Success isn’t just about working hard; it’s about the choices we make. In her enlightening book, "We Should All Be Millionaires," Rachel Rodgers zeroes in on the crucial decisions that define our financial trajectory. Chapter 3, titled "Million Dollar Decisions," is a profound reflection on how women, in particular, often falter when confronted with critical decisions. Here's a summary for those eager to embrace a financially empowering mindset:

1. The Desire to Be Liked
Historically, our survival depended on our community. Maslow's hierarchy of needs places the need for belonging just after our physiological and safety requirements. This innate desire often manifests itself as women curbing their power to fit societal expectations. Peer-reviewed studies cited by Marianne Cooper, the lead researcher for Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, found that

high-achieving women experience social backlash because their very success and specifically the behaviors that created that success violates our expectations about how women are supposed to behave. Women are expected to be nice, warm, friendly, and nurturing. Thus, if a woman acts assertively Or competitively, if she pushes her team to perform, if she exhibits decisive and forceful leadership, she is deviating from the social script that dictates how she "should" behave. By violating beliefs about what women are like, successful women elicit pushback from others for being insufficiently feminine and too masculine. As descriptions like "Ice Queen," and "Ballbuster" can attest, we are deeply uncomfortable . with powerful women.. In fact, we often don't really like them.

Rodgers’ advice? Seek validation from a select group who cherish you for who you are, not a watered-down version.

2. The Influence of the Wrong Crowd
Who you spend your time with matters. According to research by Dr. David McClelland, up to 95% of our success or failure in life can be attributed to our peer group. If the circle you're in consistently makes "Broke Ass Decisions," chances are you will too. Rodgers underscores the value of surrounding oneself with positive influences who encourage Million Dollar Decisions. Negative naysayers can hinder growth, and it’s paramount to reassess those relationships.

3. Battling a Broke Environment
Our surroundings, both online and offline, seep into our psyche. The media, in its portrayal of women, often reinforces negative stereotypes. Financial institutions, with their inherent biases, can be discouraging. And personal environments, cluttered with reminders of scarcity, can continuously erode self-worth. Rodgers' suggestion? An environmental detox. Inspired by Susan Hyatt, an environmental detox involves assessing every aspect of your surroundings and purging elements that promote a mindset of scarcity. Whether it's refreshing your wardrobe, adding a touch of luxury to your living space, or curating your social media feed, these decisions can significantly influence your mindset.

In essence, the journey towards financial success isn't just about making money; it's about making the right choices. Rodgers’ chapter underscores the importance of understanding our pitfalls and actively seeking environments and company that align with our goals. 

For those of us, business owners and at Fierce Media, these decisions determine not just personal financial success but the trajectory of our businesses.

It's crucial to identify and move beyond these barriers. To help in this endeavor, Rodger’s introduces a formula that can guide you in making Million Dollar Decisions.

A FORMULA FOR MILLION DOLLAR DECISIONS

By now you understand what a Million Dollar Decision is and the common reasons women don't make them more often. But you may still be wondering, How do I make a Million Dollar Decision? Don't worry; there's a formula for that.

The Acronym: WSABM

This acronym serves as a mnemonic to remember the formula, even when you don't have a pen and paper handy.

• W is for Want. Reflect on what you truly desire. Before seeking advice from others, connect with your own feelings. If success was guaranteed, what decision would you take?

• S is for Shoulds. Recognize the obligations and expectations influencing your choices. Which 'shoulds' resonate with you, and which ones don't?

• A is for Action. Identify concrete steps to achieve what you want. It's about moving from thought to action.

• B is for Body. How do you feel when you imagine taking the identified action? Trust your intuition and bodily signals; they often convey unspoken truths.

• M is for More. Contemplate the long-term benefits. Yes, there'll be costs, but focusing on what you stand to gain can motivate you through the toughest times.

The next time you're faced with a significant decision, use this formula to discern if it's a Million Dollar Decision for you. A Million Dollar Decision is transformative. It's about creating a life that feels enriching and aligned with your desires.

Remember: "Broke ass thinking leads to Broke Ass Decisions, which lead to broke ass bank accounts. BADs beget more BADs. Conversely, MDDs lead to more MDDs."

Start with one Million Dollar Decision, and soon, making them will become second nature. As Madam C. J. Walker said, “I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I got promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. I have built my own factory on my own ground." Irrespective of your current circumstances or the desire to fit in, you have the power to promote yourself to a better life.