Old Secrets to New Money
The Art of Money Getting; Or, Golden Rules for Making Money
by P.T. Barnum
Wealth & Economics
TL;DR
This book is basically a masterclass in how to stop being broke and start getting rich, Barnum style. It's all about identifying your unique hustle, working your ass off (no shortcuts, fam), not blowing your cash on dumb shit, and making sure people know you exist (aka marketing yourself). You'll learn to avoid debt like it's the plague, invest your gains wisely (not in crypto scams), and build a reputation that makes people trust you, even if you're a bit of a showman. It's less about complex economics and more about common sense principles for building wealth through relentless effort and smart choices.
Action Items
Think about one activity that genuinely energizes you and one that drains you. Try to swap out a draining task for an energizing one today, even for 30 minutes.
Track every single dollar you spend today. Seriously, every single one. You'll probably be shocked where your money goes.
Think of one small promise you made to someone (a friend, a colleague, yourself). Make sure you follow through on it today, no excuses.
Post something about your skills, passion, or a project you're working on to at least one social media platform or tell three different people about it.
Unlock the full book to see more action items
Key Chapter
Chapter - Find Your Damn Lane (aka Select Your Vocation Wisely)
Look, everyone's got some kind of talent, even if it's just being really good at procrastinating. Barnum's whole vibe is that you gotta find that one thing you're not completely trash at and then lean into it hard. Don't just pick a job because it sounds cool or your parents want you to. Figure out what makes you tick, what problem you can solve, or what unique skill you bring to the table. Then, become the absolute GOAT at it. It's like finding your specific superpower in a world full of basic NPCs. Once you know your lane, you can actually start driving towards some serious cash, instead of just aimlessly wandering.
Key Methods and Approaches
Your Brain's Battery Pack
(AKA: Temperament & Energy Sources)
Description:
Figure out what makes you tick and where your energy actually comes from, then use that knowledge to fuel your hustle.
Explanation:
Imagine your brain is a phone battery. Some people charge up by being around others (extroverts), some by chilling alone (introverts). Barnum's saying, know your charging port! If you're a social butterfly, don't pick a job where you're stuck in a closet all day. If you're a lone wolf, don't force yourself into constant group projects. Playing to your natural energy type means you'll have more juice for the actual grind, instead of draining yourself trying to be someone you're not. It's about optimizing your personal operating system.
Examples:
If you thrive on social interaction, start a business that involves networking or direct sales.
If you're a deep thinker who needs quiet, pursue coding, writing, or research.
Don't force yourself into a loud, open-plan office if you get overstimulated easily; find a remote gig or a quieter environment.
Today's Action:
Think about one activity that genuinely energizes you and one that drains you. Try to swap out a draining task for an energizing one today, even for 30 minutes.
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