Displays of wealth that disguise indebtedness

When you step back and look at “aspirationals” from an outsider’s perspective, an interesting phenomenon occurs.

Aspirationals are more common than the truly rich by far, so our “pop” idea of what it means to be rich actually comes from people who are financially poor and are making reckless decisions for their future.

Those aspirationals are seeking respect from the wrong group of people.

In truth, it doesn’t matter at all what the random person on the street thinks of you, yet it’s the respect of the random person on the street that aspirationals desperately seek.

“But what about dressing for success and the like?”

The only people who you should focus on impressing and winning the support of is your professional peer group and community.

Their respect is what will actually impact your life.

In many — if not most — professional communities, the watch you wear or the car you drive doesn’t matter one little iota.

One interesting chapter is titled Do the shoes make the man?

Many people argue that by doing things like dressing for success, they’re creating the groundwork for success.

People will trust and respect them and money will flow their way.

So they focus on the material elements — they focus on the perfect shoes, the perfect suit, the perfect handbag, the perfect car, and so on.

Yet, while that person is focusing their energies and resources on appearing rich, others are focusing their energy on building the skills that will pay the bills.

While one person is buying expensive shoes and keeping up appearances at the country club, the other person is practicing their speeches and coming up with a better business plan.

In the end, one of these two people will find lasting wealth.