Growing up in a poor household can feel like a never-ending cycle. Limited opportunities, financial struggles, and a lack of guidance often make it seem impossible to escape. However, history has proven that many individuals have broken free from poverty through mindset shifts, skill-building, and disciplined financial habits.
If you’re struggling financially or come from a low-income background, here are five practical steps that can change your story. These aren’t just theories, they are real strategies used by successful individuals worldwide.
1. Learn a Skill That Pays
One of the most effective ways to escape financial struggles is to learn a high-income skill. Unlike traditional education, skill-building doesn’t always require a university degree, you can learn from experienced professionals, online courses, or hands-on practice.
Why Learning a Skill Matters:
✅ It gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
✅ You can monetize your skill through freelancing or business.
✅ It allows you to increase your earning potential over time.
Top Skills to Learn in 2025:
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Digital Marketing (SEO, social media, content marketing)
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Software Development & AI (Coding, machine learning)
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Graphic Design & Video Editing
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Sales & Negotiation Skills
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Personal Finance & Investing
📌 Tip: If you don’t know where to start, consider platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or YouTube tutorials to learn valuable skills for free or at a low cost.
2. Master Financial Literacy
Money is not just about earning—it’s about managing, growing, and investing it wisely. Sadly, most schools don’t teach financial literacy, leaving many people clueless about wealth-building.
What You Need to Learn About Money:
📌 Budgeting & Saving: Learn how to control your expenses and save at least 20% of your income.
📌 Investing Wisely: Understand assets like stocks, ETFs, real estate, and crypto to make your money grow.
📌 The Power of Compound Interest: Even small investments today can lead to massive wealth over time.
Example: If you invest RM500 per month in a diversified stock portfolio earning 7% annually:
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In 10 years → RM86,000
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In 20 years → RM247,000
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In 30 years → RM566,000
📌 Tip: Read books like The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel or Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki to understand wealth-building better.
3. Study Wealthy & Successful People
If you want to succeed financially, observe and learn from people who have already done it. Wealthy individuals often share common habits, mindsets, and strategies that set them apart.
Key Lessons from Successful People:
✅ They focus on long-term investments rather than quick money.
✅ They practice discipline and delayed gratification.
✅ They keep expanding their knowledge and networks.
✅ They understand the value of multiple income streams.
How to Learn from the Rich:
📌 Read autobiographies & finance books from successful entrepreneurs.
📌 Listen to business & investing podcasts
📌 Follow financial experts on YouTube & social media.
📌 Tip: Follow successful Malaysian entrepreneurs to learn from their journey.
4. Embrace Failures & Rejections
Most successful people have failed multiple times before making it big. The difference is that they kept going despite the failures.
Why Failure is Essential for Growth:
✅ It teaches you valuable lessons.
✅ It builds mental resilience.
✅ It helps you adapt and improve over time.
Real-Life Example:
Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, was rejected from Harvard 10 times, failed to get a job at KFC, and faced countless rejections before building his multi-billion-dollar empire.
📌 Tip: Don’t fear rejection—apply for that job, start that business, or pitch your idea. If you don’t try, you’ll never know what’s possible.
5. Make Sacrifices & Stay Disciplined
Financial success doesn’t come overnight. It requires daily sacrifices and consistent effort.
Habits That Can Change Your Life:
✅ Wake up early and work on your goals.
✅ Limit unnecessary spending (cut impulse buys, dining out, etc.).
✅ Invest in self-improvement (courses, books, networking).
✅ Build passive income streams (investments, side hustles).
Short-Term Sacrifices for Long-Term Success:
❌ Skipping weekend entertainment → ✅ Learning a new skill.
❌ Spending RM500 on gadgets → ✅ Investing RM500 in stocks.
❌ Watching Netflix all day → ✅ Reading books that build knowledge.
📌 Tip: Successful people don’t chase short-term pleasure. They delay gratification to build long-term wealth.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Taking Action
Escaping poverty or financial struggle is possible for anyone—but it starts with action. Don’t just read about success—take steps today to transform your financial future.
🔹 Learn a high-income skill.
🔹 Educate yourself on financial literacy.
🔹 Study and follow wealthy individuals.
🔹 Don’t fear failure—keep pushing forward.
🔹 Make sacrifices and stay disciplined.
If you implement even one of these strategies, you’ll be on a completely different financial path in the next few years.
🚀 Your future depends on the actions you take today. Start now!