"There is a difference between being poor and being broke..." R.T. Kiyosaki
Hear me out...I know some of you may be thinking "No, being broke and being poor is the same thing." But give me a moment to explain.
Recently I came across a TikTok video which I made the mistake of not saving and apparently not liking (shaking my head). Anyways, it was by this woman who was recommending books that have changed her life...specifically in terms of her relationship with money. Of course I was intrigued because if you know me you know that I am anti 9 to 5 lifestyle.
Anywho, the book she had recommended was no other than "Rich Dad Poor Dad" written by Robert T. Kiyosaki. This was not the first time that I had heard about this book. My oldest brother, whom I call Boy, has been recommending this book to my siblings and I for about three years now. I don't think any of my other six siblings and I have taken his advice. Long story short, a few years ago the window company he was working for closed down and he decided that a 9 to 5 lifestyle was not for him. So he taught himself how to become a day trader. Of course, this did not happen over night. He spent hundreds of hours learning how to invest in the stock market and hundreds more reading books. One of which was "Rich Dad Poor Dad."
I am happy to say that he is doing incredible and he continues to invest in himself and his education. Learning really a life long adventure.
I know what you are thinking..."Why didn't you take your brothers advice and read the book years ago..." Well the truth is the old Sandra from a few years back was not ready to undertake the lessons this book has to offer. That version of me was learning how to release trauma and take back her life after a long-term toxic relationship (we can talk about that another day). Anyways, the TikTok video I came across sparked a curiosity in me so I followed that curiosity and bought the book here.
Immediately after receiving it I began reading and I have to admit, it has been hard to put down. I keep thinking about the lessons Robert has shared, which is why I am inspired to write this post.
Sandra, what is your point in all of this?
Well, I want you to read that quote: "There is a difference between being poor and being broke. Broke is temporary. Poor is eternal" (Kiyosaki, 2017, p 13).
What thoughts does this bring up for you? Because for me it was mind blowing 🤯
Robert T. Kiyosaki goes on to say as a nine year-old
I noticed that my poor dad was poor, not because of the amount of money he earned, which was significant, but because of his thoughts and actions....I became acutely aware of being careful about which thoughts I chose to adopt as my own...The power of our thoughts may never be measured or appreciate, but it became obvious to me as a young boy that it was important to be aware of my thoughts and how I expressed myself... p. 66
Our thoughts MATTER. And I will be the first to admit that I have limiting beliefs about money! YES! In the back of my mind I kept thinking about the limiting beliefs I was programmed to believe as I grew up into my current self about money. Let me ask you, what is your current relationship with money?
Here are some that I was able to recognize while just reading chapter one.
I grew up with the belief that talking about money was not OKAY. Growing up my parents made it very clear to my siblings and I that we were not allowed to talk about money, especially with our extended family. I never asked why.
Money is something to be saved and not spent. I grew up poor. Any money I made I was told to save because of the fear of not knowing if one day I would need those savings.
I was constantly told to work hard and do my best in school so that I could graduate and get a good job indoors. Thus, I lived by the belief that working hard was equal to earning money. In other words, if I work hard enough I will make money.
These are just some of the limiting beliefs about money that crossed my mind. By the end of chapter one I had realized that I do not have a healthy relationship with money, in fact, all of my knowledge about money stems from limiting beliefs. These limiting beliefs serve as blocks in my journey to become financially free - which what I work towards every day. I realized that if I do not address these limiting beliefs I will not be able to move forward in my journey to achieve my goal, instead, I will remain stuck because I have blocks that need to be healed.
So how do you heal or begin to heal your limiting beliefs about money?
Well, the first step is to become aware. I want us to do this together. Take some time to pull out your journal or simply a blank paper and something to write with. Begin by asking yourself these questions:
How do I feel about money?
What are my current beliefs about money?
Is money the root of all evil?
Are any of my beliefs about money limiting beliefs?
Becoming aware helps us take the next steps to address these limiting beliefs/blocks. Once you have brought your subconscious beliefs into the surface or into your conscious, it is time to start recognizing where these beliefs are manifested into your daily life. Pay attention to how you navigate money beliefs and conversations in your day-to-day life. Once you allow yourself to become aware you mind begins to shift into a conscious state of mind. Once you get here then take ownership of your relationship with money. Ask yourself these questions:
What type of relationship you want to have with money?
What role does money play in your day-to-day life?
What type of mindset do you want to shift into in order to have power over money instead of money having power over you and your day-to-day life?
Take time to thoughtfully respond to these questions - allow yourself to assess your currently relationship with money and then allow yourself to create a new relationship - one that will serve you.
I hope these questions will be helpful! I will continue to share what I learn in the upcoming weeks!
Until next time,
Sandra