Secret Traits and Mindsets of Six Figure Earners...

There's a big disparity between the number of people at the poverty level and the number of financially secure.

Sure, there are plenty of things that hold people in poverty, including illness, poor education, lack of opportunity, etc. I also understand that it's much more difficult for some people to rise up the financial ladder, simply because of socioeconomic factors too numerous to discuss in this small space.

But there are also a number of things that almost all top earners have in common. And that's what I want to focus on today.

Understanding the following traits and simply experimenting with them can make a huge difference in almost anyone's ability to earn.

1. No limited self-belief

People who go on to earn six figures a year or more truly believe that there is nothing that can stop them from achieving that financial freedom goal. Most exhibit a high level of self-confidence that is often contagious, meaning everyone they work with "gets the bug". These optimists maintain a positive outlook at almost all times. Their confidence is not easily shaken by external factors and their positive beliefs and energy virtually "will" any task to completion.

2. Seek out other big earners (birds of a feather flock together)

Many low income earners only network with other people that are of the same or similar income as them. It's their comfort zone. They rarely if ever actively seek out other people who are significantly wealthier than them. Most people who become high income earners do the opposite. They come out of their comfort zone, and consistently befriend and learn from others who are doing better than them financially. In the process, many are surprised to discover just how willing the people they considered "snobs" are to help them.

3. No fear!

People who become top earners are usually willing to do whatever necessary to reach their goals, including things that seem like a lot of work. The fact is, even huge tasks can be separated into small steps that can be completed one at a time. People with true potential to become big earners recognize this and immediately start breaking down big ideas into achievable steps. This "no-fear" trait can result in positive advances at virtually every level, from minimum wage workers to self-employed individuals.

4. Understand and respect the importance of time

Most people who become wealthy through their own ambition recognize that time is their most important asset and a very scarce resource. They do not waste their precious time sitting in front of a TV watching soap operas or endless hours of reality shows. They ARE their own reality show.

5. Make lists and deadlines (don't procrastinate)

While there are some people who've become wealthy despite lack of organization they are in the minority. The fact is, most people who go on to earn the big bucks, whether with their own company or as an employee, know how to get things done. They keep lists and set deadlines for tasks. They don't constantly put things off. When they have a job to do they roll up their sleeves and jump right in without delay. Even if they're simply delegating the job to someone else, they give immediate, concise directions and follow up with progress regularly.

More tips after this sponsor message...

6. Understand how to leverage

People who get things done know how to use the power of leverage to achieve maximum results with minimum efforts. They understand how to leverage money as well as people. Big achievements are not accomplished by one person, even though one person sometimes reaps the bulk of the credit or financial gain. Think about it. Did Steve Jobs write all the code that makes an Apple computer run? Does he put ipads together himself? Of course not! Heck, even the President of the United States has people who write his speeches. Every successful person finds ways to leverage their time and money.

7. Willing to "pay" their way up

Many people of lesser financial means have the idea that the best way to manage money is to use less of it. And while that is true in some cases, most people who become financially independent have a different viewpoint. They view many expenses as investments. They understand that spending a certain amount of their money to acquire new knowledge or a new skill, can result in large scale future returns of their initial investment.

8. Different "saving" habits

Once these people start to see financial results, they put their money to work. While saving is a good habit, most people who become truly rich realize that simply saving is not the best way to grow your money. After all, savings accounts earn about 1% a year on average these days. Wealthy people put a significant portion of their wealth in investment vehicles that give them a better ROI than a normal savings account. Examples include stocks, bonds, commodities, real estate, etc.

In closing...

I personally lacked every one of those traits until about age 32. I'm still guilty of a few of them from time to time. (I watch too much sports on TV!)

I've had lots of jobs over those years including dishwasher, lawn mowing, cleaning, telephone repair and more. Some of the jobs I liked, some I didn't. None of them paid very well.

It wasn't until started experimenting with those traits above, that I started earning six figures a year, every year. That was 15 years ago. The right mindset can change everything.

I hope you find a trait or two in today's gazette, that you can experiment with!