Imagine if you can take $100 out of your account and put it on your wall every single week.

You'll save over $5,000 per year and $50,000 in 10 years. You'll also have over 50 $100 bills on the wall--which is pretty nice artwork.

It's actually quite invigorating to see a green wall (with a splash of color because of the new Benjamin Franklin bill). The visualization helps me to know that I'll always be backed by money (pun intended).

Another important factor is that you must use the money for a specific reason. You MUST save it for a purpose by either donating it to charity, using it, and/or invest for more! If you don't use it, you'll lose it---guaranteed.

If you save your money by using this method, it will help you think of how you can earn more. It will give you personal power that you didn't know you have before.

By the way, this wall isn't to show for the public. If you show it off, you will be resented by others for your discipline, which will keep you from attaining more.

You can start with $50, $20, or $10. If you go lower than $10, it may not feel as valuable and it could lose it's meaning.

This method will get you excited and ready to earn more. It will seem so easy once you start doing it and you'll never feel like you are 'losing' money again.

There's a special power that you will inherit once you realize that this money is not to be spent. You'll have an extra confidence when you want into the marketplace with a controlled emotional impulse to not spend.

You will also be able to accumulate a fortune within a matter of years, depending on how you use your money. New opportunities will come your way as you become richer.

Use this method to your advantage and set yourself up for success. There's just as much to be saved as there is to be earned. Never be broke again. Always have money.

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10 Questions Every Leader Should Ask Themselves

One of my favorite clients inquired, "Daniel, as a leader of a large company, are there any particular questions that I should be asking myself?"

Great Question!

Questions are a way of life and those who ask them will have the most control. While most people are seeking answers, real leaders seek questions. Questions will automatically give you the right answers. However, answers may not always give you the right questions.

When someone asks a question, you can usually discern their level of understanding. Of course, the most intelligent and powerful person will most often ask the best questions. Truly, your level of questions will determine your level of success.

“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.” ― Voltaire

When it comes to becoming a leader, there are many questions that you should ask. The first question that I would ask is "Why should I become a better leader?" Why would you want to become a better leader in the first place? This is a question (or answer) you should figure out yourself.

We can go on to ask more questions, such as "How do I do it?" or "When should I do it?" However, these questions are basic and you can ask them on your own. Here are 10 thought-provoking questions that every leader should ask themselves:

1. Did I do everything I could today to make tomorrow the way I want it to be? At the end of each day, you either rejoice or regret what you did in your day. If you've done everything you could today, tomorrow will always work itself out. This way, you'll make everyday count towards your success. 

2. How would the person I would like to be do what I'm about to do? One of my mentors taught me this question. What you're basically asking is, "If I were in the year 2020, would I make this decision right now?"  This will allow you to behave like the person that you've been striving to be. 

3. Who could have helped me today if I had only asked? There isn't a day that goes by where you could have asked for more help. Almost everyone you need is a phone call or email away. Are there some mutually beneficial tasks which you can get others to do for you? Leaders share responsibilities.

4. How would I act today if I knew that I would be getting what I want tomorrow? We all have a deep promise within us. Some of us just need faith to activate that promise. If you were 100% sure of your future, how would you act if you knew that everything that you wanted will come to fruition?

5. What are 3 major improvements that I can make within the next 30 days? We all have improvements that we need to make in our lives. They constantly nag at us and we need to address them. Instead of running away from them, seek to improve your life by enhancing yourself by dealing with these issues.

Don't answer your questions, question your answers

6. How can I deliver more value to more people in less time? We all know that I'm famous for asking this question. In short, ask yourself, "How do I become better to more people in the fastest way possible?" It will also help you to expand your influence. This question changed my life completely. 

7. If I could change one thing about myself that's been holding me back, what would it be? This is a tough question since many of us are in denial when it comes to changing the habits hold us back the most. Whether you are struggling financially, slightly overweight, or smoking cigarettes, deal with it as soon as possible.

8. If there was one goal that I must accomplish within the next 3 months, what would it be? Get serious with yourself and focus on the one goal that you need to accomplish within the next few months. If you do, you will make tremendous strides in your life and overcome many obstacles. 

9. How do I give more of myself to those that are in need of me? Right where you are, there are many people who need your help. If you know of any way that you can help, make sure you do it. Whether you're working your local homeless shelter or reading poems to hospital patients, these people need you.

10. How do I increase the quality and quantity of my work? Getting better at what you do is only going to help those you serve. Speeding up your work (automation, mass-production, delegation, etc.) is another way to serve those people on a greater scale with your excellent product or service. 

More Questions to Consider:

What did I want that I didn't ask for today? 

What would I do if I knew I could not fail?

What must I do to love all of the people I meet?

What is the best use of my time right now?

What do I want my attitude to be right now?

How do I do what I'm currently doing on a massive scale?

What is my life mission? What exactly was I born to do?

Summary

Keep these questions written somewhere around you. I personally have a few of them on post-it notes in my office. Ponder over your favorite ones everyday for the next 30 days. Watch how quickly your life will change! Also, be sure to send me other questions that you have that I haven't written yet!

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7 min read 10 Major Differences Between Rich and Poor People

I've been rich and I’ve been poor. I know both sides very well.

Growing up poor, I knew that I wanted to be rich. At the age of 24, I earned my first million dollars. I came a long way and studied the subject all of my life. Over time, I have discovered that if you're not living in prosperity, you're living in poverty.

