Almost every day I imagine myself in the shoes of Top-10 Forbes' List club as I go through the daily tasks of my day.
Some would argue that idolizing the wealthy at 19 is worthless unless you're inheriting your parents' money.
Luckily for those of you who believe this, I am not idolizing anyone. I don't want their homes, their cars or their occupation because it's not in my interest to mimic these people but it is to model their ways.
When I take $300 out of my checking account, I act as if it is a quarter-million dollars. Despite the large difference in value, the way I treat the transaction is how I maintain my mindset. Acting as if I've already reached my peak is what makes my aspirations become more tangible because if I already know how to be the man when I become the man it will be second nature.
It really begins with the understanding that the "it" you want to be is just as possible 10 years from now as it is today. Once you realize that what you want to do can be done in the present, the future will only grow brighter because you have prepared yourself mentally and emotionally.
Realistically, you probably cannot drive a new Lamborghini today but you can damn sure treat that Honda Civic like it is. This doesn't mean go outside and do 45 over the posted speed limit but this does mean maintaining your car's interior and exterior in tip-top shape, constantly getting work done under the hood and limiting your passengers to one.
It has become habitual for me to wake up earlier than usual and get work done before the world is awake after learning that people like Warren Buffett, Tim Cook, and Gary Vaynerchuk do so to gain an advantage and as a result, they're worth millions.
While my current workload may not be identical, my work ethic is growing to lengths that some people in my generation have yet to reach and may never reach.
No current CEO or regional manager at a top company is looking for a candidate that is living day-by-day, those companies want employees that are well-aware their position isn't permanent and want to advance it as much as possible because they've worked hard enough to earn it.
A modern-day pessimist would plead that this is only the behavior of someone who needs to adopt a false sense of confidence to survive in our society.
To that person, I grant you one question:
Why would you wait till you can afford to lose to learn how to afford a loss?
Take this advice and treat your 9-5 like you're the CEO of Apple or treat your $100 dance tuxedo like a Tom Ford exclusive suit.
