As a child, I remember my parents buying lottery tickets and discussing what they would do if they ever won. It was a fun conversation around the dinner table, but the idea of getting rich through sheer luck always seemed like a distant dream. I often wondered if there was a way to achieve financial success with better odds.
Now, as a parent of two young kids and the owner of my own business, I feel like I have hit the jackpot – but not by leaving anything to chance. Four years ago, I made the bold decision to leave my unfulfilling 9-to-5 job in higher education administration and started selling digital products on Etsy. Today, I am making $10,000 or more per month in passive income from four different streams.
The journey to financial success was not easy, but three books played a significant role in shifting my mindset about money, helping me build wealth, and giving me the freedom to live life on my own terms.
1. ‘Change Your Questions, Change Your Life’ by Marilee Adams
In “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life,” Marilee Adams, a leadership expert, professor, and entrepreneur, introduces the concept of “judger” questions versus “learner” questions. By shifting our internal dialogue from blame-focused questions to solution-focused questions, we can change our mindset and achieve better results.
After reading this book, I realized the power of my internal dialogue in shaping my reality. When faced with challenges, I started asking myself, “What can I learn?” instead of being hard on myself. This shift in mindset helped me overcome obstacles and stay focused on my goals.
2. ‘The Simple Path to Wealth’ by JL Collins
“The Simple Path to Wealth” by JL Collins is a collection of letters about money and investing that the author wrote to his teenage daughter. Collins offers practical advice on saving, investing, and achieving financial independence.
One of the key lessons from the book is to avoid debt, spend less than you earn, and invest the surplus in low-cost index funds. Following Collins’ advice, my husband and I created a budget, saved and invested 50% of our income, and focused on consistent contributions to index funds. This strategy allowed us to build a nest egg that now provides us with financial freedom.
3. ‘Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life’ by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
“Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans is based on their popular elective at Stanford University called “Design Your Life.” The book encourages readers to embrace experimentation and iteration in designing a fulfilling life.
After reading this book, I used design thinking to explore career options that aligned with my strengths and values. By iterating and experimenting, I found roles that allowed me to work on projects and interact with people in a way that brought me joy and fulfillment.
In conclusion, these three books have been instrumental in helping me achieve financial success, build wealth, and design a life that works for me. By shifting my mindset, avoiding debt, and embracing experimentation, I have been able to create a life of financial independence and fulfillment.
