Overview of 7 Signs You're About to Get Rich by Lewis Howes
Lewis Howes breaks down what he believes are seven early signs that someone is building real wealth—not just earning more money, but developing the mindset, habits, and emotional maturity that make wealth sustainable. The episode argues that getting rich is less about hustle alone and more about identity shifts, boundaries, communication, delayed gratification, and long-term thinking. A major theme throughout is that real financial growth often looks quiet, uncomfortable, and even counterintuitive before the money shows up.
The 7 Signs You’re About to Get Rich
1) You stop talking about money the way “broke people” do
Lewis says the first shift is moving away from resentment, envy, and judgment toward people with money.
- Instead of saying things like “must be nice” or assuming others got lucky or unethical, you start asking:
- “How did they do that?”
- “What did they learn?”
- “Who do I need to become?”
- You begin celebrating other people’s wins instead of feeling threatened by them.
- Core idea: money goes where it is respected.
2) You get paid more for deciding than for doing
He explains four levels of value:
- Doing the work
- Managing people who do the work
- Communicating a message that moves people
- Using imagination to create assets and opportunities
The biggest wealth jump happens when you’re paid for your thinking, leadership, and communication rather than just your labor.
3) You can walk away from money
A major sign of growth is being able to say no to money that doesn’t align with your values, time, or long-term vision.
- Lewis shares examples of turning down sponsorships, coaching gigs, and deals that paid well but didn’t fit his direction.
- This is about moving from scarcity-driven acceptance to values-based selection.
- Saying no creates boundaries and protects your energy.
4) Your raise stopped being an event
When income rises, many people just upgrade their lifestyle and end up in the same financial position.
Lewis says a real sign of wealth is when:
- More income does not automatically trigger more spending
- You already know where new money is going before it arrives
- You focus on what you keep, not just what you earn
He also points out that many high earners still live paycheck to paycheck because their habits scale with their income.
5) Money stops controlling your mood
This sign is emotional neutrality around money.
- You no longer get euphoric or devastated every time money enters or leaves your account.
- Bills become information, not an emotional crisis.
- You stop checking your bank account out of fear or obsession.
Lewis frames this as a form of freedom: money is no longer running your nervous system.
6) You start making decisions for people who don’t exist yet
This is the long-term legacy mindset.
- You think beyond your own lifetime.
- You plan for children, family, beneficiaries, and future generations.
- Lewis gives the example of buying life insurance for a future family long before he had one.
This kind of thinking means you’re no longer just surviving; you’re building something that can outlast you.
7) You change the unit you measure in
Instead of asking, “How much do I make?” you start asking:
- “How many months could I go without working?”
- “How much freedom do I have?”
- “How much margin do I have?”
Lewis says rich is a number, but free is a length of time. This shift moves the focus from income to freedom and stability.
Key Takeaways
- Wealth often begins with mindset changes before financial changes.
- The real indicators of growing wealth are often subtle and internal, not flashy.
- A healthy relationship with money includes:
- boundaries
- emotional neutrality
- long-term planning
- respect for other people’s success
- comfort with delayed gratification
- The episode emphasizes that many people quit right before momentum compounds.
Practical Actions Lewis Recommends
Audit your money mindset
- Notice how you talk about rich people and success.
- Replace judgment with curiosity and admiration.
Practice saying no
- Turn down money that pulls you away from your values or long-term vision.
Track your financial runway
- Calculate how many months you could live if you stopped working today.
Build for the future
- Think beyond the next paycheck and make decisions that benefit future you and future generations.
Measure freedom, not just income
- Focus on margin, savings, investments, and options—not just salary.
Final Message
Lewis closes with the idea that wealth often arrives after a quiet season of becoming someone different. The money usually shows up later than the internal transformation. If these signs resonate, he argues, you’re likely already on the path toward real wealth—even if the bank account hasn’t caught up yet.