Don’t laugh. It’s true.
I wouldn’t normally tackle such a gripping topic like bluebirds here on Everybody Loves Your Money, but they’re relevant to your wealth-building journey and mine:
- They have a killer work ethic.
- They stay focused on their task.
Those may not be the only life skills required to become wealthy, but the more I study millionaires, the more I see those habits at play.
What Bluebirds and First-Generation Millionaires Have In Common
The Millionaires
Mimicking a millionaire’s life may increase your odds of becoming wealthy, right?
One of my favorite reads, “The Millionaire Next Door,” was where I first learned several previously unknown truths about today’s millionaires.
For example:
- The majority are self-made, first-generation millionaires. Translation: They weren’t “trust fund babies” nor did they take over a thriving family business.
- At the time of “The Millionaire Next Door’s” publication, only 1% were celebrities, actors, musicians, or writers. Boy, did I have that statistic wrong in my head as an adolescent.
- Most of the first-generation millionaires made their wealth by starting a small business. They live in a modest home with a nicer used vehicle and practice moderate spending habits.
If you’re building a nest egg, then the secret to wealth – according to most millionaires – is to work hard toward your goal for a really long time. When you finally achieve you goal, you should be smart and invest your money wisely to something sustainable and if you have some leftovers, just go ahead and put your money into a promising startup.
Wealth building is a saturated market. What could I possibly bring to the subject that hasn’t already been discussed?
Bluebirds.
The Bluebirds
According to my source, this cousin to the American robin is not a standout in the animal kingdom. Sure it’s blue, but the blue jay is far more unique with it’s pointed crest, white accents, and distinct call (see, I did the reading).
What made me think about average adults building wealth like millionaires was this: The bluebird spends the majority of its life within 20 feet of the ground. It lives in trees, flies down to find food, then returns to its perch.
That struck me. It has the gift of flight, I thought, Why doesn’t it soar?
Then, I realized…it’s steadily plodding…like nobody’s business. That’s what those first-generation millionaires are doing. Why couldn’t Average Joe?
The bluebird is the guy racking up a 401k at his job of 15+ years. The gal who stores up for the winter months so she always has extra for emergencies. It’s the family that buys used cars and lives within their means.
I have roughly as much right to tell you how to become a millionaire as a pigeon. But, if there is anything I’ve learned during my own personal finance journey, it’s that steady plodding pays off. Take the tortoise and the hare (I’ll stop with the woodland creature metaphors, I promise).
How This Applies to You
- Don’t write yourself off. If you put yourself on the shelf and said, “I’ll never become wealthy because I can’t get ahead,” then it’s time to change your mindset. Can you set a goal for this year to eliminate debt? Can you schedule a meeting with a financial advisor and discuss your future?
- Imitate what you’re capable of imitating. Go ahead and study those rich folks. Do what they do. Use their same toothbrush. Meanwhile, remember the bluebird. Flying in the clouds is AWESOME, but the bugs are on the ground (had to throw one more metaphor in there). Keep plodding.
You have more tools in your wealth-building toolbox than you realize.
For ways to build successful habits and be more like a bluebird check out this articles (no bluebirds mentioned)
5 Habits of Successful Investors
How Much Money Do You Need to Feel Successful?
10 Practices to Increase Self-Discipline
Does reading about the habits of millionaires inspire you to take action in your own life? Share in the comments below!
Image Credit: Patricia Pierce (Creative Commons)