For many, financial freedom feels like an unattainable goal. Despite earning good money or following conventional financial advice, most people remain stuck in a cycle of working, saving, and spending. The reason? It’s not about income; it’s about mindset.
Rod Khleif, a best-selling author, host of one of the top real estate investing podcasts, and a long-time multifamily real estate coach, has studied what separates successful investors from those who struggle to build lasting wealth. His conclusion is simple: financial independence is not just about making money—it’s about thinking differently, taking consistent action, and building assets that generate income for years to come.
The way people think about money is often the biggest obstacle to financial success. Many grow up with a scarcity mindset, believing that money is hard to come by and even harder to keep. This fear-driven mentality leads to risk avoidance, hesitation, and playing it safe—often at the cost of long-term financial growth.
Successful investors, on the other hand, operate from an abundance mindset. They see opportunities where others see obstacles. Instead of worrying about losing money, they focus on how to make their money work for them. They understand that wealth isn’t something that happens overnight, but it’s something built over time through smart decisions, strategic investments, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
“Your financial success will never exceed your personal growth,” says Khleif. “The most successful investors aren’t just good with numbers—they’re relentless about improving themselves, expanding their knowledge, and taking action.”
The biggest reason people fail to achieve financial independence is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of losing money. Fear of stepping outside their comfort zones. But financial success is rarely built on playing it safe. It requires taking calculated risks, making strategic moves, and being willing to learn from mistakes along the way.
Short-term thinking also holds many people back. They focus on immediate expenses instead of long-term financial growth. They prioritize job security over wealth-building opportunities. They rely on traditional, slow-growing investment strategies that fail to keep up with inflation.
A lack of financial literacy compounds the issue. Many people follow outdated financial advice—save money, work hard, and hope for the best—without realizing that true wealth comes from acquiring income-producing assets. The result is a lifetime of working for money instead of having money work for them.
“Most people are trapped in a cycle of earning and spending, never investing,” says Khleif. “They believe financial freedom comes from working harder, when in reality, it comes from putting your money to work for you.”
Achieving financial freedom starts with thinking differently. It requires a shift from being an earner to becoming an investor. Those who succeed in building lasting wealth understand that the goal is not just to make money—it’s to create multiple streams of passive income that generate cash flow regardless of market conditions.
One of the most important mindset shifts is prioritizing long-term thinking over short-term gratification. Successful investors don’t chase quick money; they focus on sustainable, wealth-building strategies that grow over time. They invest in real estate, businesses, and other assets that provide long-term appreciation and cash flow.
Another key shift is understanding the value of taking action. Many people spend years waiting for the “perfect” investment opportunity, only to remain stuck in the same financial position. In contrast, successful investors take calculated risks, learn from their experiences, and continuously adapt their strategies.
Finally, surrounding yourself with the right people is essential. The most successful investors don’t operate in isolation. They seek out mentors, build relationships with other high achievers, and immerse themselves in environments that push them to think bigger and act smarter.
“Your financial success will mirror the five people you spend the most time with,” says Khleif. “If you surround yourself with people who think small, you’ll stay small. If you surround yourself with people who think big, you’ll be forced to level up.”
Despite what many believe, financial freedom isn’t just for the elite. It’s available to anyone willing to change their mindset, learn the right strategies, and take decisive action.
Khleif’s advice for getting started is simple: educate yourself, invest in cash-flowing assets, and take action. Read books. Listen to podcasts. Surround yourself with successful investors. Find ways to build passive income streams through real estate, business ventures, or dividend-generating investments.
Taking small, consistent steps is key. Waiting for the perfect moment or the ideal investment opportunity only leads to missed chances. The best way to learn is by doing—analyzing deals, making investments, and refining strategies along the way.
“You don’t have to be born into wealth to achieve financial freedom,” says Khleif. “You just need to think like an investor, take action, and never stop learning.”
Financial freedom isn’t about luck, background, or intelligence. It’s about mindset. Those who build lasting wealth do so by shifting from scarcity to abundance, from working for money to making money work for them, and from fear to action.
By developing the right mindset, investing in income-producing assets, and surrounding yourself with the right people, financial independence becomes a realistic goal—not just a distant dream.
For those ready to take control of their financial future, the first step is education and action.
Want to learn how to shift your mindset and start investing like the wealthy?
Tune into Rod Khleif’s top-rated real estate podcast, read his best-selling book, or join his mentorship program to begin your journey toward financial freedom today.
Visit RodKhleif.com to learn more.
