Robert Kiyosaki, author of the legendary book “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” is known for dropping real, no-fluff advice when it comes to money.
According to him, there are some common mindset and financial mistakes that hold people — especially young adults — back from building serious wealth. Think of this as your reality check and roadmap in one.
Let’s dive in:
1. Only Doing Work You Like
It sounds great to “follow your passion,” but Kiyosaki warns that obsessing over only doing what you love might slow down your financial growth.
Instead, focus on building assets and passive income early on — even if it means doing things that aren’t super exciting at first. Passion projects can come later, once you're financially free.
2. Not Investing Early
One of the biggest mistakes? Thinking you’re too young to start investing.
Kiyosaki emphasizes that most wealthy people built their fortune from assets that make money while they sleep — like real estate, stocks, royalties, and businesses. Don’t wait. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow.
3. Prioritizing Passion Over Financial Freedom
There’s nothing wrong with loving what you do — but if you focus only on passion without thinking long-term, you could end up broke.
Sometimes, you have to do the hard (and maybe boring) stuff now — like learning accounting, finance, or business law — so you can enjoy true freedom and chase your passions later.
4. Relying Only on Your Career
A job is great — but it shouldn't be your only source of income.
Kiyosaki encourages people to build income streams outside of their day jobs. That could be investing, starting a side hustle, or buying income-generating assets. This gives you financial breathing room to eventually work because you want to, not because you have to.
5. Using Youth as an Excuse
A lot of people say, “I’ll worry about investing later. I’m still young.”
But according to Kiyosaki, that mindset is a trap. The best time to start building wealth is now. The sooner you start, the more power you’ll have to build and compound your wealth over time.
6. Not Investing in Financial Education
Let’s be honest — schools rarely teach you how to actually build wealth.
Kiyosaki says that one of the biggest mistakes is not spending enough time learning about money. You’ve got to take that responsibility into your own hands. Read books, listen to podcasts, take courses — whatever it takes to boost your financial IQ.
7. Avoiding Uncomfortable Work
Sometimes the work that helps you grow financially isn’t fun. But guess what? That’s often the work that pays off the most in the long run.
Don’t avoid learning about taxes, budgeting, investing, or business strategy just because it’s intimidating. Dive in — your future self will thank you.
Final Thought
Building wealth doesn’t happen by accident — it’s a mindset. Avoid these mistakes, stay consistent, and you’ll be way ahead of the game.
Let me know if you want this turned into a visual or want more tips based on Kiyosaki’s principles!