There’s No Freedom in Waiting to be Rich

It’s one of the most basic questions ever: What do you and 99% of the population want most?
Most people will say “More money.” Specifically, we want to be rich. Who wouldn’t? If you’re rich, you really don’t have much to worry about, except maybe what to do with all that money, or maybe what to do with that “distant cousin” you never knew, who all of a sudden shows up when they find out you’ve got some money. Still, that’s a problem most people will gladly accept.
More money means material comforts, and doing what you want when you want without having to answer to anybody. No bosses, no deadlines, no evaluations—being in charge of your own life. Since this is so apparent … why are we even talking about it?
Because sometimes, the obvious is so obvious that we miss the bigger picture. When we talk about wanting to be rich, what are we really talking about; money, or freedom?
There’s a pretty big difference between the two, no? Does having more money absolutely mean having more freedom, or security, or even peace of mind? Not necessarily. Being rich certainly provides material convenience, but you and I know there are plenty of rich people out there who are completely miserable. Sometimes they miss the whole point of being rich—i.e. freedom and happiness. Instead, they work even more than some middle class people, who struggle just as hard, because some rich folks think they have to work harder in order to stay rich and “free.” Can you believe that?!
So in the end, what are we really after? What do we really want?
What we’re really seeking is a feeling that we associate with being rich. The house we want can give us a sense of comfort. The car we want can heighten a feeling of importance. Travel and toys can bring excitement and stave off boredom. But you don’t have to wait to be rich in order to have these things or experience the feelings of freedom and happiness.
The goal isn’t to get rich in order to be free. Let’s turn that around! Get freedom first, and then being rich becomes icing on the cake.
How do we get free now? Financially speaking, you do this by creating passive income vehicles—some to build, some to buy—letting those streams gather momentum over a few years, reaping the rewards, then doing more of this with other passive income structures. This way, you get the material wealth that gives you tangible freedom from having to worry about working—one of the basic goals of our desire to be rich—and if you really know what it is you really want, you get the happiness part of it as well.
Freedom is only as good as the results of your true intentions. In other words, keep the endgame in mind. We’re not getting rich to be free. We want to be free and then enjoy the benefits of being rich. This is not something we have to wait for to arrive in the future. There’s no freedom in waiting. Freedom starts now.






Harv’s ,
The post is very awesome. Previously , I felt I want more freedom of attachment to money so I stay away to think about getting t rich. However, time after time, I found out bringing unhappiness and more problems during financial struggle. Then, started looking for ways to get rich. After the SG MMI on Oct ,2012,some of my emotional burden was lighter and more mental freedom.Realize the wealth can bring time and financial freedom which lead to total freedom of our own being.
Truely appreciate for the post and I would like to share the link in my facebook page.
Amy,
Thank you for sharing! Feel free to share these lessons on your FB.
One reason that people aren’t free to be rich is because they won’t make choices. They think that having options is what freedom looks like. It’s not true! You have no freedom until you cut off your options and make a choice. More on that here: https://www.veraclaritas.com/options-do-not-mean-freedom/
Interesting thought. I know the importance of making a decision and then acting upon it; yet I never consider options. I have always thought it is great to have options although it can be a headache if too many. Thanks for the eye opener.
Strange and really not a very good analogy I’m afraid, the reasons being too numerous to elaborate on. In any event, sometimes your choices do NOT come from your conscious mind. People overrate the logical/rational mind – especially in the West, by overanalysing everything to the point of splitting hairs.
MY biggest turning points and realisations of wanting to change my “assigned” ‘lot’ in life had a lot to do with wanting to be free from the grind, from, as one of my (now deceased) most important mentors, Stuart Wilde, called it “tick tock”, the 9-5 ‘blah’ every day “hit repeat” existence.
Being wealthy requires that one has the courage to break free. Sometimes, it isn’t a chocie so much as a necessity, a deep inner urge, a calling, a knowing that something better MUST be out there than the mediocre, hum drum existence of “do what everyone else does”. I’ve always felt and believed that more is possible and that there HAS to be more than what we were taught and conditioned to believe. That is what compelled me to leave my comfort zone and venture “into the wild”, the big wide world and push the envelope and myself, soemtimes to the brink of exhaustion, of walking a thin line of life being “risky and frisky” rather than safe but awfully boring.
