"Was I Programmed from Birth to Fail?"

From birth, many of us were programmed with a specific mindset that was passed on generation to generation from our parents, friends, and community.

“Go to school, so you can get a good job, and buy your dream home. Oh yea and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE.”

Until you reprogram your mind to think differently, no matter what degree you obtain, you may find happiness and contentment, but you will be looking for handouts from the government and/or forever be part of that endless cycle often referred to as the “rat race” (i.e. living paycheck to paycheck).

Change your context (i.e. “I have to have a job”). Think of a glass full of water. The water is the content and the glass is the context. The content is the formulas, strategies, etcetera that could be easily learned. The context is the rules that govern your reality. “Your thoughts become reality.” Your context can trap you and hinder you from advancing. Examples include “I will never be wealthy…” and “I can't do this…” with that negative mindset you will never become wealthy or take that less traveled road. Use positive affirmations to continuously generate positive thoughts and change your point of view.

Recent and near college graduates, STOP COMPARING SALARIES…. The most important thing to look for in a starting position is one that prepares you with a skill set to have success in the future. “Work to LEARN not to EARN.” Be mindful of your job. Spending 8 hours a day soaks up time and limits you from doing other things. Are you willing to continue to give up your freedom for security? MORE SECURITY = LESS OPPORTUNITY. If you spent that same 8 hours learning how to create money for yourself rather than making someone else money, think about what the future may bring.

Regardless of the state of the economy there are opportunities available. Most people freak out when the economy is down. That's a poor to middle class state of mind. On the other hand, the savvy entrepreneurs/investors see opportunity. They understand economy has its ups and downs just as seasons come and go. Their context is totally different. Think about it, if you find opportunities in a down economy and ride them upward to its peak, once the peak is reached its time to get out and look for more opportunities because its only one way to go and that’s down.

If you want to start today in changing your context and shaping your mind to prepare for success, here are a few things you can start doing immediately:
1. Learn your craft.
a. Volunteer your time for FREE to learn what your interests are.
b. Find a mentor who will train you.
c. Join a club where you can learn and network with more experienced people.

2. Take someone out to lunch.
a. Request other people’s time buy offering coffee, or lunch and pick their brain.
b. Keep in mind that $20 spent on lunch is priceless for the knowledge you get.
c. Try to meet at least once a month with someone you can learn from.

3. Build your Network
a. Network = Net worth
b.Get you some business cards to exchange with others.
c.Get involved and volunteer your time.

4. Help someone achieve their goals.

5. Take a look at the people you surround yourself with. Avoid negative thinking people.
a. Can they help you achieve your goals?
b. Where are they minds at?
c. Do I need to eliminate them from my life?

6. Prepare yourself
a.Start saving, get your credit together, and reduce debts.
b.READ, READ, and READ some more.

7.Don’t’ buy the liability before the asset.
a.Think about it before you buy that new car when you graduate college.
b.Purchase assets that will pay for your liabilities.

8.Make a commitment to start. Just do it! Don’t be scared to FAIL.
a.Failure is a part of success.
b.Learn from failures and continue to persevere.

Remember what this country was founded upon, FREEDOM. In 1773, at the time of the Boston Tea Party, those people were not throwing tea into the Boston Harbor for security (i.e. job), but for freedom and opportunity. Most people don’t know what freedom feels like because they’ve been a slave to their job forever. I am not against having a job at some point in your life to learn skills and generate regular income for some time, I’m simply encouraging you to have a plan and keep your “Eyes on the Prize.” Aim to become a job creator not job seeker, free up more time to pursue other interests. Which side of the spectrum will you choose to be on?