Oct 18, 2022
Learn John Hope Bryant’s 5 Pillars for Success
Perhaps no one knows building “up from nothing” better than John Hope Bryant.
Raised primarily in Compton, the presidential appointee, business leader, philanthropist, and international best-selling author has made his mark on society.
And his message for entrepreneurs and investors is clear. You succeed by rounding out these five pillars:
1. Education
Knowledge is a gamechanger, Bryant says. It’s your competitive advantage. He suggests everyone should aspire to know what they don’t know.
Start with economics, which is all around you at all times. Incentives, game theory, efficient markets. Then expand to everything you can possibly consume.
Learn economics and math, and you’ll master the world.
2. Financial literacy
There’s a difference between making money and building wealth. The transition from writing checks to receiving checks will change your life, Bryant argues.
You have to understand the economics of owning versus renting. Having a job versus creating a job. John Hope Bryant says the easiest way to start is by starting a business and learning along the way.
3. Family structure
Connected relationships with your parents and significant others are a strong foundation for life. “Nothing is more powerful than a child being told they’re loved.”
If you don’t have your own family, assemble your own group of loved ones. And nurture the strongest possible connections with them.
4. Self-esteem & confidence
Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. Confidence is how you bring that esteem into the world. The more competence you have at a given subject, the more confidence you’ll have in that skill.
5. Role models & environment
Bryant says, “You are what you see.” A life well-lived is only possible when you surround yourself with the people you aspire to be.
Young people today look up to pop stars and culture icons, but do they understand what comes with fame? Do they understand celebrities are no closer with their families than you are?
Entertainment, sports and the arts dominate our media. Upgrade to mentors, role models and idols who are where you want to be. Only then can young people see the value of creating versus consuming.
For more of our conversation with John Hope Bryant on how to leave a legacy, tune in to Electrifying Growth!