And, sometimes that has nothing to do with choice but with a DESIRE to create, to have a life and lead an existence beyond the mundane. I call that the Spirit’s guidance leading you towards more; than your rational mind ever could.
Agree with it. That’s the reason why I enjoyed the process of getting rich, rather than the reward (house, money, etc). Because I love to fight, face challenges,etc. It is not about money, it is about self fulfillment.
You got it!
what a great post its awesome to know the person i will become is stronger, better in heart and mind than the person i am leaving behind. thank you Harv for your passion for people.
That’s really great! Previously, I want to be rich and get the freedom. Now, I completely change my mind and feel so good!
Of course I had to share this. It is amazing how we focus on bi products versus the actual product. Sometimes it stems from who we get our advice from. It does matter who you listen to. They could very well be leading you down a long road to waste of time when you could of been enjoying what you want anyway right now with just a few minor changes in where you spend your time. Where should you spend your time? Read more here https://www.wealthyson.biz/how-to-get-money-maker/
Thanks Harv, great stuff, been following you for awhile now.
Stefan,
Thank you for the continued support.
Hi , I really appreciate your efforts for giving this month lessons, but would appreciate the fact, that you improve the format. Everytime, i read this lesson, the last word of the line isn’t visible clearly & it dissected by the picture. Please check this.
Thanks
Success is obviously a mind game. If you’re mind is not free, you’ll never be free, whatever externals you have or don’t have.
Very well said James.
Harv
Just started reading your thoughts and this post is right on. For years I thought the way to wealth and freedom was money, but I have recently come to realize that, as you said, it’s the opposite. You must first become free and happy and joyful for what you have and more will come to you.
It is true that a satisfying goal isn’t a quest to be rich. A satisfying goal is to contribute a value that many people want to buy. Having value is far more important than acquiring wealth. I have never met anyone that wanted to help others uncover their value and then help them to get that value in front of masses of people. I have the value, but lack the marketing to volumes of people. Any suggestions that don’t require wealth to implement those suggestions?
And how does one create these passive income vehicles?
Rika, if you email me, I can give you some ideas on creating passive income.
Callthecarters@gmail.com
Rika,
Please contact me if you interested in creating passive income
kmaluczak@gmail.com
Thanks for this gem, Harv.
Tom,
You are MOST welcome.
Thank You so much for what you are doing what you do and Sharing this with all of us. I read your book many years ago and this Lesson truly did hit my Heart. I work in the Money World and am right now transitioning into a Whole You Approach as I am feeling the Anxiety of all the different personalities to Money. Life Matters is that Approach and your lesson really said it: Get Freedom first and them Money becomes the icing on the cake. That has always been my Philosophy and Now I am finally implementing it into my practice, my family, my community and out to the World. You truly are an INSPIRATION. I work with a System with Values Wheels and the Power of Intention and I am loving it through my Re-Discovery process with my clients and myself in being who I am as an Advisor and educator to my clients. Continue to Create a Wonderful Inspiration to the people and I am looking forward to meeting you in person in the near Future. 🙂
I agree Harv. For me it’s always been about freedom. The nice thing is that over time the money follows and you find that you are in a position to help others achieve their dreams. It gets better and better.
I love it “Freedom starts now” I read an excerpt from Instant Millionaire, and he said, you are a Millionaire the instant you decide to be one, so Freedom is always my focus. Thanks T. Harv, love your information that you share. I have a millionaire mind. God bless
Right to the point about one of the few misconceptions about the wealth. First become free then become wealthy! it is easier 🙂
Great stuff, Thanks Harv!
Thank you Harv, great article. I must say your lessons come to my life in the right moment, just when I was feeling stressed and too busy and thinking of a way out without cutting down my income. Joy is the key.
Paco,
That is GREAT! Thank you for sharing.
Hey Harv,
I like this post. I learned that one needs to appreciate more for what one has currently and always work on self-improvement. This method of behavior will lead you in the right direction to your desired goals.
I have just found out you today one of the friends MSN title massage which is belong to you.
Your sir name and mine is same. So I have started to look for your web page and start to read your writing. I am from Adana/ Turkey and did not know where your family origin is and how we do have same surname……I will be reading your web page comment every day to understand carefully.
If you do e mail me back I will be so happy
Thanks
I never fail to read your monthly sharings. I am now building income streams.Hopefully it becomes totally passive. Still learning the ropes… but the end goal is FREEDOM! Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Yes. Be happy now and feel good now and then the wealth will come because you already feel wealthy.
