This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Time to get some new friends
Don’t believe me?
Keep the same friends you have for the next five years without exposing yourself to new people or information, and you will find yourself in the same financial place you’re in now.
Think about the five people closest to you outside of your family
About how much income do they earn?
What are they doing to increase their income consistently?
How much debt do they accumulate yearly?
How much debt have they paid off since you’ve known them?
How often do they educate themselves about personal finance?
How often do they make large purchases they can’t afford (e.g., cars)?
I Need Some New Friends
You may not know the answer to many of these questions because people tend to be a bit shy about exposing their income, but these questions will show you where you might land in the next five years.
Most people might think: Damn, I need to get some new friends earning the type of income I desire.
Exposure Is The Key To Elevating Your Income
I was never challenged to earn more income until I was exposed to people outside my comfort level. When I was in college, my professor told me his hourly wage was $75/hour.
At the time, $75/hour was a lot of money to me, but after surpassing that goal, it seems relatively small. I would never formulate this thought if I did not continue exposing myself to new information and relationships.
But then, I also had the opportunity to do some entrepreneurial work with my dad. He exposed me to earnings of $200-$400/hour. That blew my mind.
As you expose yourself, you will notice your think bigger. As you think bigger, your income grows bigger. There is a direct correlation.
How Much Money Do You Want To Earn?
What amount of money do you desire to earn? Now write the amount of money you desire to earn if you knew there were no limits. Notice the difference between these two numbers.
The first step to making this goal a reality is to change your thinking by acquiring new knowledge that pulls you out of your comfort zone.
Where To Find Five New Friends Who Earn Your Ideal Money
Sometimes, we don’t find friends right away. The best way to find these people is often through books, podcasts, and conferences. Authors and teachers make some of the best friends and teachers.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.