The first step to attaining wealth — at least for people who are not born into it — is much more personal than building millionaire habits or investing wisely. Such approaches often fail to address the systemic and mental barriers faced by many of the marginalized groups who grew up without access to wealth. The author argues that changing your mindset, or building a mindset conducive to wealth, is the real first step.

• To start, let go of limiting beliefs. When you grow up lacking money or the resources to make enough of it, thinking that there is a shortage of resources, or watching people around you live paycheck to paycheck, you may be more likely to believe that wealth is reserved for a select few.
• To overcome this mindset, and believe that you deserve abundance, practice thought work on a daily basis. This is the act of consciously paying attention to your thoughts and then choosing to entertain different ones instead.
• Next, accept that money can do as much good as it can evil. Don’t let fear stop you from pursuing wealth, or the kind of paycheck you need to support you and what you want to accomplish in your lifetime.
• Finally, understand that a high income is not enough. Building wealth requires being intentional about managing your expenses — and, yes, investing. Investing is for everyone and it can help even the playing field.