Think like a millionaire

“365 Ways to Become a Millionaire (Without Being Born One)” is a small book full of gems that may well change the way you think about money. Author Brian Koslow was a self-made millionaire by the age of 31, and what he has to say deserves some attention.

While none of the 365 entries is “the one” that will make you a millionaire, there’s something to be said for the apparent philosophy behind the book: 365 ways means that logically you’ll read one a day, like flipping through a Page-A-Day calendar. By having a daily reference to money and keeping your thoughts geared toward money, you’ll be more inclined to aim toward financial success in your everyday dealings. As the book points out, financial success is grounded in a person’s effectiveness.

Or you can read by topic. Broken down into areas such as relationships, time, leadership, entrepreneurialism and credibility, you can flip to a section where you need help.

Here are a few that are especially important:

“Always focus on your primary objective, not the barriers or circumstances that appear to be in your way.” By focusing on the negatives, we tend to be weighed down by them. When we aim toward our primary object, that is what is going to get the bulk of our time and attention.

“Make sure you count to 10 before buying a house, plane, car, boat or any other possession that may at some point possess you.” Too often, the toys we tell ourselves we need (including expensive homes) end up costing more than we can comfortably pay.

“When you rearrange the letters L I S T E N, what word do you get? Silent.” Koslow has a whole section on listening, possibly the most valuable section in the book. Active listening involves learning what others want and gaining their trust. Tied to their trust is your own credibility and reputation: You might think you have the best idea in the world, but until you listen to others, your own ideas will never be listened to. “Listen 85 percent of the time, speak 15 percent,” Koslow counsels.

That’s good advice for anyone.