It's very easy to spot a poor man or woman. The wrong approach is to look at his pocket or bank statement. That one is just broke. Rather, look at his attitude towards money.
Truly rich people are rich first in their minds. When you investigate how they deal with money you'd understand why they eventually have fat accounts. It's almost inevitable. It's about having the right healthy attitude. I'll give a few practical examples.
A poor man thinks certain things are luxury and unaffordable. This is a convenient lie. E.g.
1* He'd rather buy a pirated movie for #200 than spend #1,500 at the Cinemas. His rationale? 'It's the same movie joor...Cinema is for the rich'.
This is poverty mentality. If you continue to think this way you may never overcome poverty. Don't always go for cheap things. Go for quality and experience. Those who go to the Cinemas are NOT Martians or Mercurians. They are Humans like you. If you have to save for the movie, DO IT! Wean yourself from an inferiority and defeatist complex.
2* He'd rather always visit local restaurants popularly called 'bukah' or 'mama put' than patronize exotic outlets.
Another poverty mentality. Some folks believe that certain delicacies and dishes are above their pay grade. Never meant for them. Inasmuch as that may be a fact, it is not the truth. Anyone can SAVE to give himself any experience he desires. Yes, SAVE! For once in your life, say adiós to Mama Iyabo and visit an exotic restaurant which reeks of class and wealth with a menu list that looks something like this;
> Crab = 2,000
> Chinese Rice = 1,500
> Grilled Fish = 3,000
> 1 Cup of chilled Orange drink =1,500
> Salad = 1,000
> Roasted Chicken Lap= 4,000
Etc.
Someone right now is already rationalizing how many problems 4,000 naira will solve in his life. Why then should he spend it on one chicken thigh when a complete chicken at the local market goes for almost the same amount?
Such thinking misses the point. And it further makes my point- you simply have a poor mental state. Saving enough money to give YOURSELF that experience demonstrates your high self-esteem and your ability to dream!
You are unequivocally making a deep statement and telling YOURSELF, 'I'm this important. I deserve this.' And then, the experience also gingers you to dream and work harder. Again, those who go there aren't aliens.
3* He'd rather finish the meal before eating the meat or fish. I used to be very guilty of this one. It's poverty mentality. Most average Nigerians are guilty.
There's nothing special about the meat or fish in a meal. So, quit giving it special treatment. This mindset, to be fair, is a carryover from our upbringing. But it is unhealthy. We must shed it if we will be rid of poverty.
These are some of the mindsets and attitudes that keep us truly poor. It's not about the monies we don't have but the beliefs we do have that keep us poor.
Many of us remain poor simply because we do not take steps which will challenge our conventional beliefs. We keep saying there's no money but the real problem is that there is no will.
In fact, I think some folks love their financial/material poverty because that's the only REAL excuse they have. They've gotten so used to deploying their lack as a defence. Remove that and their excuse is gone. They feel naked and empty. All the while they were not fighting poverty. They were deploying it.
The humans you see in those Five Star Restaurants through the window of that rickety Danfo bus were born like you and I. Save to give yourself that treat.
Let your mind experience a new and different reality. Yes, that money will finish but you are not.
Emancipate yourself from mental slavery.
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