If I were a rich man

In the musical, "Fiddler on the Roof," there is a song that is sung by the chimney sweeper that speaks of being rich and not having to work so hard all the time. While this may be the vision many hardworking men and women have in their lives, truth of the matter is that most wealth is not inherited but earned. Aspiring to become rich without commitment or deeds is a fruitless effort.

Recalling when I was a child, I would see a rainbow and instinctively think about the pot of the gold at its ending. I just knew if I could race time and space, I could make it to the jackpot before the rainbow disappeared. Alas, that was not to be. The rainbow serves as a beautiful reminder that magical things are only there for a little while for us to enjoy. To recreate the delight and wonder of the mystical rays, I would need to keep its beauty in the memory banks of my mind. To arrive at the pot of gold, however, I would need to use that inspiration as a roadmap to get to where I needed to go. That is how life works. We are presented with motivational insights to help move us in the appropriate direction. It does not mean that we will not have to work hard to achieve our heart's desires. What it does mean is that if you really want something, you have to follow your dreams and plan accordingly to attain them. Are you ready?

Let's go back to the song I mentioned, there is one stanza that stands out from all the rest. The poor fiddler dreams about how men from all walks of life would come to him, wanting his advice. He says, "…And it won't make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong. When you're rich, they think you really know!" Why would you wait to be rich to think like a rich man? You can start thinking as if you were rich already, start dressing the part, and start acting the part day in and day out. The more effort you put into portraying the part, the greater chance you will earn the leading role. The Universe has a funny way of giving you a hand up when you become proactive in your choices, your short and long-term goals, and the blood, sweat and tears you are willing to use on those  objectives.

Each time you demonstrate your preparedness and willingness to go the distance, the Universe opens another door for you to get to where you want to be. Do you see these doors opening in your life? If not, then you are stuck in the "poor me" or the "if only" syndromes. Truth be told, if you think and believe you are poor and are concentrating on all the "if only" scenarios that could've, should've, would've, then you are right. You will always have the lifestyle you currently have. But if you are determined to become wealthy and successful, then you must have a powerful mindset to accompany your vision. Stop focusing on all the things that have kept you from achieving success. Rather, give attention to the mind tools, resources and talents you do have to put your best foot forward. For what are you waiting? Stop contemplating, and start doing!

 Joan Marie Ambrose

Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker