1. “Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.”

Focus on strategies that work for you, ignoring those that don’t. Tailor your approach to fit your unique situation. For example, you might find budgeting useful, but not strict frugality. Instead, you could create a personalized plan that includes saving, investing, and spending on things that bring you joy. This way, you build a financial strategy that is effective and uniquely yours.

Example: There are many ways to do your budget. Find the simplest one that works for your lifestyle and go with it.

2. “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.”

A major key in achieving financial success is through focus and discipline. This means setting clear financial goals, creating a budget, and consistently saving and investing. By concentrating on these key areas and ignoring distractions like impulsive spending, you can build serious wealth in time. It’s not about being extraordinary, but about maintaining a steady, focused approach to managing your money.

Example: If your goal is to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt within a year, focus on that goal. Cut non-essential expenses like dining out or streaming services, and funnel that money toward debt repayment.

3. “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”

Understanding personal finance concepts like budgeting, investing, and saving is non-negotiable. However, knowledge alone won’t build wealth. You must take action with concrete steps. This means creating a financial plan, sticking to your budget, and regularly reviewing your progress. Action transforms knowledge and intention into tangible financial success.  It is the bridge between knowing and ultimate prosperity.

Example: Understanding that investing in a 401(k) is important is good, but it’s not enough. Actually enroll in your company’s 401(k) plan and set up automatic contributions. Start small, even if it’s just 1-2% of your income, and go up over time.

4. “If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.”

Non-stop thinking on financial decisions can lead to paralysis and procrastination. Research is important, but don’t let it stop you from taking key actions. Set a deadline for decision-making. Once you’ve done your research, make a choice and move forward. The sooner you act, the sooner you’ll see progress.

Example: You want to start investing in the stock market, but you delay because it’s not the “right time”. There is no perfect moment; start with a small amount today. Open a brokerage account and invest in a low-cost index fund. Over time, you can adjust the plan.

5. “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”

Financial freedom often comes with challenges. Market crashes, unexpected expenses, or debt are painful and can derail those without financial backbone. Instead of wishing for an easier path, focus on building resilience. Strengthen your financial knowledge, and develop the skills to wade through tough times. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Example: When the market crashes, remind yourself that market fluctuations are normal. Strengthen your financial literacy by reading more about market cycles. Stay the course, continue investing, and use these periods to buy more shares at lower prices.

6. “To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities.”

Take control of your financial future by making your own opportunities rather than blaming current limitations. If your salary isn’t increasing, find a side hustle, invest in education, explore new investment avenues, or look elsewhere for growth. Proactive steps will turn obstacles into opportunities to increase your financial health.

Example: If you find yourself in a stagnant job with little growth, don’t just complain about it. Take control by upskilling—learn a new software, get a certification, or take on a freelance project. Use this new skill to either negotiate a raise at your current job or find a better-paying position elsewhere.

7. “Be water, my friend.”

Flexibility and adaptability is key in your personal finance journey. This means being open to change, adjusting your budget as needed, and diversifying investments. Just as water flows around obstacles, adapt to financial challenges and opportunities. Stay informed, be prepared to pivot, and maintain a fluid approach to managing your money for long-term success.

Example: Suppose you lose your job unexpectedly. Instead of panicking, tap into your emergency fund and immediately start applying for new jobs or freelance gigs. Adjust your budget to cut down on non-essential spending. Stay flexible and adapt.

8. “A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.”

Setting financial goals, like saving for early retirement, or retiring a huge debt, or buying a condo, can guide your actions and decisions. Even if you don’t reach the specific target, the process helps you develop good habits, such as budgeting and saving. The journey itself builds financial discipline and resilience, leading to overall financial well-being.

Example: Set a goal to save $100,000 for a down payment on a condo in 2 years. Even if you don’t reach the full amount, maybe you do $80k. That’s still a great achievement. The act of saving regularly has built a strong habit and your goal will come in short order.

9. “The more we value things, the less we value ourselves.”

In a world obsessed with extreme materialism, prioritizing possessions over self-worth can lead to financial stress and dissatisfaction. While everyone else is focusing on the latest tech goodies or trendy fancy pants, you should focus on building a strong financial base and your skills.  Invest in experiences instead of stuff. This mindset encourages thoughtful spending and investing in what truly enriches your life, fostering long-term financial health and personal fulfillment.

Example: Instead of spending $1500 on the latest smartphone, opt for a more affordable model or keep your current one for another year. Invest the difference. This decision prioritizes long-term financial security over short-term gratification.

10. “It’s not the daily increase but the daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”

Personal finance is often about cutting unnecessary expenses, rather than constantly seeking more income. By eliminating non-essential spending, you can save more effectively and achieve financial stability. Regularly review your spending habits and identify areas to cut back. Cancel unused and underused subscriptions, avoid impulse purchases, and redirect those funds towards savings or investments. Simplify your finances by reducing clutter and focusing on what truly matters.

Example: Review your monthly expenses and find one recurring charge you can eliminate. It could be a gym membership you rarely use or a premium cable package. Cancel it and redirect that money into an automatic transfer to your savings or investment account.

11. “Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.”

Everyone makes financial mistakes, whether it’s a poor investment, overspending, or failing to save. These lessons are invaluable to feed your learning. The key is to acknowledge them, learn from them, and move on. Recognizing your errors allows you to adjust course and make better financial decisions in the future. This requires courage but will build resilience, leading to healthier financial habits and stability.

Example: You invested in a stock that has consistently lost value. Instead of holding onto it out of pride or hope, recognize that it was a mistake. Sell the stock, even at a loss, and reinvest the remaining funds into a more diversified portfolio. Learn and move on.

12. “If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.”

Time is an extremely valuable asset in personal finance. The earlier you start saving and investing, the more time your money has to grow. Don’t procrastinate in setting up a retirement account or building an emergency fund. By treating time with respect, you can maximize opportunities for financial growth and stability, ultimately enhancing your quality of life.

Example: If you’ve been delaying starting a retirement fund, don’t waste more time. Open a Roth IRA or contribute to your 401(k) today. Even small contributions made early will compound over time, significantly growing your nest egg.

13. “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

This saying emphasizes the power of consistency and mastery. Instead of trying many investment strategies briefly, focus on mastering one proven method. Regularly investing in a diversified portfolio, for example, can yield better long-term results than constantly switching tactics. This approach builds expertise, reduces risk, and increases the likelihood of long-term financial success. Consistency and dedication are key to mastering personal finance.

Example: Instead of dabbling in various financial strategies that you barely understand, focus on mastering one key area, like budgeting. Track every expense and income, adjust your spending habits, and find ways to save more each month. By mastering budgeting, you create a solid foundation for all other financial practices.