5 signs you are destined for greater things when you have nothing

I have always wondered if someone is born with the destiny to be successful or if they develop it overtime. If it’s the former then everyone should stop trying and just wait for success, money, fame, love, whatever their idea of success is, to come to them. That, however, doesn’t seem to be the case. Successful people, whether they've built everything from scratch or inherited opportunities, often face tough times and sleepless nights while working toward the future they want. Which means the latter has to be true and people can create their own success.

At a stage when you are starting from scratch, like myself, it seems like an impossible task. When you barely have enough money to cover all the bills, it feels like there is no time, no way you can reach the same position as highly successful people. One thing I mentioned in my previous newsletter is that all successful people share a common trait: they fall before they soar. Are there ways to know if you can also be one of them by recognizing certain traits you possess or actions you take that set you apart from the crowd? Perhaps there are ways to determine if you possess the ability to attain the position you aspire to and build the life you desire?
For the past few months, I have experienced some ups and downs that have prompted me to seriously evaluate my life and set me on a path to explore the kind of future I can create. After spending hours listening to podcasts, meeting individuals I aspire to be, attending conferences, reading, and researching, I have reached the conclusion that there are ways to recognize that you are destined for greater things and that you should strive for success until you achieve it.

That's also why I've launched this newsletter. I want people to follow along with my journey and thoughts, to see how you can also reach the same position I hope to be in a few years from now. And if I don't achieve great success, well, no one will ever know this newsletter exists. It's a win-win situation.

Here are some factors that I believe can help identify if you are destined for greater things.

What your thoughts are

Do you believe that certain life choices set the course for your future, shaping your financial situation based on past decisions? This self-limiting perspective, in my view, serves as an excuse to avoid the effort and responsibilities associated with challenging it - your mind becomes resistant to change. If you think you were destined for simplicity, what motivation do you have to transform your mindset and change your life?

In his book "Atomic Habits," James Clear discusses identity-based habits that can help achieve your goals. Become the type of person who consistently goes to the gym or writes 1000 words every day. Each morning, ask yourself, "If I were a fit person, what would I eat today?" Then follow through. These small victories demonstrate to yourself that you can make incremental daily changes that will ultimately lead to your ultimate goal. However, for this to occur, your brain must believe it's achievable, a belief shaped by your thoughts and self-perception. In one of his episodes of the Better Life podcast, Brandon Turner talks about how you can manipulate your mind to do whatever it wants to do.

“Your body adapts to what you eat.
Your mind adapts to what you consume.
Your soul adapts to what you love.
What you feed yourself today is who you become tomorrow.”
One particular insight from James Clear’s newsletter caught my attention:

Who are you drawn to (friends, partners, influencers)

In today’s world, various sources can can influence your thoughts, ranging from your friends, family, and partner to the content you immerse yourself in and the overall impact of social media.

Several weeks ago I decided to experiment how the content I consumed influenced my thoughts and actions. Like many others, I usually find myself spending hours scrolling through social media. Although I had never been one for gossip, I unintentionally found myself delving into my friends' lives and keeping tabs on their activities. While I cherish my friends, this period in my life, marked by personal challenges, made it difficult not to compare myself and feel inadequate. In response, I decided to exclusively follow individuals I aspire to be and limit my involvement in the lives of others. During the first two days, I experienced withdrawal symptoms and a sense of disconnection. However, the hours I once spent on social media turned into a significant learning experience. What I consistently encountered were people discussing taking risks, initiating actions, making incremental changes, launching channels or newsletters, and maintaining consistency. After two weeks, I felt compelled to embark on a similar journey because it seemed like everyone around me was doing the same.

Then, I came across the "Better Life" podcast, which reaffirmed I was on the right path. In the third episode of the podcast, hosted by Brandon Turner with guests Rich and Kathy Fettke, they discussed how media influences mindset, and I recognized that it mirrored my experience. The content you consume molds your perception of reality, while the people you surround yourself with shape your future.

How you think about money

Do you hold a scarcity or an abundance mindset? Robert Kiyosaki explores this concept in his book, "Rich Dad Poor Dad." Typically, one's relationship with money dictates their financial standing. Instead of saying, "I can't afford this," consider asking, "How can I afford it?" This ties back to the initial point of reshaping your thought patterns, which, in turn, leads to different actions. The goal is to place yourself in a position where you actively seek ways to transform your reality, rather than resigning to the idea that you can never save enough money and can barely cover your bills.

Do you play the status game or the long term game

Another common pitfall many people fall into is placing immense importance on others' opinions. Some individuals aim to showcase their success by owning expensive cars, buying designer clothes, or constantly dining out – not because it aligns with their life goals, but to demonstrate their success to others. This can be a perilous game that often results in a paycheck-to-paycheck existence. Robert Kiyosaki discusses how the middle class tends to acquire liabilities like cars and fancy houses, while the wealthy invest in income-generating assets and use the returns from those assets to purchase liabilities, not relying solely on their salary.

I attended a multi-family conference this year, and one of the guest speakers was Grant Cardone. Love him or hate him you cant deny that he built himself up from nothing and now leads a lavish life, achieving the success he desired. He emphasized the concept of the long term game. Cardone revealed that he became a millionaire, but no one was aware of it because his objective was to reach $10 million, a point where he felt financially secure and capable of providing the desired lifestyle for his family. He also wanted to have enough resources to navigate potential legal issues or health challenges. Throughout this journey, he continued driving the same car he owned before becoming a millionaire, and his true wealth only became apparent once he achieved his $10 million goal, at which point he upgraded his lifestyle.

Do you allow your experiences to shape your goals?

In life, we all encounter ups and downs, and how we respond to them can significantly impact our future. Some individuals learn from their experiences and adapt their thinking and lifestyles accordingly, while others do not and wonder why they are not blessed with good luck. How can one expect a change in life when no changes have been made in daily actions?

A recent conversation with one of my closest friends left a lasting impression on me. I was earning a substantial income in my day job, content with life, and aiming to climb the corporate ladder, eventually reaping substantial financial rewards. I was always cautious not to make any mistakes that could jeopardize my job security or damage my relationship with my boss. After a particularly traumatic work experience, which I may share when I'm ready, and multiple panic attacks, I made the bold decision to quit my job. This experience opened my eyes to the realities of salaried employment. Attending the multifamily conference completely shifted my perspective. I encountered numerous individuals who approached life with entirely different mindsets, influencing my own outlook. I have since immersed myself in content that aligns with the path I wish to pursue, and my goals have undergone a significant transformation.

On the other hand, my friend faced multiple layoffs and endured various hardships that might have caused others to give up. She, however, did not give up, diligently seeking better job opportunities and now earns a comfortable income. Recently, her manager was dismissed, and she expressed fear for her own job security, even taking her laptop on vacation in case her new boss needed her assistance. She remarked, "We are slaves and always will be," introducing me to a whole new perspective. Despite facing considerable adversity, why wasn't she more open to the idea of exploring different paths or changing her life? Perhaps she is considering it; I don't know. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that life often places us in specific situations to reveal that there is something greater awaiting us. The choice to seize these opportunities varies from person to person.

Perhaps my life won't be what I want it to be, but I'll give it my all and see what unfolds. If I don't try, it's certain that nothing will change. After all, you miss all the shots you don't take.