To those who were poor and overcame socioeconomic poverty, what gems of advice w

1. 83

   gmwilliamsposted 8 years ago

   To those who were poor and overcame socioeconomic poverty, what gems of advice would YOU
   
   give to a person who came from a socioeconomically well off background but who claim that they are unlucky in terms of life choices and cannot succeed despite of their well heeled background and myriad opportunities? Do you sympathize and empathize with such people who had the world as their oyster but are unable to succeed at the levels they should have?  Why? Why not?
   
   

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2. 85

   liesl5858posted 8 years ago

   I came from a poor background but I did not strive to become rich either. My father taught me one thing that had carried me through my life and that is education. My father said to me that the only inheritance he could give me is education. Looking back, my father was right, without education I won't be writing here now. I would have no idea on how to use a computer. My father was only a miner and a farmer but he made sure that his children will get educated because when he was young, his parents were that poor that they could not afford to send my father to school despite my father's dream of even finishing his primary education. My father finished only Grade five in primary education but he knows how to read and write at least. Since then he made sure that all of us children will study or at least finish something before we get married. I was the eldest of in the family so he made sure I finished my education and so are my siblings. My father was really strict with us but the end result is good. Me, my brothers and my sister have at least a better life than my parents which I think my father is proud of. I believe in this life, if we strive for what we want we will get it. We don't have to rely on others but on ourselves to make our life better.

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3. 81

   dashingscorpioposted 8 years ago

   Shut out the noise of all naysayers and "dream killers"!
   Even family/friends: Odds are they're not at the level you aspire. They can't see it for themselves or anyone (they) personally know.
   Life is a (personal) journey.
   Study the biographies of people who overcame similar challenges that you face. "Success leaves clues".
   Make an effort to associate with others/groups on a similar path with high aspirations. Invest time daily building yourself up with affirmations and visualization of what you desire. In fact the real goal is to get to a point where you (feel) it's already yours. You're just waiting for it to materialize for the rest of us to see it.
   There are two kinds of people. Those who can help you accomplish your dreams and those who can't. Make sure you're spending the bulk of your time with the right group. Sounds cold but true.
   In the mean time keep working your plan and be persistent. Sometimes you win sometimes you learn.
   "Don't let success go to your head and don't let failure go to your heart." Learn to enjoy the ride.
   Whether you become rich or stay poor in the end you're going to die. You might as well swing for the fences while it's your turn up at bat!

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4. 90

   Patty Inglish, MSposted 8 years ago

   If people have the money and strong family efforts/support to back them, like Beyoncé, then I have no sympathy for them if they choose to fail. I'd tell them it is never too late to start over - I know 70-year-olds who became successful after a life of poverty - and to start over now.
   
   I'd also advise them to move to another city/cultural area that is more to their advantage. Remembering the Midwest in the mid-70s and 1980s, women had a rough time. If given the chance to relive those years, I'd have attended college one of the coasts.
   
   Thanks for the question.

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   1. 81

      dashingscorpioposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent point about being willing to relocate!
      Too often people (choose) to limit their options! The U.S. has 50 states. There are over 180 countries. Sometimes you have to go where the opportunities are! Research pays dividends.

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5. 69

   connorjposted 8 years ago

   
   
   I must share Tom Campbell's (my father-in-law's) journey, (when I see the picture of that Catholic actor you have provided, I think of Tom's street days in Brooklyn) it is indeed a great example; quite simply never give up.
   When he was 6 (around the Great American Depression) Tom was given up to an orphanage by his parents. He was split up from his sister and spent the rest of his childhood there. He was released at 16; however, his parents had become alcoholics. He lived on the streets of Brooklyn until he enrolled in the Military (The Army was his saving grace) and quickly went to Korea as a proud member of the 1st Cav. He was shot in the wrist and because of his relative inability in his wrist re-enlisted in the Air Force eventually becoming a Air Traffic Controller out of Guam during the beginning of Vietnam. While in the military, he married his wife of over 50 years now and raised 4 brats. One of which I married. However, this story is more focused on my Better Half's older brother, Tom Junior. You "see" Tom Junior became highly educated, practiced medicine and eventually after a stint at the Atlanta Center for Disease Control commenced research at a University in the Denver area, along side (colleague) to the Nobel Prize Winner for Aids Research. After 20 years of meticulous research and annual trips to Africa, Tom has made a break-through. He was recently in the news (Denver ABC affiliate) for a break through, a possible cure for Aids.
   What if Tom Senior had given up during those "dark" street days of poverty in New York? His children would not have been born, a doctor destined to cure Aids, my better half, a most beautiful soul who has given so many extraordinary moments to so many, and 2 other sons positioned for greatness. Never give up, persevere and amazing things will indeed happen if you stay God-centered like The Campbell and by the way, that actor you placed in your question...

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   1. 69

      connorjposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It is not about richness or poverty it is simply about what you give this world...

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6. 62

   Evaneposted 8 years ago

   Learn from the experience and maintain a good managing of finances.

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