A lie: The harder you work, the more you get paid. The truth: Rich people play golf and vacation while their assets make them way more money than the people who work really hard. Wealthy people use their money and their assets to make them more money while they do whatever they want. The lesson: Own something that makes you money while you sleep. Real estate. Equity in a private company. Stocks. Something that can appreciate without much or any of your time. If you don't you'll end up only trading your time for money and punching a clock for 40 hours a week or more for the rest of your life so you can collect enough money to get by and hopefully build some savings. This is definitely easier said than done, but it's the truth and it's where you want to be as you grow in your life and career.