Rich vs. Wealthy: The Eric Thomas Lesson I Keep Coming Back To

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Video by Eric Thomas, from his official YouTube channel, [@etthehiphoppreacher](https://www.youtube.com/@etthehiphoppreacher). I'm not affiliated with him. I just love this message.

What's the difference between rich and wealthy? In this short video, Eric Thomas puts it simply: wealth isn't just having money. It's getting to a place where you have enough to take care of yourself and to be a blessing to somebody else. As his channel sums it up: "Get blessed so you can BE a blessing."

It's under a minute long. Watch it first, then come back. I want to tell you why it hit me.

Quick takeaways

• Rich is a number. Wealth is a position: taken care of, with room to give.
• Chasing "rich" can keep you running forever, because there's always a bigger number.
• Building wealth starts with knowing your own "enough."
• The giving part isn't the reward at the end. It's part of the reason to start.

Why "rich" is the wrong target

When most people picture making money online, they picture rich: the car, the screenshots, the big number. I've been in affiliate marketing since 2012, and I'll be honest with you: chasing that picture is how a lot of people burn out, buy one program after another, and quit.

The trouble with "rich" is there's no finish line. Whatever the number is, somebody has a bigger one.

Wealth, the way Eric Thomas describes it, has a finish line you can actually name. Enough to take care of yourself. Then enough left over to help somebody else.

What is "enough" for you?

This connects to something I wrote this week: how much money would you need to live comfortably. In that post I asked you to find your number, and then answer one more question: who would you help?

That's the wealth question. Not "how much can I get?" but "how much do I need to be taken care of, and who's on the other side of that?"

For me, part of my answer is time with my wife. We've been together over 30 years, and a lot of my "why" is giving us more of it.

Your one step this week

Take five minutes today and write down two things:

1. Your "enough" number: what it would take each month to be taken care of.
2. One person you'd bless: a name, not a category. Your mom. Your grandson. Your neighbor who's been struggling.

Put that paper where you'll see it on the hard days. When the work feels slow, that name will do more for you than any "get rich" video ever will.

And if you're building on the side while you work, do it the smart way, on your own time. Here's how: side hustle on the clock.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between rich and wealthy?

Rich usually means having a lot of money right now. Wealthy, in the way Eric Thomas talks about it, means reaching a position where you're taken care of and you can also give to others. One is a number; the other is a place you get to.

Who is Eric Thomas?

Eric Thomas, often called ET or "The Hip Hop Preacher," is a well-known motivational speaker. He shares short videos and speeches on his official YouTube channel, @etthehiphoppreacher.

What is Motivation Sunday?

It's a weekly post on this blog. Every Sunday I share a short video from a speaker I respect, from their official channel, and what the message means for anyone building something online.

Your turn

Who's the first person you'd bless if money stopped being a worry? Tell me in the comments. I read every one.

Results vary. Your results depend on your own effort, skills and situation, and many people earn nothing.