Wasn’t it the other way around?
While national and international financial news and the worlds of business and entrepreneurship can make money seem exciting, our own money lives can feel they lack a certain thrill-factor.
But so many of us drastically underestimate how unique, important and loaded with potential our own money situation is.
Your money life, like mine, is a one-of-a-kind. And like mine, your money can facilitate the life that matters – that makes sense – to one important person …
How much does how much matter?
We’re all unique people, but one thing we share is our exposure to messages conflating money and success. Money and purpose. Money and achievement.
Influencers and celebrity hustlers often see more money as the driver and the destination. More money is what matters. It’s progress. It’s the way to measure success.
A recent post by entrepreneur Daniel Priestly typifies this. You can click here for the full show but here’s a quote:
… you should NOT try to learn something that you’re not currently good at. You must instead discover what you are already in the top 10% of and figure out how to get into the top 1%. The jump from OK to good is not very valuable. The jump from good to great is worth a fortune.
A new measuring device
Messages like Daniel’s – and by the way he’s a good follow on LinkedIn – resonate with folks who are driven by money.
But what if you don’t aspire to be a one-percent-er. What if your goals aren’t about money. Maybe you’re driven more by family and relationships or health and wellbeing. By pursuing a passion or financial security.
Maybe the relationship between your purpose and your money swap focus.
Instead of the success of your purpose is measured in your money …
It’s more like: the success of your money is measured in your purpose …
It only has to work for you
Your money impacts so many areas of your life. We often focus on the obvious, but money’s role, and the payback, can be much more subtle.
Peace-of-mind. Time. Freedom. Fulfilment.
Mastering your money means painting a full picture of who you are and what’s important; it’s determining your dreams and your values, long-term and short, and mapping out precisely how to put your money to work to meet and facilitate the life you want.
The spoils may not be financial, they can be worth so much more than that.
Give your money purpose for …
1. Clarity
Whether travelling the world, looking after loved ones or starting a business, we all have hopes and dreams. Managing your money begins by defining your aims so you can point your decisions in that direction. It’s a recipe for better focus and motivation, and the odds are good you’ll reach your destination.
2. Time
Connect your money to what matters and you can stop wasting time on energy-sapping things. On financial decisions that don’t align with who you are. By focusing your time and energy on the people and things that matter to you, you’ll live the old adage that time is more valuable than money.
3. Integrity
Sooner or later, taking control of your money means choice and freedom to align your money decisions with your values. Day-to-day, you can let your beliefs – not panic or necessity – dictate how you behave with money. You won’t always get it right – we’re only human – but this kind of integrity and self-assuredness can be so empowering.
4. Fulfilment
Connecting your money to what matters isn’t just about big dreams and higher purpose, it’s about enabling more of the little things you love. Taking control of your money opens up the potential for more hobbies, treats, and self-learning. The things that keep you buzzing. That keep you happy, satisfied and well.
5. Resilience
One of the most exciting aspects of aligning your money with your values is the self-confidence it gives as you stay on track with your plans, even in the face of financial curve balls. There’s a real self-assuredness when you’re really and truly in control.