How To Become A Millionaire In 3 Years | Daniel Ally | Tedxbergencommunitycollege

Success, a word whose meaning is subjective, varies greatly from person to person. What success represents to an individual may be completely different from what it means to someone else. It can range from a kindergartner aiming for a star on a homework assignment to a career-driven executive aspiring to be the CEO of a company. With so many perspectives on success, it becomes crucial to define it uniquely.

In my opinion, success is all about self-expression. It's about being true to who you are, doing what you love, and going wherever your heart desires. In your life, you are the boss, and you have the power to make choices that align with your vision of success. Every decision you have made up until this point has shaped who you are today.

Throughout our lives, we encounter people who try to influence our choices - parents, teachers, bosses, friends, and even neighbors. They may try to dictate how we live, what we should do, and where we should go. However, it is essential to ask ourselves: If we constantly strive to meet other people's expectations, who will we truly become? To achieve success, we must break free from the pressure of conformity and start performing according to our own expectations.

Believing in yourself is key. Success is a result of unwavering faith in your abilities and unwavering belief that your goals will manifest in due course. Feed your faith, and your fears will starve. When you believe in yourself, the whole world will believe in you, too.

From Basement to Self-Made Millionaire

I must admit, there was a time when I lacked faith in myself. I was the person others warned their loved ones about, the person destined for a mediocre life. My reputation was far from impressive as I squandered my potential living in my mother's basement. By the age of 21, I had worked over 40 different jobs and been fired from more than most people could count. My graduation from high school was marked by rank - second to last, with the last person serving a jail sentence. I spent eight years on drugs and grappled with confusion, financial struggles, and a sense of disillusionment. I knew I wanted to change, but didn't know where to start.

Three Principles to Revolutionize Your Life

However, regardless of our circumstances and uncertainties, we can make transformative changes in our lives. Here are three key principles that have the potential to revolutionize your life as they did mine. They are simple yet immensely powerful.

Principle 1: Read More Books

The world is filled with books that hold the knowledge and wisdom we seek. However, we do not need to read every book. Instead, we must choose the ones that address our specific problems and help solve them. If you wish to learn about money, read books on finance. If you want to improve your relationships or become a better communicator, there are countless books available on those subjects. Libraries offer a treasure trove of wisdom, and access to this world of knowledge is free through library cards. Books serve as tools that unlock the untapped potential within us. Leaders are readers, and if we aspire to succeed, reading must become an integral part of our lives.

While most people read only one book per year, often mere social media posts, dedicating ten minutes a day to reading equates to consuming one book a month. Imagine reading twelve books a year, an accomplishment far surpassing what most people manage in half a decade. Time is not a constraint when it comes to reading; instead, it is a matter of making it a priority.

Principle 2: Surround Yourself with the Best

We are the product of the five people we spend the most time with. Our income, habits, thoughts, and aspirations mirror those of our closest companions. Therefore, we must evaluate if our leaders – the ones we surround ourselves with – are leading us toward where we truly desire to be. If the answer is no, it is time to seek new leaders.

Often, we form connections with people through circumstances rather than true compatibility. These surface-level friendships limit our growth and potential. To reach our goals and expand our horizons, we must actively seek out individuals who inspire us, challenge us, and lift us higher than we thought possible. These leaders can provide guidance based on their own experiences and point us in the right direction.

Finding these individuals is simpler than it seems. By reading books from authors we admire, we gain access to a world of ideas and can initiate conversations through social media or websites. It is crucial to remember that the people we seek are also searching for like-minded individuals. We must be proactive in our pursuit of growth and surround ourselves with the best.

Principle 3: Set High Goals

Goals are essential for personal growth. They push us to expand our horizons, challenge ourselves, and become our best selves. Yet, setting goals can be confusing and overwhelming for many, leading to indecisiveness and inaction. Common methods, such as New Year's resolutions or bucket lists, often fall short due to lack of urgency and tangible action steps.

To overcome this, I advocate for the "20 Idea Method." Begin by selecting one overarching goal you wish to accomplish. Then, analyze and brainstorm 20 ideas related to your goal. For instance, if you want to become a better public speaker, ideas may include watching TED talks, practicing speeches in front of a mirror, or reading books on effective communication. This method prompts us to think creatively, find multiple avenues toward success, and ensure progress in various areas of our lives.

Remember, writing down our goals is crucial. It imprints them in our subconscious, reinforcing our commitment to achieving them. By consistently setting higher goals, we stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones, becoming the best versions of ourselves.

The B.I.G. Formula for Success

In conclusion, I present to you the B.I.G. formula for success. B represents books – read them to expand your knowledge and insight. I stands for individuals – surround yourself with people who elevate you and lead you toward your aspirations. Finally, G, the most crucial element, stands for goals. Set high goals, believe in their attainment, and consistently work towards them.

By embracing these principles, success can be yours, no matter the form it takes. So, think big, do big, and win big. The world is waiting for you to unleash your potential and make your mark.