Today this blog will be participating in a fun little writing promotion based on “education and wealth” initiated by Go Banking Rates I hope that you enjoy the change of pace for one day.
Education and wealth. Two deep topics with a discussion that could go in many directions. I was going to go the technical route. Instead I’ve decided to indulge in the creative nature of this little promotion and have some fun! I started looking through popular movies and books based on making money. I then figured that most of the classic movies on earning money would be far too predictable. This is why I decided to look at a different type of movie about making money…
Let’s look at what the hip hop movie, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (yes the movie with Rapper 50 Cent) can teach us about education and wealth:
It’s easy to get distracted.
Whether you’re chasing the big money or attempting to get the grades needed to get accepted into a reputable graduate school program, a plethora of distractions will come your way. Distractions will come in all shapes and sizes. Some distractions will temporarily affect your focus (dispute with a friend), while others will drastically alter the way you operate (a rough break up or death of a close one). There will also be time-consuming distractions that will become a roadblock on your road to wealth. You’ll find yourself spending your time on activities that do nothing but take away from your main focus. You also might even get distracted by all of the hype.
It’s also extremely easy to get caught up in the various thoughts that will enter you mind regarding how you’ll spend this wealth that you’re planning on accumulating. Many young people will see education and wealth as a means for living the ultimate lavish lifestyle. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this type of thinking. Unfortunately, in many cases this type of thinking will just steer you off your path. Your energy will shift towards planning the dream lifestyle, as opposed to focusing on what is needed to obtain the wealth and education that you fantasize about. In the movie, the characters become very distracted by the easy women and the fast party culture. The main character is always there to remind the group of what’s really important.
When pursuing an education it can get challenging to remain focused. The parties will always be there, the FaceBook invites and photo tags will never stop, there will always be a new band performing at the bar, and yet somehow you’ll still need to perform exceptionally well if you want to reach your goals when it comes to education.
You need to work harder than everyone else.
Marcus (50 Cent) follows the philosophy that no matter what kind of lifestyle you choose to live or whatever endeavor you decide to follow, you need to be willing to work harder than everyone else out there. This thinking implies that those that have surpassed rich and percolated towards wealthy, were the ones that weren’t afraid to put in the long hours or to work when everyone else was playing. The funny thing about the whole MTV culture is that shows like Cribs only showcase the toys that the rich people have purchased. It fails to mention the insane amount of work that was needed to get to the level that you can install a bowling alley in your own home.
As ridiculously flawed as this movie can be at times, I appreciate the fact that it clearly indicates that pursuing your dreams to become a music star is not easy by any means. You will encounter competition and issues from all angles. Just like with attempting to get into that prestigious graduate program, there will always be a line up of people aiming to take your spot. Nobody will ever give anything to you. You must be willing to take charge of your destiny when it comes to education and wealth.
There are different types of education.
When brainstorming thoughts for this piece I thought about the traditional forms of education. Then I started thinking about wealthy people. I was then reminded of all of the truly wealthy people (Bill Gates, Richard Branson, etc.) that followed the path to wealth, without obtaining the maximum amount of education. This is an important realization that many of us need to understand. There isn’t just one type of education. Some will learn from others, some will learn through trial and error, and others will learn in a classroom setting. Either way, it needs to be emphasized more that a college degree is not the only education in this world that matters.
What do you think? Will you get rich or die tryin’? What do you feel are the other traits needed to hit massive wealth, aside from education?
Wow! When did this movie come out? I don’t remember him making a movie about his life. Looks like it would be very gangster. But if anyone can teach you about the pitfalls of making lots of money, it’s the stars.
Nice analysis! I never saw this movie, but I definitely think the title alone reflects the mindset of America – everyone wants to be rich and many people work day in and day out for decades just hoping to retire rich one day. But it’s true – you have to work harder than everyone else and think outside of the box and take serious risk to really make an impact. Most people don’t have the discipline. A line from one of my favorite songs “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve: “You’re a slave to money, then you die.” Sad reality of our culture. If only money didn’t make the world go ’round…