365 Ways of Becoming a Millionaire (Without being born one)

Some time ago, I used to attend one of those highly successful evangelical churches in Nairobi. One day, the Pastor gave an example of how he had had a visit from a young man who wanted his help publishing a book. He had already written the book, “How to Make Money”. Now, our pastor refused to fund the project. Why? This young man wanted the pastor to “give him money” to publish a book on “how to make money!” He simply told him to apply the principles he had written in his book to make the money he needed to publish the book.

And I agreed with him. There are several inspirational books in the stores, all showing people how to make money, how to be successful, how to be happy, how to achieve your dreams….and the what not. They are great books, by the way, and they may help you…but then you notice the writer is not enjoying what he wants you to enjoy himself!

Before reading a non-fiction book, I like looking at the background-the author- to see if the theme sits well with what he stands for. Real life experiences are the best ways to study. The author, Brian Koslow is the founder and president/CEO of Breakthrough Coaching, Inc., a company that provides business training to professionals who aspire to become top earners in their fields. He was a millionaire by the time he was thirty-one – I still have some way to go, so, I reckoned he could assist me.

When I came across this book- 365 Ways to become a Millionaire (Without Being Born One), the title resonated very well with me. I wasn’t born a Millionaire and I don’t expect to inherit millions, but I want to be one! And there are 365 ways to become one? Wow. I expected 365 ideas that could generate millions, and I was ready to try some. However,  It won’t show you how to trade in the Stock Exchange, start up the next Google, or be a great real estate investor. No! Far from it. Basically, the book’s premise is that with your very positive, opportunity-seeking, desirable self you’ll bump into enough to have that million rub off on you.

The keys to real success, says Koslow, can be found within. Factors such as mindset, attention to detail, and a strong sense of ethics, are among the most important elements. In 365 Ways to Become a Millionaire, Koslow uses a lighthearted style to divulge inspirational and practical advice — the very strategies, tactics, and unique insights that made him a millionaire. The result is a serious, yet accessible guide for anyone who wants success in whichever field, whatever position.

Through 365 practical and philosophical tips, Koslow shows people how to build a mindset for success and turn their wealth-building aspirations into reality. These are in the main aspects of Integrity, Credibility, Leadership, Relationship, Reputation, Negotiation, Money, Entrepreneurialism, Productivity, Time, Listening & Confrontation.

Every Page has something to learn and quote! Actually, I would recommend one buying the book and reading a nugget every morning, reflect on it, and at the end of the day, you will realize you have gone some steps ahead.

In particular, among several others, I took home these points:

  •  Circumstances are not a valid excuse for lack of performance. If you cannot confront and overcome your circumstances, your performance will suffer. 
  • Be anchored to some ideal, philosophy, or cause that keeps you too excited to sleep
  • Being highly committed to making more money will make you more money
  • If you would not volunteer to do the job you have, you are probably doing the wrong job
  • Always keep your word. If a change in circumstances means that keeping your word would be life threatening or otherwise devastating, renegotiate with the intent of maintaining your integrity
  • Your integrity is at stake when your actions don’t match your words, moreover, your reputation, credibility and relationships are at stake too.

These are some of the things you will read in this book. Insightful, huh? I finished it feeling like I had all it takes to be a billionaire! I grew a few feet!

Conclusion:

If you want to learn practical ways of living a successful life, the normal way, by all means buy, read and enjoy the book.
If you want more focused advice, on how to Get Rich Fast, try something else! 

13 Comments 365 Ways of Becoming a Millionaire (Without being born one)

  1. Troll October 3, 2013 at 6:04 am

    Get a million avocados and sell each for 1Ksh

    Reply
  2. Shizzal October 3, 2013 at 6:05 am

    Do you have it in pdf?

    Reply
  3. Red 1 scarlet October 3, 2013 at 6:07 am

    You tell us not to read self help books then you go ahead and sell us one?!

    Reply
  4. FRANKLINE MWENDA October 3, 2013 at 6:36 am

    Troll…hehe, idea 1……

    Red 1..I did NOT say we should not read self help books..I said i'ts worth reading books written by people who have hacked it, and I am not selling the book…..

    Shizzal…Nope, but you can get it, I guess. Anything is possible on the net. Try bergfiles.com

    Reply
  5. hellenmasido October 30, 2013 at 11:50 am

    hahahaaaaaa! i totally disagree Frank. people take kids to baby class nowadays to get rid of their kids from home so that they can go to work. kindergarten is not at all what you make it to be. apart from learning English-and speaking coherently- they learn to make friends and become social. i have a nephew who delayed going to kindergarten and because they lived in flat where there were no kids his age, he couldn't form a comprehensive statement and just threw around words his parents spoke.

    P.S. kindergarten is not just about English. they learn to get creative artistically which due to the 844 system, most parents aren't- so forget about homeschooling in place of kindergarten. the 70k school is where your kids would go to learn things like drama and theater and music! things that are not paid attention to in that government school. i have been through the system and while i may be rated as brighter than some IGCSE kid, they have more skills than i do. and i envy that!
    844 wasted a lot of my time.

    P.P.S.- I also currently buy clothes from gikosh and am broke often times regardless of the fact that i dont spend much on clothes. more than that, i dont even have kids. now imagine having 10 kids! thing is, a human being is more than just food, clothes and shelter. a human being must have space to dream and have the resources to go for those dreams. poverty and people who dont plan families is responsible for people dreaming small and having to make do with whatever little they have. this is very unfair for the kids. no more kids. abeg!

    Reply
  6. mmnjug ™ November 4, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Links, always give links.

    Reply
  7. FRANKLINE MWENDA November 5, 2013 at 5:48 am

    Oh yes @mmnjug ™ Links! They not only provide more information(Point 2) but also create more traffic for your other forums, such as your blog, website, etc.

    Reply
  8. FRANKLINE MWENDA November 5, 2013 at 5:56 am

    Interesting, @hellenmasido. Correctly put.

    However, I was assessing the common excuse not to have kids citing lack of money vis a vis bloated parenting. We are wasting way too much on non-basic needs..and you can't blame your 'not-having-a-car' on not being able to afford a Mercedes limo, when you can make do with a cheaper Totota.

    In the same way, you can manage your parenting in such a way that you satisfy your social responsibilities and not break the bank at it.

    Have children, Hellen. Many 🙂

    Reply
  9. FRANKLINE MWENDA November 5, 2013 at 6:25 am

    Nice one. I know someone who planted 10000 kale/sukuma crops planning to make a 100 bob from each. They ended up dry 🙁

    Reply
  10. Julia November 27, 2013 at 9:16 am

    ''Its never too serious'' i love that….nyc points Frank

    Reply

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