ve asked themselves； 〃Does this make sense？〃 All too often； instead of trusting their inner wisdom； that genius inside of them； most people go along with the crowd。 They do things because everybody else does it。 They conform rather than question。 Often； they mindlessly repeat what they have been told。 Ideas such as 〃diversify〃 or 〃your home is an asset。〃 〃Your home is your biggest investment。〃 〃You get a tax break for going into greater debt。〃 〃Get a safe job。〃 〃Don't make mistakes。〃 〃Don't take risks。〃
It is said that the fear of public speaking is a fear greater than death for most people。 According to psychiatrists； the fear of public speaking is caused by the fear of ostracism； the fear of standing out； the fear of criticism； the fear of ridicule； the fear of being an outcast。 The fear of being different prevents most people from seeking new ways to solve their problems。
That is why my educated dad said the Japanese valued the power of the mirror the most； for it is only when we as humans look into the mirror do we find truth。 And the main reason that most people say 〃Play it safe1' is out of fear。 That goes for anything； be it sports； relationships； career； money。
It is that same fear； the fear of ostracism that causes people to conform and not question monly accepted opinions or popular trends。 〃Your home is an asset。〃 〃Get a bill consolidation loan and get out of debt。〃 〃Work harder。〃 〃It's a promotion。〃 〃Someday I'll be a vice president。〃 〃Save money。〃 〃When ！ get a raise； I'll buy us a bigger house。〃 〃Mutual funds are safe。〃 〃Tickle Me Elmo dolls are out of stock； but I just happen to have one in back that another customer has not e by for yet。〃
Many great financial problems are caused by going along with the crowd and tryi