I Want To Be a Millionaire So I’m Taking the ‘Opposite’ Approach
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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The conventional wisdom says that to become a millionaire, you have to obsess over making money and prioritize building wealth above all else. But Kolby Goodman, a hiring expert and entrepreneur at BestFirstNow, is taking a counterintuitive approach — by focusing on the lifestyle he desires first, he believes the millions may follow.
Here’s how one man is taking the “opposite approach” to becoming a millionaire.
Rethinking the Millionaire Mindset
“Historically, I believe that rich people are able to have extravagant lifestyles,” Goodman said. “They can make their own schedules, decide whom they want to spend their time with, prioritize their mental and physical health and have enough money in the bank.”
However, as he ventured into business ownership, Goodman realized those prized lifestyle #goals often associated with having a ton of money didn’t actually require heaps of cash.
“I get to choose who I take on as clients, and if I later learn they are not right for my business or my sanity, I can stop doing business with them,” he explained. “I have the time to wake up, meditate, journal, go on a walk, and play with my 3-year-old without the pressure of needing to clock in somewhere.”
Living Light To Live Free
Part of being able to live that flexible, freedom-focused lifestyle comes from Goodman’s conscious decision to avoid overspending and live modestly.
“I’ve made financial choices like a modest home, used cars, eating out less where I don’t need a ton of money to cover all of my monetary needs (and wants for that matter),” Goodman said.
By keeping expenses low, Goodman created breathing room in his finances and schedule to essentially live like a millionaire from day one, without necessarily having seven-figures in the bank.
“The lifestyle I thought was only obtainable once I had 7 figures in wealth was available to me way sooner once I realized those things I really wanted didn’t require any money at all,” he stated.
An Entrepreneurial Mindset Shift
Goodman’s approach stems from an understanding that money itself isn’t the end goal, but simply a means to live life more freely on his own terms. By taking the opposite tack and optimizing for schedule flexibility, low expenses, and freedom over finances first, the conventional millionaire’s lifestyle can paradoxically be achieved sooner.
“Owning my own business means I can make my own schedule, say no to work early in the mornings, late at night, or on the weekends,” Goodman said, adding that only needing a laptop and internet connection allows him to be based anywhere.
With basic needs met by living lightly, Goodman can now invest his time into further growing his wealth at a sustainable pace through his business, without being driven by an obsessive need to be a millionaire first.
It’s a fresh mindset shift that shows you don’t necessarily need to be rich to start living like the “millionaire” you hope to become. By first creating the ideal lifestyle you crave, ironically, you may find the millions following.
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