“I reveal how I’ve been able to negotiate how to get experts in graphic design, web programming, PR, marketing, finance, copywriting, and other areas to work on my projects for free.”

Interview by Mike Sullivan

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Robert Pagliarini is a man on a mission. He is obsessed with improvement, making the most of his time and energy, and creating. He’s also obsessed with inspiring others to create and empowering them to live life to the fullest by radically changing the way they invest their time and energy.

Robert founded Richer Life — a community of passionate people who want to learn and achieve more in life and at work and who want to participate in conversations Robert has with experts, celebrities, authors, and thought leaders that are laser-focused on practical ways to drive more money, motivation, and meaning into their life. Robert is also the author of several books including the latest The Other 8 Hours: Maximize Your Free Time to Create New Wealth & Purpose. Robert writes a weekly column for CBS MoneyWatch that is a syndicated to the LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, and many others. He has appeared as an expert on 20/20, Good Morning America, Dr. Phil, etc.. Robert is a Certified Financial Planner, has a master’s degree in financial services, and is currently completing a master’s degree in counseling psychology.

MO:
Let’s start with the book, The Other 8 Hours. What inspired you to write it and what will the average reader walk away with?

Robert:
My professional goal is to help people bridge the gap between their current life and their best life. We are all incredibly busy—running around trying to do a 100 different things. The book walks readers through how to capture more time, but more importantly, how to do things differently with whatever free time you can create in order to live a better, fuller, richer life.

MO:
How can small business owners and entrepreneurs gain from The Other 8 Hours?

Robert:
The Other 8 Hours: Maximize Your Free Time to Create New Wealth & Purpose was written for entrepreneurs and those who want to ultimately become entrepreneurs. There is an entire chapter dedicated to the most frequently asked questions about starting and running a business. I reveal how I’ve been able to negotiate how to get experts in graphic design, web programming, PR, marketing, finance, copywriting, and other areas to work on my projects for free. I also talk about how to raise money for your venture and everything in between.

MO:
You have a financial background and your the President of a wealth management firm. What exactly is a wealth management firm?

Robert:
At my Orange County financial planning firm Pacifica Wealth Advisors, our goal is to help our clients protect and grow their wealth. This goes beyond just investing, however. We look at insurance, asset protection, taxes, and alternative investing. Because of my business background and entrepreneurship, I also help my clients strategize about how to grow their businesses.

MO:
As an entrepreneur, what have been some of the obstacles you’ve had to overcome? How did you do it?

Robert:
The greatest obstacle for an entrepreneur (or anyone!) to overcome is not quitting after failing. I’ve failed many times, but I don’t let it deter me from growing, progressing, and looking toward the future. One of the most compelling insights into the psyche I’ve learned is the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. Dr. Carol Dweck has done a great deal of research into this and it is highly relevant for everyone. I had the privilege of interviewing in her regarding her latest book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. In an hour long interview, Carol debunks the myths about ability and achievement, revealing that the single greatest factor in determining a person’s success is their mindset. Anyone interested in living a better life should read her book and listen to this interview.

MO:
At what age is focusing on The Other 8 Hours a good idea? Is this something we should be teaching our kids?

Robert:
Absolutely! The time we sleep is lost. The time we sell to our employer is gone. The only way someone can create a better is in the other 8 hours—whether that is just 20 minutes a day or a couple of hours a week. This is the time we have to learn, grow, and create. This is the time we must protect and invest. The earlier someone realizes the value of their “free” time, the better.

MO:
You’ve co-founded a non-profit, the Band of Brothers Foundation, that helps impoverished children around the world. Tell me about the foundation and your involvement.

Robert:
I co-founded the Band of Brothers Foundation. We are a small network in Orange County who raises money for project around the world. We have orphanages in Vietnam and Thailand, and have done projects in Costa Rica, California, China, and Burma. The Band of Brothers Foundation is not your typical non-profit. We like to get involved and get dirty–we just completed the 2001 Marine Corp Mud Run at Camp Pendleton. We opt for experience and challenges over black tie dinners.

MO:
What’s your perspective on giving back? Is that a goal that we should strive to achieve once we’re successful and can contribute significantly, or is it important to start early?

Robert:
I think it’s a fallacy to have the mindset that you have to be “successful” before you can give back. Not only is it a fallacy, but it short changes the world and your well-being. The more you can make helping and supporting those around you and the causes you believe in the better and more fulfilled your life will be.