I’ve spent years exploring psychology, self-improvement, and mindfulness. Along the way, I’ve seen firsthand how seemingly small shifts in your daily routine can lead to major changes in your financial and personal life.
So, if you’re stuck in a lower-middle class rut and want to break free, here are ten things you should pay attention to.
1. Your Own Mindset
“Mindset” has been a buzzword for a while, but it’s not just hype. If you don’t believe in your own potential, you’ll never push yourself hard enough to reach it. Carol Dweck’s work on the “growth mindset” is a good place to start—it shows that people who see challenges as opportunities tend to succeed more often.
I can vouch for this personally. When I was building my first online business, the biggest hurdle wasn’t a lack of money or time—it was my own belief that I might not be “cut out” for entrepreneurship. The moment I realized I was holding myself back, I started taking meaningful action and moved forward faster.
2. Being Curious About Everything
For a long time, I thought I should focus on a single thing and master it. But being open to learning different subjects—like digital marketing, psychology, and personal finance—actually expanded my opportunities. Albert Einstein said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”
Curiosity drives you to discover new business ideas or life hacks you never even knew existed. In my own journey, learning random skills here and there eventually gave me an edge that helped my websites grow.
3. Small, Consistent Actions
Massive transformations often come from tiny actions repeated over and over. B. F. Skinner’s behaviorist principles highlight how consistent actions paired with positive reinforcement form lasting habits.
When I first launched Hack Spirit, I made a commitment to publish one solid piece of content every single day. It felt like a lot at the time, but over the course of months and years, that commitment turned into a content library that now drives a ton of traffic. Little steps, huge payoff.
4. Building a Reliable Network
You don’t have to be best friends with every millionaire you meet. Focus on cultivating genuine connections with people who’ll support you (and who you can support in return). Carl Rogers, a prominent humanistic psychologist, emphasized empathy and genuine communication as cornerstones of personal growth.
I’ve experienced this truth time and time again. Whenever I’m stuck or need feedback, it’s often my smaller circle of friends and fellow entrepreneurs who come through with great ideas or introductions.
5. Emotional Intelligence
It’s one thing to hustle hard, but if you can’t manage your emotions or understand those of others, you’ll find yourself hitting invisible barriers. Daniel Goleman’s work on Emotional Intelligence (EI) proves that self-awareness and empathy can be game-changers.
Early in my career, stress got the better of me more often than I’d like to admit. Learning to take a quick breath and calm myself down before responding—especially in high-pressure meetings—improved my relationships and helped close more deals.
6. Budgeting and Money Management
I know, it sounds ridiculously simple, but tracking how much you earn and spend can transform your financial future. If you don’t know your financial baseline, you can’t make meaningful progress toward getting out of the lower-middle class.
In my first year of entrepreneurship, I wasted cash on software tools I didn’t really need. Once I started using a basic spreadsheet to keep tabs on my income and expenses, I plugged those leaks, saved more money, and reinvested in actual growth opportunities.
7. Learning to Say “No”
There will always be people who want a piece of your time for free, or who invite you out for pricey nights you can’t really afford. If you can’t say “no” sometimes, you’ll drain your energy, your finances, and your emotional bandwidth.
Assertiveness training, often discussed in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), shows that saying “no” respectfully is actually good for relationships. People respect you more when you’re honest about your limits.
8. Decluttering Your Mind (and Space)
A messy environment often translates into messy thinking. Clearing up your surroundings can free up mental energy for focusing on what really matters. Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” approach may not be a strict psychological method, but it taps into a well-known principle: your environment affects your state of mind.
When I cleared out my desk, deleted old files, and got my digital workspace in order, I suddenly felt more motivated and creative. Clutter is a silent productivity killer, so don’t underestimate the power of a good cleanup.
9. Investing in Yourself
Instead of immediately pouring money into external investments—like stocks or real estate—consider putting it into your own education and skills. Abraham Maslow once said, “One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth.”
I remember feeling a little sick to my stomach when I paid for my first business-coaching program. But the lessons I learned paid for themselves many times over. Don’t be stingy about your own growth—it’s the best investment you’ll ever make.
10. Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t just a fluffy concept. Positive psychology research shows that people who regularly practice gratitude tend to have higher levels of well-being and lower stress. I started writing down one thing I’m grateful for each morning, even if it’s just for that first sip of coffee.
This tiny habit shifted my whole outlook. When you focus on what you already have, you realize you’re not as limited as you might think. You feel motivated to build on that foundation.
Final Thoughts
Escaping the lower-middle class doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that begins with small but meaningful changes in mindset, habits, and relationships. Don’t forget: It’s not just about making more money; it’s also about constructing a life that supports your ambitions and well-being.
Focus on one or two of these points at a time, and watch the momentum build. In my own journey, each of these “little things” added up to bigger opportunities. If you invest in these areas consistently, I have no doubt you’ll find yourself on a faster track to a more stable and fulfilling life
