8 REAL Things Poor People Do That Keep Them Poor
When we hear about the habits that separate the rich from the poor, it’s often oversimplified with suggestions like “rich people don’t watch TV” or “rich people take more showers.” While these might make for catchy titles, the real difference lies much deeper. In reality, what keeps poor people in poverty is often a mindset, not the simple habits presented in many videos. This article takes a closer look at eight real things poor people do that might be holding them back.
1. Poor People Play Defense
Many people approach money with a defensive mindset. Their primary goal is simply to avoid losing money. They focus on paying bills, staying out of debt, and making ends meet. While staying financially afloat is necessary, aiming only to “not lose” limits how far you can go. If you only play defense, you’ll never score.
In contrast, wealthy people focus on playing offense—taking risks, making investments, and looking for ways to grow their wealth. Poor people often settle for small, secure financial gains, while the rich push themselves to create more opportunities. If you want to create real wealth, you need to stop playing defensively and start aiming higher.
2. Poor People Don’t Value Freedom
Many poor people fail to understand the true meaning of freedom. It’s not just about living in a democracy; it’s about the ability to live life on your own terms. Financial freedom means having the choice to do what you want, when you want, and not being bound by a job or paycheck.
Ironically, some people will say “money isn’t important” or “money is the root of all evil,” but they spend most of their lives working long hours just to make ends meet. They may even hate their job, but they’re stuck because they don’t have financial freedom. Rich people understand that money equals freedom, which motivates them to pursue wealth without feeling guilty about it.
3. Poor People Work Hard for Their Money
It might sound strange, but poor people tend to work harder for their money. This doesn’t mean they’re lazy; it means they focus on trading time for money. Most people think the only way to make more money is to work longer hours, take on overtime, or get a second job.
The problem with this approach is that time is finite. There are only so many hours in a day, so your earning potential is limited. Rich people understand that they need to make their money work for them. They invest their earnings, allowing their money to grow without requiring constant effort. By viewing money as a tool for generating more wealth, they create a cycle of passive income, rather than continually trading time for money.
4. Poor People Focus on Obstacles
Many poor people tend to focus on obstacles rather than opportunities. For example, you might hear someone say they can’t start a business because they don’t have the money or don’t want to take on debt. This mindset holds them back.
Successful people acknowledge that obstacles exist, but they don’t let them stop progress. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, they find ways to make things happen. A person who wants to start a restaurant, for instance, could spend years waiting for the “right time,” but someone with a wealth-building mindset might start small or find an investor to help them launch. If you’re always waiting for the perfect conditions, you’ll stay in the same place forever.
5. Poor People Choose to Be Paid Based on Time
How often have you heard someone say, “I deserve to be paid $50 an hour for my hard work”? While many people focus on being compensated for their time, successful people focus on being paid for the value they create.
It doesn’t matter how many hours you work; what matters is the impact and results you provide. Jeff Bezos, for example, doesn’t make millions of dollars per hour because he works harder than anyone else. He earns that money because Amazon creates value for millions of customers around the globe.
If you focus solely on how much time you put in, you’ll never break free from financial limitations. Shifting your mindset to focus on creating value is a key step toward financial success.
6. Poor People Resent the Rich
It’s not uncommon for poor people to feel resentment toward the rich. Whether it’s leaving negative comments on social media or criticizing the wealthy for their success, this attitude is widespread. Some even believe that the rich don’t deserve their wealth or must have done something unethical to get where they are.
Instead of resenting successful people, learn from them. Study how they achieved their wealth and adopt the same principles in your life. Hating the wealthy won’t make you rich, but understanding their strategies might.
7. Poor People Think They Know Everything
One of the most harmful attitudes poor people have is thinking they already know everything. When they encounter financial difficulties, they blame external factors like the government, the economy, or their boss. But when you suggest that they learn about money management or investing, they often dismiss the idea, saying they already know how to handle their money.
If you don’t have the financial results you want, it’s a clear sign that there’s more to learn. Successful people are lifelong learners, constantly seeking new knowledge and ways to improve. If you want to grow, you need to be open to learning and willing to admit that you don’t know everything.
8. Poor People Mismanage Their Money
Money management is a skill, not something you’re born with. Even if you make a lot of money, it doesn’t mean you know how to handle it well. Many poor people avoid budgeting or financial planning because they believe it restricts their freedom. They want to enjoy their paycheck without thinking too hard about their spending.
However, mismanaging your money is one of the fastest ways to remain poor. If you don’t have a clear plan for your finances, you’ll never achieve financial independence. It doesn’t matter how much you earn—if you don’t manage it properly, you’ll always struggle. Learning to budget, save, and invest are essential skills for building wealth.
Conclusion: Changing the Mindset
The habits and mindset that keep people poor have little to do with external circumstances and everything to do with how they think about money. The good news is that these behaviors can change. By shifting your mentality from defense to offense, from scarcity to opportunity, and by learning how to manage money effectively, you can improve your financial situation over time.
If you’ve found yourself stuck in one of these patterns, now is the time to break free. Change your mindset, start taking action, and create a path toward financial independence. If you want more inspiration, check out this video on [8 REAL Things Poor People Do That The Rich Don’t](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYKU87PjLOI).