How do people actually go from broke to their first million?

Based on interviews with multiple self-made millionaires and billionaires, the path from broke to the first million involves several key principles. First, you need to find a business or opportunity and execute relentlessly. One entrepreneur explained that he became a millionaire at 26 by starting in private equity and investing in companies, emphasizing that you must focus on what works rather than spreading yourself thin. Another billionaire who sold his company for $400 million started by buying a food distribution business for $300,000 and building a great team around him with smart, hardworking, loyal people. A third entrepreneur shared that she made her first million at 29 by starting as an entrepreneur at age 13, emphasizing proper planning and staying ready so you don't have to get ready. The consistent theme is that making money requires you to become valuable to others. As one billionaire stated, you must figure out what you can give rather than what you can get, and the doors will open. Another emphasized that you need to stop trading time for money and instead learn to make your money work for you through investments. Multiple millionaires stress that you don't need a lot of capital to start—one woman started with just $300, and another billionaire started with $4,000 and sold his company for $4 billion. The key is taking action, building the right team, focusing on what's working, and maintaining relentless belief in your vision despite doubts from others.