The differences between how rich and average people think are numerous and extreme, according to Steve Siebold, author of How Rich People Think.

The author has revealed 15 of his top insights to the Business Insider, News.com.au reported.
 
According to him rich people think selfishness is a virtue, average people feel they need to save the world and put others before themselves that is keeping them poor. On the other hand rich people take the attitude that if they don't help themselves first they can't help anyone else.

While average people always wait for someone else to help them get rich -- which only keeps them poor -- rich people take action and spend time solving problems.
 
Rich people favour specific knowledge over formal education.
 
Rich people spend a lot of time looking into the future, setting goals and looking forward to what lies ahead. On the other hand average people dwell on the past that often holds them back by making them unhappy or depressed.

Unlike average people, rich people maintain a logical relationship with money viewing it as a tool that represents options and opportunities.
 
Rich people find a way of getting paid for doing something they love whereas average people earn money doing things they don't love.
 
Average people set low expectations to avoid disappointment while rich people set huge expectations and follow their dreams.

Average people believe you have to 'do' something to be rich and focus on immediate results, but rich people continuously focus on bettering themselves and learn from success and failures.
 
Rich people have no problem using other people's money whereas average folk believe they need their own money to make money.
 
It seems contradictory to the above statement but rich people adopt the attitude of getting rich so you can afford to live below your means. Average people live beyond their means.

Rich people teach their children how to be rich; average people teach their children how to survive.
 
Rich people don't let money stress them out, but average people do.
 
Rich people would rather be educated than entertained; average people are the opposite.

Rich people surround themselves with like-minded people, but average people think rich people are snobs and have a negative attitude towards the super rich.
 
Rich people focus on earning while average people focus on saving and miss big opportunities by trying to live frugally.