Agree totally. Enjoyed the Melbourne MMI session; it was Awesome. Only missing link is the acknowledgement of Omniscient in your programs 🙂
Looking forward to your sessions in Australia next year.
You’re absolutely right Mr. Eker and it sure is a great lesson to keep in mind. Thanks!
I would like to be reach! I really thinking about it, but now I don’t find the way to achieve it. I am in a situation where i do not go along…
As usual you deliver like a tsunami.
Thanks Harv
Really amazing post …. I am also on the way to freedom so it is already started. Thanks for inspiring us
This is great.
Since i read the millionare mind and followed the intensive course, i have been trully blessed to look for solutions within than to blame others for my situation. I introduced iker to my wife and she has become a greater fan than i, as a result we have made a greater team with bigger results. As we still want” , this week’s lesson is apt: that we seek first the freedom and let the riches be the icing. Thank you. You have introduced a new perspective. I think it will make us celebrate our success better.
Mr. Harv great article there.I can not for second regret picking the secrets to a millionaire mind at a time when am just starting to earn in 3rd world country(KENYA)I find you a mentor and hope soon i will post to say what a billionaire I am and financially free.thank you
Yes Freedom is important to your own personal abundance.
Mahalo for this timely message T! I have been REALLY feeling the energy swirl around “frustrations over finances” recently and my pursuit to progress beyond it. I think my focus has become burdensome because i forgot to appreciate and be glad for what i do have, thanks again for the reminder!
freedom is not about money or no money. but people only realize that – when they are not interested in freedom in the fist place – then they have money and wonder why they are not happy or free ! – this is not new. to get money is easier then to get free. so the real question is: how do I get free? and what is freedom really? – can you expand on that Harv ? – greetings Fabian
Free dome is the very important in each & everyone but some times it becomes distressful at all.
Mr. Eker…was gon wait until 2morrow to post but I couldn’t….I just needed to let you know that I’m thankful that your Secrets of a Millionaire Mind has changed my life…I recently switched careers (to life insurance) and soon after I received my appointment I was given the MM audio book…I’m now reprogramming my thoughts and even though I’m not there yet…I can see it… and that makes the journey the adventure & so much sweeter….I bless your life Sir; may you and your family be blessed this thanksgiving knowing that your helping of others reaches far beyond your scope or perception…I live by it!!!!
Happy ThanksGiving and thank you for giving yourself to us!!!
Brady Hill and family
Hi, I read quickly through your conversation. I know people have offered to help start up passive incomes. My question is does anybody know how to start passive incomes up without having to put a lot of money down? Am I asking for the impossible?
hola T harv gracias por estos conocimientos, seria increible trabajarlo en idioma español.. bendiciones t. harv..desde colombia..
Several points:
I’m not sure that most people would say that what they want most is money. Many people would say that what they value most is health and positive relationships.
Many people enjoy their job and take satisfaction in knowing that they are contributing value to society, regardless of how much money they are making. For example, teachers.
Second point:
We all know that we need passive income. There is no point in repeating this a gazillion times.
The problem is how to generate passive income without having millions of dollars or taking massive risks.
There don’t seem to be many options.
1. Real estate. This method has many risks and realizing a net gain after all the expenses is difficult. Besides buying and managing real estate is similar to having a full time job unless you can afford to pay someone to do it for you.
2. Dividends. Requires a lot of cash to generate significant passive income.
3. Start a business. High competition almost every product, difficult and time consuming to start and manage, high risk.
4. Buy a business. Requires access to a lot of cash and involves high risks.
5. Interest from banks. Requires large amount of cash to earn significant income.
6. Create intellectual property such as books, patents, music, movies, etc. Requires a great deal effort before any income is possible and has a high failure rate.
What am ideas am I missing?
Bottom line: telling people to generate passive income without any reasonable ways of accomplishing this is not very helpful. Although it is a first step perhaps.
I realize that finding good opportunities can be difficult. Each person needs to ensure that they are getting personal financial advice from a professional as well so that the opportunities can be customized to them based on their circumstances.
I developed Never Work Again to bring opportunities and allow people to learn and to open their eyes to what other types of opportunities are out there. There is one coming up in Palm Desert November 29 – December 2nd. It is just as important to learn how to do your own due diligence for each opportunity that comes your way, as it is to find new opportunities.
