by Lisa Beach

Created on: July 15, 2009   Last Updated: July 16, 2009

So many people these days say there is no way out of poverty: the heel of government keeps them down, to leave just enough air to breathe, but that is not always true. Especially here in America. What these naysayers don't realize is that there is a type of formula for getting out from under; maybe they are this way because they do not realize the first step is the easiest and the hardest, at the same time. It is the building of self-confidence.

Self-confidence is easiest, because it doesn't require fighting society, the government, or even other neighbors; it is hardest, because at times, one must learn it on his/her own. It is best when parents teach reliance to their children. These are families that encourage their kids to think in a way other kids don't - maybe start a real business (maybe lawn mowing that later adds more advanced services.) Possibly teach those kids how to save their money as CD bank investments, or in savings accounts. This teaches a child that s/he can and deserves to do what s/he wants in life.

It is the first brink to keep out poverty. Of course, confidence can be taught by oneself later in life, but it is more difficult, and usually involves some sort of trauma, like the death of a loved one.

A second brick to building a wall of success is getting an education, no matter how difficult it may be. If one dropped out of school at a very young age, and can't read, there are volunteers who can teach that, at their homes.

Knowing how to read, and using his/her life experiences, that person could complete grade and high school. With a high school diploma alone, s/he would have what's required to get a decent job. S/he could also be taught how saving money and building decent credit works. Down the road, that person may even go to an online college, and get a degree.

I also think innovation can help one leap over poverty, although this is a harder step to take, and not everyone has the talent or will to follow it. I am referring to building a business (no matter how small,) and slowly adding on to it.

If, for example, one is a janitor for lack of a high school degree, and takes pride in the compliments he receives, he might start a maid service with one or two others, and build a reputation. If he is too poor for a computer or Internet, he may go to a library and use its computers. He can take the bus there if he must.

This is a business he could also take pride in, because it is recession-proof. A recession proof job is anything

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