This is Why You're Broke: The 3 Major Differences Between the Rich and Poor.

The rich and poor just do things differently ... very differently! We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but the rich have a strategy that has been proven time and time again to set them apart. Although there are a number of differences between the two classes we we're going to decipher the three fundamental differences:

1. Consistently Consume vs. Consistently Produce

Denzel Washington stated on the Ellen Show he “Doesn’t have much time to watch movies.” Hate him or love him – I chose to love him, but in the most respectful way possible Mrs. Paulette … I promise (and no my fingers were not crossed). He is by far one of the most well-respected, highly intelligent, influential and talented creators of our time. He has achieved such greatness in understanding the best consistently produce while most will merely consume.

This fundamental difference is one of the primary reasons you’re broke. The rich understand the poor consume so they make sure they give consumers something to consume.

2. Rightnowist vs. Visionary

Yes, I know ‘rightnowist’ is not a real word, but so what neither was blog, copasetic, or selfie until it became widely used! But I digress … back to my point. Vision is deciding what your future will look like and taking the necessary steps to create what you’ve imagined. Simple enough right? Wrong! The issue is most never really decide. I mean truly make a conscious decision, instead they do with whatever comes and allows them to “make ends meet” and not be “too miserable.” That is not life! To succeed you will have to create the picture of what you want for your life and then create an action plan you will implement to make your dream your reality. A visionary will working step 1 has already figured out steps 3, 4 and 5. Whether or not it works the way they’ve planned the fact is they have one. And the saying is true, “Having a plan guarantees nothing, but it is true without a plan you plan to fail.”   

Most people are too okay with not being okay and feel as though as long as I’m good right now, I’m good. Wrong! Again. Become the visionary for your life and use right now to create what later will be.

Your vision coupled with strategic action produces results.

3. Dollars Spent vs. Dollars Invested

What you value most you invest in. Think about it. The make-up artist invests in makeup, the artist in instruments and the scientist in laboratory equipment. The rich understand money is a tool, a tool that if used properly will provide a platform for continued growth and opportunities. Money isn’t everything, but it makes things work.

Take a long hard look at where you spend your money. Do you spend or invest? The poor will spend on shoes, concert tickets, game consoles and $100,000 wardrobes, but won’t invest $500 now in a course to teach a skill that can be used to provide more money, growth and opportunities later. The age old lie “I don’t have it” and my all-time favorite, “I’m broke” are excuses you cannot afford, literally, to use if you expect to grow. Whether formal or informal education gives you options, options that will transform your life.

Remember, to complain is easy. To compare takes even less effort. But, to truly take your life by the horns and become fully responsible and accountable for its outcome takes true courage. Go be courageous! Your whole life can and will change the day you decide you’ll have more than you’ve had and you’ll do more than you’ve done.