Johannesburg - It has been 26 years since Wouter Snyman picked up the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Now he believes he’s finally an ordinary millionaire and wants to help others achieve the same riches.
“The insight I got from the book has been a guiding light. I believe if one wants to earn more, one has to learn more,” Snyman says
“My life story is captured in my first book, Would Driving a Porsche Change Your Life? I did drive a Porsche, but it did little to ensure my happiness and financial independence.”
Now the father of two and avid Bok fan has penned his second book, The Ordinary Millionaire, a self-help guide for those who want to get rich and enjoy their earnings at retirement.
Snyman says the book has little to do with money, but seeks to help people cultivate an “abundance” instead of “poverty” mindset. He believes everyone has something of value, and realising that can be the difference between having and not having.
“All successful people have one thing in common, gratitude. They know what they have and focus on what they want to have. They don’t start from a position of a poverty mindset. Having an abundant mindset makes it easy for one to be rich.”
In the world of financial planning, Snyman says, one’s money mentality is critical.
“The minute you adjust your mindset to understand that you have power over money - not the other way around - is when you are a step closer to making millions.
“It’s not just about money - the ordinary millionaire’s mindset is that bad debt must be avoided.”
Free State-born Snyman describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur”.
He is captivated by the life and career of Steve Jobs, who he believes would have given his entire fortune to buy more time with his family.
“Our most treasured possessions are not the cars we drive or the fancy titles we pursue. It is the simple things, like family.”
Snyman held senior management positions at Standard Corporate and Merchant Bank and Discovery before establishing his own financial services company, attooh! The name is from his boyhood football games.
“Whenever I scored a goal, my friends would burst out: Attooh.’ I am still celebrating my goals,” he chuckles.
He says he owes his decision to leave his comfort zone and found attooh! to his love for books and self-education. “The only access one has to the richest and most intelligent people is through their books.”
Most people rely on their salaries as their only source of income.
“Wealth is something you can get that money can’t buy. People must strive for financial independence so they don’t have to rely on working - they must have a passive income. It’s not how much you make, it’s about what you do with what you make.”
The book is available from Amazon or for free at: www.theordinarymillionaire.co.za
Saturday Star