I spent a little time this weekend, speaking with a guy who made a multi-million dollar fortune, from scratch, when he was in his 30’s. Now in his 50’s, Bernard’s enjoying a much quieter life in the countryside.
He shared an idea with me, about what he called his secret to making money, especially when times are challenging.
Now I’m going to share it with you.
Bernard’s advice for making lots of money
He started by talking about how little attention is given to the figure of $999,999.
Yes, I know that sounds a little weird, but please bear with me.
Here’s what he said.
- You never hear anyone say that want to live the $999,999 lifestyle.
- You never see a TV show called who wants to be the owner of $999,999.
- You never hear anyone talking about “a cool $999,999”.
- And no one has ever told anyone that they look like $999,999.
His point is that it’s the cool million dollars that gets all the focus and attention.
Early, sustained motivation is the key
Here’s the core of Bernard’s idea, which I think gets his point across beautifully:
Ten by ten by ten is a thousand. Do that another three times and you get a million. Those who manage to make a million are the ones who can get motivated when it’s just $10 – – and then stay motivated when it’s only $1000, or $10,000.
Because the jump from $10,000 to $100,000 isn’t that hard. And from $100,000 to $Million it’s even easier.
Whether it’s building a business, building a fortune or building a subscriber base, there is a common thread.
The work at the beginning is disproportionately hard and unrewarding.
And the way we choose to navigate that difficult period will determine whether we reach the breakthrough, where it becomes easier and the rewards massively greater.
If you’re going through that hard, unrewarding period in any area right now, check your strategy and if it remains sound, keep going!
It really does seem this is the point where results are determined. It’s certainly where most people lose heart.
Like achieving anything of value, Bernard’s advice falls into the ‘easier said than done’ category.
But in fairness, no one suggests making a ton of money is easy.
That’s the very reason we’re advised to overcome the initial difficulties and persist.