Why How to Get Rich Still Matters Today
When Felix Dennis—founder of Maxim magazine and one of Britain’s richest self-made entrepreneurs—wrote How to Get Rich, he didn’t sugarcoat the journey. Unlike vague motivational books, Dennis tells it as it is: getting rich is not about wishing, but about compulsion, execution, ownership, and courage.
This book is for dreamers who are tired of dreaming, for employees who want more than a paycheck, and for entrepreneurs ready to embrace risk, sacrifice, and relentless focus.
Dennis’ brutally honest insights are not a “get rich quick” scheme but an unfiltered roadmap to wealth. Let’s explore his 8 secrets to getting rich, with real-life lessons and how you can apply them today.
Secret 1: Compulsion Is Mandatory
Dennis makes it clear: wanting money is not enough. You must be compelled—driven by something deep within. Desire alone will not fuel the long nights, failures, and risks.
He breaks this down into five factors:
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Knowledge – Understand your industry.
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Inclination – Do something you actually enjoy.
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Connections – Build networks that open doors.
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Attitude – Stay hungry, persistent, and humble.
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Fate – Accept luck plays a role, but luck favors the prepared.
As Dennis put it: “Luck is preparation multiplied by opportunity.”
Real-Life Example
Take Steve Jobs. His compulsion wasn’t just to make computers—it was to transform the way humans interact with technology. Even when Apple kicked him out, Jobs’ compulsion brought him back stronger, leading to the iPhone revolution.
👉 Application Tip: Write down your “why.” If money is your only motivator, you’ll quit. Tie it to freedom, impact, or obsession with solving a problem.
Secret 2: Cut Loose from Negative Influences
Dennis insists: surround yourself only with people who uplift you. Negative, small-minded, or fearful influences drain energy.
He famously said: “Success is never permanent, failure is never fatal. Only courage counts.”
Real-Life Example
Ramesh, a retail manager in Pune, once shared that his peers discouraged him from starting a side business: “Don’t risk your stable job.” But he cut the noise, built a chain of small retail kiosks, and eventually left employment.
👉 Application Tip: Audit your circle. Eliminate toxic voices. Add mentors, optimists, and peers who inspire action.
Secret 3: Execution Beats Ideas
Dennis dismisses the obsession with “great ideas.” Ideas are cheap. Execution is everything. He admitted impatience with action but patience with results.
Real-Life Example
Jeff Bezos didn’t invent the concept of online shopping. But his relentless execution—customer obsession, logistics, and reinvestment—made Amazon the world’s richest marketplace.
👉 Application Tip: Stop perfecting your plan. Launch, test, and iterate. Don’t just think—do.
Secret 4: Focus Relentlessly on Money
Dennis warns: if your goal is not explicitly to get rich, you won’t. Focus means saying “no” to distractions, vanity projects, and applause.
Real-Life Example
Elon Musk could have diversified too early. Instead, he focused Tesla on EVs and SpaceX on reusable rockets. His wealth came from extreme focus, not dabbling.
👉 Application Tip: Write your one-line goal: “My focus is to build wealth through [specific path].” Put it everywhere—desk, phone, mirror.
Secret 5: Hire People Smarter Than You
Felix emphasized delegation. Hire only those with:
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Intelligence
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Optimism
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High energy
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Integrity
And then—step aside. Give them freedom.
Real-Life Example
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy surrounded himself with co-founders smarter in tech, operations, and HR. His genius wasn’t doing it all—but empowering talent.
👉 Application Tip: Don’t hoard control. Hire, delegate, and scale.
Secret 6: Ownership Is Everything
Dennis calls ownership the “real secret.” Always fight to keep equity. Don’t dilute your company for comfort or quick money.
He wrote: “Ownership isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.”
Real-Life Example
Mark Zuckerberg famously refused multiple buyout offers for Facebook. By keeping control and ownership, his fortune skyrocketed to billions.
👉 Application Tip: If you must raise funds, give away as little equity as possible. Sweat over dilution. Every % matters.
Secret 7: Sell Before You Need To
Dennis warns: never sell out of desperation. Negotiate when you have power—either when bored or on top.
Real-Life Example
WhatsApp sold to Facebook for $19 billion, not because they were desperate but because the founders were ready to move on—and held leverage.
👉 Application Tip: If selling a company, product, or asset, do it from a position of strength. Never when you’re cornered.
Secret 8: Fear Nothing—and Remember to Give Back
The final lesson: courage separates the rich from the rest. Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will. But equally, Dennis stresses generosity. Once wealthy, give it away. Wealth’s real value is in impact.
Real-Life Example
Warren Buffett pledged 99% of his fortune to philanthropy. He believes wealth’s purpose is contribution, not hoarding.
👉 Application Tip: Act boldly. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. And when successful, contribute to society—it keeps you grounded.
Action Plan: Applying Felix Dennis’ Secrets
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Define your compulsion (your deeper “why”).
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Remove toxic influences from your circle.
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Choose one idea—and execute like crazy.
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Focus relentlessly on money, not applause.
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Hire smarter people and delegate.
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Guard ownership like gold.
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Sell when you’re strong, not desperate.
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Act fearlessly, then give generously.
Lessons Learned from How to Get Rich
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Wealth requires obsession, not just desire.
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Your circle makes or breaks you.
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Execution > ideas.
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Focus is wealth’s best friend.
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Talent compounds success.
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Ownership equals freedom.
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Timing matters in selling.
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Courage and generosity define legacy.
Step-by-Step Guide for Readers
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Set up a money mindset journal – Track goals, compulsion, and focus.
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Build your circle – Find mentors, join entrepreneurial communities.
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Launch something small – Execute instead of waiting for the “perfect” idea.
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Learn equity basics – Study ownership structures, dilution, and cap tables.
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Practice boldness daily – Do one uncomfortable action every day.
Call to Action
Inspired by Felix Dennis’ wisdom? Don’t just read—apply. Wealth is built through compulsion, courage, and execution.
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📞 Call us now at +91-885051169 and take the first step toward your millionaire journey.
Remember: Getting rich quick is a joke. Getting rich through courage, ownership, and focus is a choice.
✅ Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. The examples are illustrative and meant to show how Felix Dennis’ principles can be applied in real life.
