Are You Still Hustling While Everyone Else Seems to Be Getting Rich? Here’s How to Bridge the Gap

Have you ever felt like you're grinding endlessly, yet everyone else around you seems to be living the dream? You scroll through Instagram, and there it is—another luxury vacation, another startup success story, or someone buying their dream home. We’re constantly bombarded with images of extravagant lifestyles 24/7.

Some people call it toxic. But I see it differently. To me, it’s pure motivation. When you see success, it becomes real—it’s tangible proof that it’s achievable. Like the old saying goes, “Seeing is believing.” It makes you wonder, “How can I do that too?”

But before you dive into strategies, there’s one question you need to ask yourself:

Is it even possible for me to get rich?

Seven years ago, I asked myself this exact question. At the time, I was just starting out, unsure if financial freedom was even within my reach. Here’s the truth: getting wealthy is possible. It’s been done before, and it’s being done every day.

If you want six figures, time freedom, or complete financial independence, know this: someone out there—someone just like you—has already achieved it. That means it’s not a pipe dream. It’s real.

But simply knowing it’s possible isn’t enough. There’s a gap between wanting to be rich and actually making it happen. Chances are, you’re stuck in that gap right now. You’ve got the desire, you’ve seen the possibilities, but something’s holding you back.

I’ve been there. I’ve made the journey. And along the way, I learned six crucial lessons that helped me bridge that gap. These principles will give you the clarity you need to move forward and build wealth—faster than you think.

1. You Don’t Need to Be a Genius to Get Rich

Contrary to popular belief, building wealth doesn’t require a Ph.D. or a sky-high IQ. In fact, many brilliant academics—think professors—don’t prioritize making money. They’re passionate about research, teaching, or quantum physics, and that’s perfectly fine.

But here’s the takeaway: wealth doesn’t require genius—it requires solving real problems for real people.

Take Steven Kora, for example. He built a simple mobile app, Puff Count, to help people quit nicotine. The result? He earns $40,000 a month. And here’s the kicker: Steven isn’t a developer. He doesn’t even know how to code.

The lesson? Focus on solving meaningful problems, not being the smartest person in the room.

2. Imperfection Equals Opportunity

Everything around us—businesses, governments, even technology—is imperfect. And that imperfection? It’s gold for entrepreneurs.

Melanie Perkins, the founder of Canva, spotted imperfections in a market many thought was “saturated.” Photoshop was powerful but intimidating, expensive, and complicated. Melanie saw an opportunity to create something simpler and more accessible.

The result? Canva is now valued at over $40 billion.

The same principle applies to smaller innovations. Take Warby Parker. They noticed that buying glasses was inconvenient and expensive. So, they streamlined the process, allowing customers to try on glasses at home. Today, they’re a billion-dollar company.

The key is to train your mind to see imperfections as opportunities. Start a “problem journal” where you jot down frustrations or complaints you encounter daily. Each of those is a potential goldmine.

3. Competition Isn’t Your Real Problem

Worried about competition? Don’t be. Most people aren’t even in the game.

Take Airbnb as an example. When they launched, the hotel industry was massive. But instead of competing directly, Airbnb focused on a niche: customers looking for a more local, homey experience. The result? They created an entirely new market.

Obsession with competitors wastes time and energy. Instead, focus on your customers. What do they need? What are their pain points? How can you serve them better than anyone else?

And here’s a little secret: market saturation is a myth.

Think about cookbooks. They’ve been around for decades, yet every year, new ones hit the shelves with fresh perspectives, trends, and techniques. The same applies to any market. If you can solve a problem differently or better, there’s always room for you.

4. Finding Your Path

How do you find your unique opportunity? Through observation and experience.

Books and courses can teach you theory, but nothing beats real-world experience. Travel, immerse yourself in different cultures, and observe. This opens your eyes to problems and inspires innovative solutions.

Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, found his inspiration in 1983 during a trip to Italy. He observed the local coffee culture—its aroma, community vibe, and artistry—and transformed Starbucks into a global empire.

Your path doesn’t have to start with a groundbreaking idea. My journey began with freelancing, offering web design services. It wasn’t my passion, but it gave me valuable experience. Each step—whether it was freelancing or e-commerce—taught me lessons that shaped my future success.

Here’s one shortcut: find a mentor. A good mentor has been where you are, made the mistakes you want to avoid, and can guide you toward strategies that actually work.

5. Stop Comparing and Start Collaborating

Social media makes it easy to compare yourself to others. But remember, you’re only seeing their wins—not their struggles.

Instead of comparing, focus on collaboration. Reach out to other entrepreneurs, even those you see as competitors. Many are open to partnerships, mentorship, or simply sharing insights.

Can’t find anyone? Attend industry events or join online communities. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals will open doors to ideas and opportunities you’d never discover alone.

6. Failure Is a Data Point

Failure is one of the most misunderstood concepts in entrepreneurship. Most people fear it. But here’s the truth: failure is your best teacher.

Take James Dyson, the inventor of the Dyson vacuum. He created 5,126 failed prototypes before finding success. Each failure was a step closer to his breakthrough. Today, he’s worth billions.

The key is to embrace failure and learn from it. Every time you fail, ask:

• What went wrong?
• What assumptions were incorrect?
• What can I do differently next time?

Failure is only final if you quit. If you view it as feedback rather than defeat, it becomes a stepping stone to success.

Take Action Today

The path to wealth doesn’t start with dreaming—it starts with action.

Every successful entrepreneur you admire started where you are now: uncertain, full of doubt, but willing to take the first step. Whether it’s reaching out to a mentor, launching a side hustle, or joining a community, don’t wait.

The perfect moment doesn’t exist. While you’re hesitating, someone else is taking action.

So, what’s your next move?