During economic crashes, most people feel fear. Jobs disappear, markets fall, and money worries spike. But Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, explains that the difference between losing money and building wealth can start with something surprisingly simple: the words you use every day.
Kiyosaki says that people eventually become what they repeatedly say. This means the phrases we speak often influence our mindset and actions. For example, constantly saying “I can’t afford it” can actually train the brain to stop searching for solutions. These words act like a mental stop sign, blocking opportunities and growth.
Kiyosaki reflects on lessons from his two father figures in life: his “rich dad” and his “poor dad”. His rich dad never allowed him to say phrases like “I can’t afford it.” Instead, he encouraged questions like, “How can I afford it?” This small change in wording opens the mind to creative thinking, problem-solving, and ultimately, wealth building. On the other hand, his poor dad often said, “I can’t afford it,” which limited his mindset. Even though he earned money, he remained poor throughout his life because the words he repeated stopped him from seeking solutions.
LESSON #10 How to get richer as the economy crashes:
CONTROL YOUR WORDS: In Sunday School I learned:
“The word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.”
In other words “You become your words.”
My rich dad forbid his son and from saying “I can’t afford it.”
Rich dad said: “Poor…
— Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) December 21, 2025
According to Kiyosaki, this difference in mindset starts with something very simple: the way people speak. Words can either restrict or expand possibilities. Positive words encourage thinking, planning, and taking action, while negative words create mental blocks and prevent people from exploring opportunities.
Learning from Past Crashes
Economic crashes are usually terrifying. However, Kiyosaki points out, they can also create significant opportunities. During major financial downturns, including the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, many assets went on sale because of panic selling. Real estate, stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and even gold and silver were sold at steep discounts.
Those who could control their words—and therefore their mindset—were able to see the potential in these situations. Instead of saying, “I can’t afford it,” they asked, “How can I afford it?” This question encouraged them to find solutions and open doors to wealth. By looking for ways to afford what they needed, they were able to solve bigger money challenges and gradually grow richer.
Kiyosaki emphasizes that economic crashes are not disasters but opportunities. The key factor in determining who benefits during these times is how people think and speak. Words are free, but their impact is powerful. Positive, solution-focused words help people recognize opportunities, while negative words limit growth.
The Power of Choosing Words Carefully
Kiyosaki also links this advice to spiritual teachings. He recalls lessons from Sunday school and quotes a verse from the Bible: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep a watch at the door of my lips.” This reinforces the idea that words are more than just speech—they shape thoughts, actions, and long-term outcomes.
Even simple phrases can have profound effects. Negative words can make people remain poor despite earning money. Positive, solution-oriented words encourage problem-solving and wealth creation. By carefully choosing words, people can train their brains to focus on opportunities instead of obstacles.
Kiyosaki repeatedly stresses that words become who we are. The phrases we speak influence our mindset, and our mindset guides our actions. By replacing limiting words with proactive ones, people can take advantage of economic downturns, solve bigger financial challenges, and grow richer even when markets fall.
This perspective emphasizes that during economic crashes, mindset matters just as much as money. Words are not just spoken—they become actions and shape the results of financial decisions. Controlling them could make the difference between staying stuck or finding opportunities in difficult times, as Robert Kiyosaki has repeatedly highlighted.