Notes on 'Super Rich,' by Russell Simmons

I'll admit the title of Russell Simmons' "Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All" enticed me to crack the cover. Yet I learned in the introduction, it's not about gaining material riches. Instead, this book is about being rich in spirit. Sounds pretty cheesy at first, but Simmons explains that being rich in spirit leads to material wealth.

In this book, Simmons extols the benefits of yoga, veganism and Transcendental meditation (TM), the latter of which he gives an introductory course.

Key wealth mindset points I took from this book are as follows:

• No matter what your job, do it with joyful, eager and service-centered mindset. How well you do your current job often determines your success later in life. 
• Wealth does not bring happiness. Those hold too tightly to the trappings of their riches are often seduced by excesses, be it drugs, alcohol, women or flamboyant spending. The result is not happiness, but disillusionment and emptiness. 
• Take time to clear your mind through meditation, prayer, yoga, jogging, creating art or simply becoming engrossed in your work. Simmons writes that of all of these practices, meditation has had a most profound effect on him and his business life. Clearing the mind brings us closer to our higher self. In other words, it brings us closer to god. This is where our inspired ideas come from. It's a wellspring of brilliance that we cannot tap on our own with mind chatter. 
• Don't chase money. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. You must do what you love for the sheer enjoyment of it -- not for the outcome. 
• Give your talents to the world for free. When people sense you want nothing more than to serve the world through your remarkable offerings, they will be moths to your flame. Give your products, services, talents and art without expecting compensation.