Why Some People Get Rich and Others Can’t Seem To, According to Ramit Sethi

Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Ramit Sethi — entrepreneur, best-selling author of “I Will Teach You to Be Rich,” host of the popular podcast by the same name, and star of Netflix’s “How to Get Rich” — has spent years studying what sets the wealthy apart from others.
In his study of success, Sethi’s insights reveal why some people build lasting wealth while others struggle to get ahead.
Here are the important reasons Sethi believes some people get rich and others don’t.
Get Stuck or Get Successful
What he has learned is that some people get stuck instead of getting rich. They spin their wheels, stuck on the same problem for years. The people who get rich, on the other hand, look for solutions to the specific problem they are facing.
This is not to say that those who stay stuck aren’t trying. In fact, they are trying new things all the time — a new morning routine, new productivity apps, a get-rich-quick scheme, even new foods or a different diet. But these are not the things that will get you unstuck, according to Sethi. There’s only one thing that will do that.
Mental Mastery
The secret, according to Sethi, is mental mastery. Or, as he calls his program, Mental Mastery. Sethi developed this program after he surveyed a large group of successful people to learn how they did it. He grilled them on how they navigated career moves, learned from bosses — good and bad — and ultimately built successful businesses.
There are four components to mental mastery, and Sethi explains what they are and why you need them.
Unshakeable Confidence
Sethi found that successful people exhibit unshakeable confidence. They believe in themselves, and they truly believe they can do whatever they want. They believe they are entitled to their success.
Unwavering Focus
They demonstrate unwavering focus, another requirement for the mental mastery that leads to success. Sethi recommends that you maintain a laser focus on what you want and forget all distractions. Believe that nothing can stand in your way.
Motivation
Those who have mental mastery are unstoppable when it comes to motivation. His program teaches you how to attain the energy and excitement needed to do exactly what you want, at the time you want to do it.
Unbeatable Optimism
The final component to mental mastery is unbeatable optimism. Sethi’s program teaches that any obstacle can become a benefit, and that unfortunate events are only temporary.
Don’t Try To Fix the Symptoms
People who struggle to realize their dreams are often focused on fixing the symptoms. They try to overcome their lack of energy by getting more sleep or changing their diet. They use productivity apps to try to get more done, so they don’t feel as overwhelmed. They fight imposter syndrome by staying in roles they know they can handle.
On the other hand, successful people understand that efficiency isn’t the key — focusing on dominating in any situation is. They know that perfectionism can hold you back, and that self-discipline without burnout is possible.
Confidence, focus, motivation, and optimism — these are the four key qualities that will determine whether or not you’ll be one of those who get rich or one who doesn’t. And, according to Ramit Sethi, these qualities can be mastered.