Opportunities are everywhere…I agree 100% with this article. Figure out what you really want first… the opportunities are all around, and they will find you…
Thank you for sharing. Especially on the point: “Freedom is only as good as the results of your true intentions. ” I’m progressively set aside partial income, save & invest monthly creating passive income. Looking forward to a stage of passive income greater than expenses.
Your monthly lesson is helping to reminding & providing consistent guidance.
Very appreciate. 🙂
Great post THE Harv!I think this one of the best post!!
Soul
Boom! Truly inspiring as always!
Dear Harv,
Your mind’s changed my life forever, totally. Now, I’m helping my friends upgrade their -money blueprint- and redefine Freedom. I’ve just translated your tips in this fantastic note into Vietnamese-my motherland language so more friends in this developing country can reach your widom. Thanks again!
I agree! My husband and I attended the “Millionaire Mind Intensive” in Atlanta, GA and immediately began expanding our minds to create more PASSIVE INCOME STREAMS! We never realized the importance of them for our future wealth. Thank you so much!
You are MOST welcome.
So great post! I’m really liked your post and I hope in future I could be rich!
Thanks for your post!
Thank you! I don’t love money but rather what it can afford me 🙂
Great! I very happy when read this post! Thanks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reLrKGZdxNs&feature=fvst 🙂
Harv .. its a Great Post ! thank’s for those word’s.
You are MOST welcome. Thank you for the kind words.
The importance of asking why do I want to have freedom is more important than the freedom itself. If the reason for you to have freedom is compelling, you will find freedom itself fulfilling and enjoy the process….
You nailed it. My thanks for doing such a good job. I’ll come to this site to find out more and inform my friends about your writing.
Amazing stuff. My thanks for writing that. I’ll check to your site to read more and tell my neighbors about your posting.
Wonderful. Thank you for taking the time. I’ll check again to see what’s new and inform my acquaintenances about this website.
Well worded. Thank you for writing that. I’ll check back to read more and tell my neighbors about your posting.
I read this from earlier blogs: “Happiness is the value YOU place on the things you have.
Wealth is the value OTHERS place on the things you have.” Between happiness and wealth, I choose happiness first because being happy will bring freedom and wealth on the way. This is why I am proud to be “The Happy Loner”. When you are happy and free, you don’t depend on other people for basic necessities. Only you (and you alone) can build your future and choose your destiny. This is your most powerful and most fundamental mental freedom you will ever possess. Treasure it!
Agree completely with this post, Sir, Freedom should comes first before being completely rich. There’s no use being rich if you’re not free at all.
My wifeband i are really intresred into starting a child day care facility in
Milwaukee, Wi. Any info would help out. Thanks.
Hola Harv, gusto en saludarlo.
Estoy re-leyendo el libro “Secretos de la Mente Millonaria” y realmente es maravilloso!!
Como uno puede sin saberlo, ser pobre… de verdad!
Voy a hacer los ejercicios que leí en el libro, pienso que eso va a cambiar las cosas.
Gracias Harv.
The title of this lesson resonated with me but this passage didn’t make sense: “How do we get free now? Financially speaking, you do this by creating ….letting those streams gather momentum over a few years… then doing more of this with other passive income structures.” so ‘now’ equals ‘a few years’? I thought Harv would talk about procrastination, putting one’s future on hold, or some other angle of the title. The message I got here was that one won’t get rich overnight or in a span of less than a few years. [so start now?]
cheers!
What subtle but substancial difference!
THANK YOU
You also ensure that you get massive value from your other spend decisions, ensuring that your money brings you rich life experiences now – not some time down the road when you are “rich”. This is easy if you really know what it is you want, what emotion are you after. So spend some time checking in on what it is you really want to feel and choose to have that in your life NOW!
You do both by learning how to Master Your Money
Freedom is only as good as the results of your true intentions. In other words, keep the endgame in mind. We’re not getting rich to live sometime in the future. We want to live a rich life now, full of passion and purpose while we master and grow our money. There’s no freedom in waiting. johncollinsfresh@gmail.com
Having read and followed Harv for a while. I have learned that creating jobs, giving other the opportunity to provide for their family’s gives me great joy. From their joy comes my fulfillment and that in its self makes me rich having happy people.
I will try to buy myself a house. Thank