10 Things Poor People Do That Rich People Don’t: Breaking the Cycle and Building a Wealth Mindset

In this post, I’m going to share with you the 10 things poor people do, exhibit, that the rich simply don’t. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, or if you’re ready to change your financial future, I hope this post will inspire you to take action. If you’re in a place where you’re ready to shift your mindset and start making moves towards financial freedom, this one’s for you.

When I reflect on my journey from being born into poverty to reaching financial freedom, I realize that it was not just about how much money I had — it was about the mindset I developed along the way. And one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that dying poor is a choice. While being born into poverty may be beyond your control, staying poor is a result of the choices you make every single day.

Watching Too Much TV

Many people fall into the trap of binge-watching their favorite TV shows or staying up-to-date with celebrity gossip. But here’s the truth: time is money. When you spend hours on mindless entertainment, you’re sacrificing time that could be spent learning, building your business, or improving your skills.

The wealthy are constantly working on personal growth. Instead of wasting hours on TV, they’re reading books, attending courses, and learning from mentors. If you can’t shake the TV habit, start watching educational documentaries or shows like Billions that teach you about investing and business strategies.

Waiting for Someone Else to Save Them

One thing that keeps people stuck in poverty is the belief that someone else will save them — whether it’s the government, a family member, or even the lottery. The reality is that 99% of what’s holding you back is within your control.

The rich don’t wait around for a handout. They take full responsibility for their lives, and they’re proactive about finding solutions. They don’t complain about their circumstances; instead, they focus on creating opportunities and taking action.

Sleeping Away Opportunities

The rich don’t hit the snooze button; they wake up early, ready to tackle the day. While it’s important to get enough rest, the poor often waste valuable hours sleeping in or staying out late, missing out on opportunities to succeed.

Rich people understand that 24 hours is all you get in a day. They use their time wisely, staying productive for the majority of the day, rather than sleeping away the hours that could have been spent building wealth.

Living Without an Emergency Fund

The absence of an emergency fund is a common trait of those in poverty. If you don’t have money saved up for unexpected events, a small setback (like losing a job or getting sick) can send you into financial turmoil.

Rich people, on the other hand, ensure that they have at least six months of living expenses saved up. And beyond that, they often have insurance to protect their income. It’s not about how much you earn — it’s about how you manage your money.

Subscribing to Lifestyle Inflation

When people get a raise or promotion, the natural instinct is often to upgrade their lifestyle — buying a bigger house, getting a new car, or splurging on luxuries. This is a trap known as lifestyle inflation, and it’s one of the fastest ways to stay broke.

The wealthy, on the other hand, optimize their spending as they earn more. Rather than inflating their lifestyle, they save and invest the difference. They understand that a bigger paycheck doesn’t mean a bigger expense. It’s all about sacrificing today for a better tomorrow.

Using Debt to Buy Liabilities

Many poor people use debt to buy things that don’t generate income — things like luxury items, vacations, or even big parties. This is known as “bad debt,” and it’s a quick way to dig yourself deeper into financial instability.

On the flip side, the rich use debt to acquire assets and investments. Instead of taking on debt for non-essentials, they use it strategically to grow their wealth.

Gossiping and Envying Others

It’s easy to fall into the habit of gossiping about others, especially when you’re struggling financially. Unfortunately, this behavior not only distracts you from your own goals, but it also keeps you stuck in a mindset of scarcity.

The rich, on the other hand, don’t have time for gossip. They don’t waste energy criticizing others. Instead, they focus on their own goals and work towards creating the life they want. If you want to be successful, you need to stop focusing on other people’s business and focus on your own.

Procrastination and Fear of Failure

One of the hallmarks of a poor mindset is a tendency to procrastinate and avoid taking risks. People with a poverty-stricken mindset are often paralyzed by fear of failure, leading them to never follow through on their commitments.

The wealthy take calculated risks, and they never quit. They understand that failure is part of the journey and that each failure is an opportunity to learn and improve. They are focused, resilient, and outcome-driven.

Relying on God Alone to Solve Problems

While I believe in the power of faith, many poor people rely on prayer and manifestation without taking any real action. If you lose your job, for example, it’s not enough to simply pray for a new one. You need to get up, update your resume, send out applications, and network.

The rich don’t just rely on divine intervention; they partner with their faith and take active steps to solve their own problems. They trust in their ability to take action and create change in their lives.

Making Excuses for Their Situation

The poor often make excuses for why they haven’t achieved success — blaming their lack of resources, education, or opportunities. This creates a victim mentality that prevents them from seeing how much power they have to change their own lives.

The rich refuse to make excuses. They focus on what they can control and find ways to make their dreams a reality, regardless of the obstacles in their path. They are determined and committed to their goals, no matter what.

The Bottom Line: It’s All About Mindset

It’s important to remember that poverty is a state of mind. You can be poor and still have a rich mindset. And that mindset will determine whether or not you achieve financial freedom. The choices you make every day, how you spend your time, how you use your money, and how you view challenges all contribute to your financial reality.

So, my fellow rock stars, ask yourself: Are you going to continue with a poor mindset, or are you ready to embrace a rich one? The power to change is in your hands. It’s not about where you come from; it’s about where you’re going.

If you found value in this post, share it with someone who needs to hear this message, and remember: you have the power to break free from poverty and create the life you deserve. Let’s build wealth — one decision at a time.