The Poverty Mindset Trap
When you grow up in poverty, as Alexa did (and as I did for five years in a trailer park), that becomes your reality. You don’t realize there’s anything outside of that except what you see in movies. This limited perspective becomes your norm. Alexa shared how she lived on welfare as a young single mom, often having to choose between keeping the lights on and feeding her daughter. She knew she had to go big to escape this cycle because the system is designed to keep you there—make $1 too much, and you lose all your benefits. So she took a risk on herself, went commission-only, and built a life she could have only dreamed of. Her motivation wasn’t luxury—it was simply being able to keep the lights on AND feed her daughter at the same time. Later, it evolved into providing opportunities she had never had before.Breaking Through Your Mental Barriers
The first step in creating a ripple effect is to address your mindset. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between truth and lies. As Alexa wisely pointed out, “Fear and faith are both invisible. If I’m going to give power to fear, I might as well start giving some power to faith that it’s going to work out.” This isn’t just about positive thinking—it’s about embodiment. You have to become the person who believes they’re worthy of success. For many of us who grew up with limited means, this is the hardest part. I remember feeling like “trailer trash”—the kid with pants too short because we couldn’t afford new ones. Breaking that mental barrier requires daily work. Alexa would spend every morning focusing on affirmations until she truly embodied them—not just saying the words, but believing them.The Formula for Success
According to Alexa, the formula for success is simple:- Be smart – Not necessarily the smartest person in the room, but smart enough to know you’re worthy
- Be hungry – Have the drive to push through obstacles and keep going
- Be humble – Recognize you always have more to learn
Stop Making Excuses About Money
One of the most common excuses people make is, “I can’t afford to invest in myself.” But what’s the cost of staying where you are? That’s always more expensive than the investment. When I was broke, even with over a million dollars in debt at one point, I got creative. I’d find ways to get free tickets to events, carpool to save on gas, and stay with friends instead of hotels. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. As one of my mentors said, “People who give reasons won’t get results.” You can either execute or have excuses—you can’t have both.The Power of Being in the Right Room
You’re always just one idea or one relationship away from millions of dollars. Being in the right room with the right people can change the trajectory of your entire life. Your network truly determines your net worth—not just in terms of business connections, but in how they elevate your thinking. When you surround yourself with ambitious, growth-minded people who are succeeding, that becomes your new normal. The truth is, nobody would know who I am or be following this podcast had I not invested in putting myself in rooms with people who pushed me to grow. Remember: You can always get money back, but you can never get back the time you’ve lost. Invest in yourself now—no one else will do it for you. That’s how you start creating a ripple effect that grows beyond what you ever thought possible.Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I create a ripple effect if I’m struggling financially?
Start with your mindset. Recognize that your current financial situation doesn’t limit your ability to impact others. Begin with small actions that cost nothing—sharing knowledge, offering emotional support to others, or volunteering your time. As you grow personally and professionally, your capacity to create larger ripples will naturally expand. Remember that some of the most influential people started with nothing but a powerful vision and determination.
Q: What’s the most important first step to breaking out of a poverty mindset?
The critical first step is changing your self-talk. Begin each day with intentional affirmations that counter your limiting beliefs. Don’t just say them—work on truly believing them. This isn’t instant; it takes consistent practice until you genuinely embody these new beliefs. When you shift your perspective on yourself, you’ll start noticing opportunities that were always there but invisible to you before.
Q: How do I find the right people to surround myself with when I’m trying to grow?
Look for events, workshops, or communities focused on growth in your area of interest. Don’t let cost be a barrier—get creative with how you can attend. Once there, focus on building genuine relationships rather than just collecting business cards. Seek out people who embody the qualities you aspire to develop, and who challenge you to think bigger. Online communities can also be valuable starting points if in-person events aren’t immediately accessible.
Q: What if I invest in myself and don’t see immediate results?
Understand that personal growth is rarely linear. The returns on investing in yourself often come in unexpected ways and timelines. Instead of looking for immediate financial returns, notice how your thinking evolves, how your confidence grows, and how your decision-making improves. These changes create the foundation for future success. Stay consistent, remain patient, and trust that meaningful growth is happening even when it’s not immediately visible.