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Three Steps to Rich Guy Wealth: Optimism, Passion, and Commitment (OPC)

In my book Goal Digger: Lessons Learned from the Rich Men I Dated, I discovered that the rich men I dated all had one thing in common, what I call ‘OPC’ - Optimism, Passion, and Commitment. Read on to see how to use OPC to manifest the life you truly want…

Optimism

“Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.”~ Brian Tracy

When people ask me what is the one most important lesson I leaned from my Rich Men, I refer them to a consistent observation rather than a lesson. And that observation is optimism.

This statement may seem simplistic to some, especially if they are looking for the latest stock tip or “get rich quick” scheme, but it is as simple as the optimistic attitude with which my Rich Men choose to approach daily life. All of my Rich Men lived with an overwhelming cloak of positivity that informed their every move.

The way to a successful and happy life comes from the attitude with which you approach it. So that is why optimism comes first in my three characteristics of success.

So, how do you fare on the optimism scale?

Do you see the glass as half empty or half full?

Are you optimistic about the future?

Do you see set-backs or “failures” as an opportunity to grow and learn?

Here’s how you can start living life with optimism.

Have gratitude for the moment. We all have something to be grateful for, and when we focus on that, in turn, there is more to be grateful for.

1. Recognize that every experience in life has merit. That even our “failures” have the power to influence our life in the positive.
2. Approach life with an attitude of acceptance. Accept what life gives you. Live, learn and grow.
3. Surround yourself with what I call positive pronouns: people, places, and things.
4. Realize another opportunity is located around every corner and your attitude will determine the direction this opportunity will take you.

Passion

“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” - Hebbel

Without passion, things may get done, but they will not be done well.

-        Alicia Dunams

My Rich Men ate, breathed, and slept passion. They were passionate about their investments, their golf handicap, their philanthropic causes, their work and their family and friends. Even more so, they were passionate about a job well done, and seeing their dreams became an enjoyable reality. Their passions kept their dreams alive even when the Internet bubble burst, a deal fell through, or they stubbed their toe before a big race. Their passion kept them up during life’s unexpected “downs.” All of my Rich Men mastered the art of turning their passions into profit. They were all entrepreneurs, and their passion for making money, providing a service and adding value to the world, came back to them through handsome profits. But it was their passion that drove them to make fortunes, not vice versa.

Passion to me means fire, intensity, urgency, and desire. Fire is a running metaphor throughout my book, Goal Digger. Metaphorically, my Rich Men ignited a forest fire in me, which set me out on a journey as an author and entrepreneur, eventually turning my passions into profit.

My Rich Men all had passion for life. Do you? What are you passionate about?

Here’s how you can turn your passions into profit:

1.       Make it tangible. Whether it be a prototype, business plan, or brainstorming your ideas on a scratch pad, you must visualize your endgame, your product, idea and service - whatever your passion may be. It is the first step in making your thought a tangible reality.

2.       Get connected. This is two-fold step. a) Connect with people doing similar things. Network. Collaborate. Find Mentors. Pick up the phone and ask for help. b) Connect online. Research your idea. Perform your due diligence with trade marking and patenting.

3.       Take action. Take the steps necessary to make your idea a living breathing reality. Invest in your product or find investors. Create a web site and business cards. Remember that the only difference between you and someone that has already done it is one word: action.

Commitment

“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.” Peter Drucker

“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” Tom Robbins

We all hope, dream and pray. But that only does so much. We need to be committed to our hopes, dreams and prayers, and the journey. Commitment is the mortar that holds together the buildings of our thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Without the commitment, the building may come tumbling down when the pressure is on.

All of my Rich Men were steadfastly committed. When the pressure was on, they persevered, and stayed focused and committed to the process, with their eyes on the prize. 

To have a successful life, it’s crucial that you are committed to the following things:

1. What you truly want from life.
2. The journey you must travel to achieve what you truly want in life.

Remember to set your intention, and let it go, but always be committed to the journey. And, most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Optimism, passion, and commitment must all be in sync. When one attribute wavers, the other two keep you afloat. I believe you need all three characteristics; I call them the OPC - Optimism, Passion, and Commitment - to achieve the life you desire.