The millionaire mindset: Your gateway to wealth

Why my pursuit of wealth begins within.

Jan 13, 2025

“If you are ever given a million dollars, best you become a millionaire quickly.” — Jim Rohn

Mentally, I’ve arrived.

I have become a millionaire!

If you’re new to Money Talks, welcome! No, we don’t play make-believe games here. Instead, I’m sharing a significant milestone.

It’s the first step for everyday people like us to actually become millionaires.

It’s taken me two years to get here, so I hope you recognize the importance of this message. You can save yourself a lot of time trying to solve money problems and possibly accelerate your wealth journey.

Longtime readers might remember that I noted how critical our mindset is in taking control over our finances back in my debut column in February 2023.

“That’s because now I understand that everything starts with me: altering my mindset first, then improving my behaviors. I’m accepting the challenge and daring to be different, to live differently than I ever have.”

“I’m a career sports writer who makes a modest salary in an expensive city. Yet I believe I can transform my life, starting with my mindset and behaviors before feeling it in my finances. The past six months have shown me just how connected all three are. In my pursuit of generational wealth, I have stumbled into a higher purpose of wellness and healthy living.”

Our wealth journey started on the ground floor, and before we could build our brokerage accounts we had to revamp our behaviors.

I took my cues from every personal finance book and self-help podcast or video I consumed. They all offered the same fundamental guidance for growing rich.

“Wealth is what you accumulate, not what you spend. How do you become wealthy? Here too, most people have it wrong. It is seldom luck or inheritance or advanced degrees or even intelligence that enables people to amass fortunes. Wealth is more often a lifestyle of hard work, perseverance, planning and most of all self-discipline.” — “The Millionaire Next Door”

I’m confident that I’ve become a millionaire because I know I’ve put in the necessary work. I set an audacious goal, committed to shedding everything that stood between me and my vision, and I’ve now rewired my mind to never stop pursuing financial independence.

You’ve watched us for almost two years as we’ve intentionally lived below our means, pursued assets rather than liabilities, cut out distractions and invested in ourselves through “Atomic Habits,” both educationally and in exercise.

My thoughts turned into words before transforming into action. My actions soon became habits, and through my discipline and consistency you can now easily discern my values.

It’s only a matter of time before the commas in our accounts catch up.

But let me present an inspirational message that I think you should hear. In fact, I believe you should listen to it every morning for a month.

The message is from Dr. Myles Munroe, whom I introduced you to in September. In a 16-minute video, Munroe expertly explains the power of acting like a millionaire even if you’re not quite there.

“When you start to act as if you are already a millionaire,” he said, “you start to embody the characteristics of a millionaire. And over time, those qualities and characteristics start to become a natural part of who you are.”

Those qualities include a growth mindset, a positive outlook and being proactive. They’re all steps you can make that don’t require money.

“You don’t have to have it all figured out right away,” Munroe said. “You don’t have to make massive, sweeping changes overnight. You just have to start taking small, consistent steps in the direction of your dreams. And as you do, something incredible starts to happen.

“You start to build momentum. You start to see progress. You start to feel more confident and capable. And before you know it, you’re not just acting as if you’re a millionaire. You’re becoming one.”