bills, it’s essential to devise a way for the work you love to provide an
abundant income.
Earning the income you want from work you love ranks close to
good health, fulfilling personal relationships, and a clear conscience
as essential elements for a satisfying life. There is an infinite variety
of ways to earn the income you want from work you love. Deciding
how much income you want and choosing the work you love are per-
sonal determinations. Although we make suggestions about how you
might find answers to these questions, the final decision is up to you.
We have observed some important characteristics about wealthy
people, which we present here to get you more comfortable with
the prospect of greater wealth for yourself. A common observation
is that wealthy people are different. Yes, that’s right. However, the
money they possess is the smallest of these differences. What are
some of the important differences?
Wealthy people are decisive. This is because they have an enduring vi-
sion to guide their decisions and actions. This vision provides the
framework for making decisions quickly and free of second thoughts.
Wealthy people take prudent risks. Poor people tend to be domi-
nated by fear of loss or fear of making a mistake, so they rarely take
risks. Poor people seem to be willing to settle for the misperceived
safety of enduring struggle.
Wealthy people take responsibility. They do not blame their financial
situation on themselves or anyone or anything else. Instead, they
take the steps necessary to change their own thinking and behavior
to move ahead.
Wealthy people don’t work for money. Rather, they develop a self-
benefiting mind-set about money and receiving and do work that
suits them, motivated by their sense of accomplishment and service.
Wealthy people are good for the economy. They pay most of the taxes
and make most of the charitable contributions. If you have need of
a job, surely you wouldn’t ask a poor person to hire you.
Wealthy people do not rely on luck. Less than 2 percent of American
millionaires have inherited trust funds, and even a smaller percent-
age has won lotteries.
Wealth is voluntary. You have to sign up. Are you ready? If you
have had enough of living with the financial results of precondi-
tioned thinking about money and want to take a giant step forward,
then you are in the right place to succeed.
Psychology, particularly thoughts and feelings, is the focus of this
book. From more than 20 years of teaching people, in groups andIntroduction 3ccc_laut_intro_1-10.qxd 7/8/04 12:22 PM Page 3