by Tricia
What hit me like a brick after starting to read, “The Millionaire Next Door,” is that perhaps my way of thinking is why I am not farther ahead in terms of my net worth and financial well-being.
Let me explain…
I have heard and read repeatedly that when you dream, you have to dream big. Dreaming big often means dreaming of being a millionaire. Well, in my mind, I could never dream that because I didn’t want that life. I don’t want the fancy cars or the homes so big that you do not even use every room. I just wanted (and still do) a simpler life and I always felt that large amounts of money brought trouble.
So what I have done is dream small, so to speak, and perhaps that has hindered my progress on a subconscious level.
The book gives a great example of a Texan that sticks out in my mind. At first glance, no one would think he was a millionaire. The material possessions in his life did not follow the “traditional” millionaire items. No fancy suits, no fancy watches, no fancy house, etc. If I could be a millionaire – that’s the type I would want to be right there. And I realized it is possible be a millionaire and live the life I want.
I have been trying to say to myself, “I will be a millionaire” and I still cannot say it. But I am working on it. I have a feeling once I can say it and truly mean it, then I will be open to more possibilities in my life.
It’s funny because this is supposed to be about my journey to become debt-free. But I now realize that becoming debt-free can only be achieved by undertaking another journey – the journey for personal growth.