By Aklahyel Goni
If you’re serious about building wealth, you’ve got to drop the jealousy and stop resenting the rich. You can’t despise success and expect it to show up in your life. Here’s the truth: wealth and prosperity aren’t accidents. They’re the results of mindset, strategy, and alliances. Hating those who’ve achieved what you want will only keep you stuck. Instead, learn from the rich. Study them, understand their methods, collaborate, and offer them something of value. You’ll find that wealth is more accessible when you approach it with respect and a desire to learn, not resentment.
1. Jealousy is a Mental Trap
When you look at successful people with jealousy or envy, you’re only hurting yourself. Envy is a trap that keeps you fixated on what you don’t have instead of what you can achieve. By focusing on someone else’s wealth, you’re giving power to a negative emotion that has zero return on investment. Wealth isn’t built on jealousy; it’s built on action, collaboration, and strategy.
As Napoleon Hill explains in “Think and Grow Rich,” success starts in the mind. If you’re constantly resenting the wealthy, your mind is conditioned to repel wealth instead of attracting it. Success isn’t just about money; it’s about mindset. Get rid of the jealousy, and start cultivating a mentality that respects success and is ready to learn from it.
2. The Rich Aren’t Your Enemy—They’re Your Roadmap
Too many people think that the rich are somehow different or that they “got lucky.” But luck isn’t the reason people stay wealthy. Most wealthy individuals have worked hard, taken risks, and applied consistent strategy to build their wealth. Instead of seeing them as rivals, view them as mentors, as guides who’ve walked the path you want to take. Their journey holds lessons, and if you’re smart, you’ll study it closely.
In “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Kiyosaki emphasizes that the poor see money differently from the rich. While the poor view money as something to hold onto or fear losing, the rich see it as a tool—a means to build more wealth. If you want to enter the world of wealth, you’ve got to understand their perspective and embrace their way of thinking. Resentment will keep you blind to these valuable insights.
3. Collaboration is a Shortcut to Wealth
You’ll never get rich in isolation. Wealth is built through networks, partnerships, and strategic alliances. The wealthy understand that no one succeeds alone; they leverage connections and partnerships to multiply their impact. If you’re trying to “do it all” on your own, you’re setting yourself up for a slow climb. Collaborate with those who’ve already paved the way. Offer something of value, and show them you’re serious. They’ll be more inclined to pull you into their circle if they see that you’re committed and reliable.
In “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, one of the core principles is “Think Win-Win.” Wealthy people aren’t just focused on what they can take—they’re focused on creating value, on building alliances that benefit both sides. If you approach them with a win-win mentality, if you show that you’re ready to contribute, they’ll be far more likely to bring you into their network.
4. Offer Value Instead of Taking
Too many people approach the wealthy with an entitlement mentality, thinking, “They have so much, they should help me.” But that’s not how wealth-building works. If you want to be pulled into the circle of successful people, you’ve got to bring something to the table. The rich value those who offer solutions, skills, or insights. Don’t come looking for handouts; come ready to provide value, and you’ll find that doors start opening.
In “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann, the authors stress the importance of giving value as a foundation for success. When you approach people with genuine intent to contribute, you build trust and credibility. Wealthy people are drawn to those who understand the importance of adding value, not just taking from others.
5. Wealth is Built on Connections and Alliances
Networking isn’t about knowing a ton of people; it’s about building quality relationships with people who can help you grow. The rich understand this well—they don’t waste time on superficial connections. Instead, they focus on meaningful alliances that can open doors to bigger opportunities. If you want to enter the world of the wealthy, start building real relationships based on mutual respect and benefit.
In “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi, Ferrazzi explains that networking is an art of giving, not just taking. Relationships built on mutual respect and genuine interest are powerful. If you approach connections with the intention to learn, collaborate, and offer value, you’ll find that wealth follows.
6. The Rich Have a Different Mindset—Learn It, Don’t Resent It
If you want to be wealthy, you have to think like the wealthy. That means getting rid of a scarcity mentality and adopting an abundance mindset. Wealthy people don’t view resources as limited; they see opportunities everywhere. They’re optimistic, forward-thinking, and willing to take calculated risks. If you resent them, you’re missing the opportunity to adopt the very mindset that could transform your life.
In “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko, the authors reveal that many millionaires live simple, disciplined lives. They aren’t extravagant; they’re strategic. They’ve built their wealth through habits and choices that anyone can learn if they’re willing. Instead of envying their success, study their mindset and their methods.
7. Embrace Wealth as a Goal, Not a Threat
If you look at wealth as something unattainable or something “evil,” you’ll never achieve it. Wealth isn’t a threat; it’s a tool. The wealthy use it to build, to contribute, to create. Embrace wealth as a worthy goal, as a means to live freely and to make a difference. Don’t let jealousy or resentment keep you from pursuing it.
In “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, Hill talks about the importance of desire. You have to want success, to see it as something worthy, to actively pursue it. If you’re hung up on resentment, you won’t have the drive or clarity to build wealth. Make wealth your goal and understand that you can achieve it if you’re willing to learn from those who’ve done it.
Bottom Line: Drop the Resentment and Start Learning
You can’t hate your way into success. The path to wealth is paved with open-mindedness, strategic alliances, and a genuine desire to learn. Drop the jealousy, quit complaining, and start taking notes. Collaborate with the wealthy, offer them value, and watch how they pull you up. They aren’t your enemies; they’re your roadmap. They’re proof of what’s possible if you’re willing to put in the work, make connections, and adopt a winning mindset.
Don’t isolate yourself with resentment. Surround yourself with people who have the success you want, learn from them, and contribute. Wealth is a team sport, and the sooner you start playing to win, the sooner you’ll find yourself on the path to lasting success.
