This Habits Will Make It Impossible for You To Be Poor

I went from growing up broke to having seven figures in my 20s. I genuinely believe it was these 12 habits that made all the difference. Let me share them with you.

1. Leverage the Bad Things

This one might sound odd, but it works for me. I struggle with waking up early, especially when it's cold. However, I found a trick that helps: once my alarm goes off, I grab my phone and scroll on TikTok for about five minutes. Sure, people say TikTok in the morning is bad for you because of the instant gratification and dopamine rush, but you know what? It works. The TikTok 'brain rot' wakes me up, and as long as I have the willpower to stop, it gets me going. Sometimes, leveraging a bad habit in the right way can help you achieve more. For example, reward yourself with a TV binge after finishing a big project. Find ways to use things that usually distract you to fuel your productivity.

2. Think Delusional Thoughts

I used to believe that being realistic was the smart approach. But then, I learned that mental delusions can actually change physical outcomes. I started applying the 2X rule: whenever I set a goal, I double it. If I wanted to make an extra 20K a year, I’d set the goal at 40K. This forces my brain to think creatively and come up with different strategies than if I were only solving for 1X. Even if I didn’t hit the 40K mark, I might reach 30K, which is still more than my original goal. Aim higher. You'll always end up achieving more than you initially thought.

3. Randomly Schedule Tasks

Ever heard of the Zeigarnik Effect? It says that when you start a task but don't finish it, your brain keeps working on it unconsciously. I've used this to my advantage. If I need to solve a problem but I’m too tired to do it right away, I schedule the task randomly on my calendar for a week or two. Over the next few days, when I see that task, my brain keeps working on it. And then, one day, while driving or walking, a solution will pop into my head. Let your brain marinate on a problem. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you least expect them.

4. Meet Your Nutrition Threshold

I used to live on cheap, filling food, like Domino's pizza. It was fast, affordable, and lasted a few days. But I started paying attention to studies that showed most Americans don't get enough nutrients from their diets. That hit home for me—I was always tired, unfocused, and sluggish. So, I decided to take my health seriously. I started eating whole foods and taking daily supplements: vitamin D3 for brain function, vitamin K2 for absorption, garlic and ginger for energy, creatine for memory, omega-3 for brain health, and magnesium for better sleep and anxiety management. It’s made a huge difference in my energy levels. I even take supplements for health optimization.

5. Build New Brain Pathways

Neuroscience says that doing new things helps expand your mind. It makes you more creative and better at connecting the dots. So, every month, I challenge myself to try something new. I recently started taking salsa classes. I’m not a terrible dancer, but learning formal steps forces my brain to make new connections. The point is, doing the same things all the time keeps your brain stagnant. So, challenge yourself. Read a book you’ve never read, or even brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand. Small changes create new neural pathways that improve your creativity and problem-solving.

6. Use AI as Your Personal Assistant

AI has been a game-changer for me. I use it to do more in less time. For example, last week, while I was driving, I came up with a business idea. I couldn’t write it down, so I told my AI assistant, Tana, about it. Within minutes, it had created a to-do list, outlined a business plan, and drafted an agenda for my meeting. After the meeting, Tana transcribed everything and generated action items. AI helps me eliminate busy work so I can focus on tasks that move the needle in my business. Start integrating AI into your daily life to do things faster and more efficiently.

7. Invest in Shortcuts

Here’s a controversial one: buy the shortcuts. I used to think paying for courses or coaching was silly. Why spend money when you could find free information online? But then I came across a post that pointed out something important: you can either pay with your time or your money. If you want to learn something like building a website, you could spend months piecing together free resources. Or, you could buy a course or hire a coach, saving yourself time. Personally, paying for courses and coaching helped me take my business from six figures to seven. I could’ve figured it out on my own eventually, but it would have taken much longer. You can always make more money, but you can't get your time back.

8. Ask for Help

For the longest time, I felt embarrassed asking for help. I didn’t want to be a burden. But then I came across the Ben Franklin Effect, which says that when someone does a favor for you, they often end up liking you more. I remember one time at a new job, I was struggling with an Excel dashboard for hours. A coworker noticed and helped me automate the entire process. I finished the report, nailed the presentation, and we became lunch buddies. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you more efficient. If someone has already achieved what you want, ask for their advice. It will save you time and energy.

9. Create Digital Barriers

According to the University of California Irvine, it takes about 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction. If you get distracted every hour, you're only fully focused for 30 to 40 minutes. To combat this, I set up digital barriers. I use grayscale mode on my iPhone to reduce visual distractions, and I turn on 'Do Not Disturb' mode when I'm working. This way, I control when I check my phone, not the other way around. I also set strict time limits on apps like TikTok to prevent mindless scrolling. When you're in the zone, stay there. Digital distractions are productivity killers.

10. Be Uncomfortable Every 6 Months

Growth happens when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. For the longest time, I was shy and introverted. Public speaking terrified me. But eventually, I realized that if I wanted to become the person my future self would be proud of, I needed to face my fears. I started taking on opportunities that scared me, like giving speeches at major events. Last year, I was a keynote speaker at FinCon and the Agan Creative Festival in New York City. If I hadn't pushed myself, I would’ve missed out on those opportunities. Do something uncomfortable every six months. It’s not about the activity itself—it’s about training your brain to embrace discomfort and grow.

11. Create a Shutdown Ritual

After a long day of work, it’s hard to turn my mind off. I used to check emails and Slack messages nonstop, even after I’d signed off. This constant mental state of “on” isn’t healthy. To fix this, I created a shutdown ritual. When I finish work, I stretch for 10 to 30 minutes. This physical activity signals to my body and mind that it’s time to rest. Stretching feels good and helps me unwind after sitting all day. Having a ritual like this helps me de-stress, recover, and prepare for a productive tomorrow.

12. Never Think Anyone is Better Than You

This is a mindset shift I made that changed everything. The 'upper limit problem' suggests that we unconsciously hold ourselves back when we feel others are better than us. Instead, I’ve learned to never think anyone is better than me—but also never treat anyone as worse than me. Acknowledge other people’s talents and achievements, but remember that they don’t make you inferior. Believing in your own potential is key. If you don’t think you’re worthy of success, you’ll unconsciously hold yourself back.

These habits made all the difference for me. They helped me grow my wealth and achieve the life I have today. If you want to get richer, focus on mindset and strategic habits. The money will follow.