A great business leader John Assaraf once asked:

Have you ever know someone that was maybe a bit less talented than you – do better than where you are right now?
Have you ever known someone who was perhaps smarter than you – yet they never reached your heights, in return?

This could simply be due to where one sets their personal thermostat. Think of it this way – imagine you set your indoor temperature at an even 70 degrees. When the doors are open and it’s warm outside, what happens? The Air conditioner kicks on to cool things off in a hurry.

The same would happen in reverse if it where cold outside where the heater would pop on keeping you at the desired comfort.
This is how we live our lives outside our homes too.

We perceive what our temperature should be, set it at that level and then surround ourselves with the challenges and opportunities that will keep us in what we call our “Comfort Zone”.

As simple as this is to understand on a conscious level, it is very important that we share it with our inner self as well.

Some refer to it as a glass ceiling; others look at it in a matter of measurable self worth.

What ever definition one decides to use, please know that we can change, adjust, and reconfigure this at any time we choose.

You are worthy; you are special, now go out there and turn up the heat.

Have you ever wondered who the wealthiest person in town is?

Chances are they could be living right next door to you.

A few years back, there was a book published called The Millionaire Next Door, where the author proposed that many of today’s financially savvy people may reside closer than we think.

These people understand one simple principal that has guided them through the ups and downs of uncertain markets.

“Live bellow your means”

As simple as this is to understand, how many of us can actually claim the application into our daily blueprint?

To gain wealth is the easiest concept to master. Spend less than you make, and put the difference toward investments that offer compounding interest. By doing this, sure you may not live in the nicest house on the block, or drive the most expensive gas guzzler, yet you will have one thing that the others may not. Security, in knowing that you are able to afford what you do choose to own.

It’s like the Cheryl Crow song goes – (loosely translated)
“It’s not having what you want; it’s wanting what you have.”

In today’s society where it seems half our block is in foreclosure, doesn’t it make sense to reevaluate our own priorities and look at ways to stop living up to the ‘expectations’ of others?

Who cares what the Jones’ are doing anymore, they are the ones having to move.

We are exactly where we choose to be in life, so perhaps it’s time to follow some sage advice and do exactly what our elders taught us.

Live well, but do it bellow our means.