Evolving Perspectives: How My View on Money Shifted Over Time
Our relationship with money is often complex and deeply personal. For me, this relationship has undergone a significant evolution, marked by five distinct stages that reflect how my thoughts on money have changed over time.
In the beginning, like many others, I viewed money with disdain. I believed that money, and the desire for it, was inherently evil. This belief wasn’t rooted in a clear understanding of wealth but rather in a defense mechanism to shield me from the fear of not being capable enough to achieve financial success.
However, perspectives like those of Naval Ravikant, who said, “Understand that ethical wealth creation is possible,” helped me realize that money is neutral—it merely amplifies who we are at our core. This realization marked the first significant shift in my attitude toward money, leading me to stop hating it.
Once I moved past my aversion to money, I recognized a deep-seated desire to be wealthy. The allure of a rich lifestyle was strong, but with it came the fear of failure—what if I wasn’t good enough to become rich?
Over time, I learned to manage this fear, focusing instead on acquiring skills and working hard. While the fear hasn’t entirely disappeared, it no longer holds me back. This stage was about embracing ambition and taking the first steps toward financial independence.
As I began to earn more than I needed, I briefly indulged in the material aspects of wealth. However, I soon discovered that having more things didn’t equate to greater happiness. This was a pivotal moment in my financial journey, as it led me to question the true source of fulfillment.
Through introspection, I realized that my happiness stemmed from learning and personal growth rather than material wealth. This understanding allowed me to let go of the desire to be extremely rich, finding contentment in a simpler, more purpose-driven life.
With a more balanced perspective on money, I set a new goal: to become a billionaire, not by chasing wealth directly, but by excelling at what I love. JK Rowling, who became a billionaire through her passion for writing rather than a direct pursuit of wealth, serves as an inspiration.
I realized that wealth, in its truest form, is a measure of the value we bring to the world. My focus shifted from accumulating riches to honing my craft and contributing meaningfully to society. The wealth, I believed, would naturally follow.
Today, my philosophy is centered on pursuing curiosity and passion rather than money. While I understand the practical need for financial stability, I’ve come to believe that how we make money is more important than how much we make.
Chasing money for its own sake can lead to compromising one’s values or sacrificing one’s true passions. Instead, I aim to create value by following my interests, trusting that wealth will follow as a byproduct of doing what I love.
Money and passion are both essential components of a fulfilling life. The key is to align them rather than letting one undermine the other. By prioritizing curiosity and value creation over the direct pursuit of wealth, we can lead lives that are not only financially stable but also deeply satisfying.