Wealth is a choice that we must all make. Bill Gates once said, "It's not your fault if you were born poor, but it’s your fault if you die poor." There's no reason why you should live in poverty. Wealth is waiting for you, but you have to make up your mind if you want it in your life.

For a long time, I struggled to believe that I could eventually become rich. It wasn't until I observed the differences in thoughts and actions between the "haves" and the "have-nots."

Here are 10 major differences between rich and poor people:

1a. Poor people are skeptical

I distinctly remember a former coworker of mine saying, "Those mechanics are a rip-off! They're always looking for the weak people. They'll charge you when you're not looking!!" He thought that everyone unjustly wanted his money and that everyone is out there to get him. 

1b. Rich people are trusting

Surprisingly, a great deal of rich people leave their car and house doors open. Conversely, in areas of poverty, you'll find that this behavior is highly unlikely to happen. Rich people have the tendency to trust those they meet (within reason) and give others the opportunity to be themselves.

2a. Poor people find fault

People who are poor are always looking for the problems instead of the solutions. They end up blaming their environment, circumstances, jobs, weather, government, and will make an extensive list of excuses as to why they cannot be successful. 

2b. Rich people find success

Rich people understand that everything happens for a reason. Rather than letting life happen to them, they take direct action and make big things happen. They put aside all the excuses and eradicate their blame lists because they have to do what must be done. 

Related: 10 Phrases Every Millionaire Avoids

3a. Poor people make assumptions

When it comes to knowing the truth, poor people often make assumptions. If they want to reach out to a celebrity, they might say, "They probably don't have time to talk to me." Instead of checking the facts or asking questions, they never make a true attempt when it comes to getting what they want.

3b. Rich people ask questions

Many rich people ask the question, "What if?" For instance, "What if I wrote an email to the president and he or she answers?" If you begin to ask questions, you will save yourself a lot of hassle. The power is in the hands of those who ask the right questions. They don't answer your questions, question your answers.

4a. Poor people say, "They" and "Them" 

In the grocery store, the woman at the register said, "They never have enough cashiers. I don't know what's wrong with them." Obviously, this woman did not take any ownership and responsibility over her job. She certainly did separate herself from the job that was paying her. 

4b. Rich people say, "We"

At one of my favorite restaurants, the server said, "We take great delight in cooking our steaks in real fire." His sense of pride and ownership stimulated me, which allowed me to give him an honorable tip. Surely, you will be rich when you invest more into what you believe in.  

5a. Poor people want the cheapest way

I was once shopping with a friend who only wanted to buy if they could find the cheapest clothing. They would rush to the clearance rack and pick up clothes that they didn't even want, but ended up buying because of a "deal." Unfortunately, they ended up never wearing it since they only bought the price.

5b. Rich people want the best way

Rich people will go the extra mile to find quality material. They don't limit themselves to price and often seek service while they shop. Rich people want organized services and will never settle with items that are worthless and unusable.

6a. Poor people think money is more important than time

Millions of people all over the world are trading their precious time for money. You can always get $500 back, but you can't get 50 hours again. Nonetheless, the majority of people trade time for money and never realize their true potential because of it.

6b. Rich people know that time is more important than money

Rich people never trade time for money. Moreover, they seek fulfilling experiences that dramatically alter their lives. Their careers are more focused on doing what they love and helping others, instead of merely clocking in for a meager paycheck.

Related: 5 Secrets to Monetizing Your LinkedIn Experience

7a. Poor people compete

When a poor person sees an opportunity, they find out how others are doing it and emulates them. Most often, they never consider another way of doing it. Instead, they settle in the belief that doing what others are doing is the best thing they can do for themselves.

7b. Rich people create

My rich neighbors were disgruntled when they found that their Porsche did not come in a specific shade of green, which they deeply wanted. Because of this, they decided to custom build their green Porsche with unprecedented specifications. I've never seen such a thing! 

8a. Poor people complain, condemn, and criticize

Most poor people have learned how to be poor from their predecessors. Their family members have conditioned them to believe that everything is "wrong" instead of right. If you're ever heard someone ask, "What's wrong?" you'll know what I mean.

8b. Rich people praise and enjoy their blessings

Rich people know that they have many privileges and they don't take it for granted. Because of their appreciation of gifts, love, and circumstances, they are able to generate more. Many times, what gets praised gets prospered.

9a. Poor people seek amateur advice

They often listen to the opinions of others and seek approval from acquaintances. They believe almost everything they hear without questioning authority. They accept opinions as facts and prohibit themselves from doing research once satisfied with an answer.

9b. Rich people seek expert advice

Those who are rich have learned to think for themselves. If they cannot figure out something, they seek expert advice. Usually, they pay for the advice and are given a wide variety of options. They learn the experts only make suggestions, which means that they aren't particularly confined to a specific action.

10a. Poor people have big television sets

Poor people take a lot of time to drift off to sporadic images of which they often have little to no control over. They use their free time to avoid the art of thinking (which is the most challenging task) and zone out to what many have conformed to believe is "entertainment." 

10b. Rich people have big libraries

Wealthy people are educated and read a lot of books. They use their knowledge in a way that benefits them. Instead of drifting off in random activities, they seek to get within their minds to understand themselves, others, and the world in which they live. In fact, as your personal library increase over the years, so will your home. I can attest to this!

To get a true perspective on how to become rich, you must study rich people. After all, you become what you study. If you're currently surrounded by people who aren't yet rich, just do the opposite of what they do. Soon enough, you'll be able to reach your financial dreams!

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