Sorry for the click-bait. Spoiler alert: This post is not actually about money; I just start there.
There are a lot of financial philosophies on budgeting and success. If you grew up evangelical, Dave Ramsey was probably your go-to guy on money. I respect his methods, but I listened to a podcast several years ago that featured someone named Ramit Sethi. (The title of his book is a little bold and off-putting, but it’s called “I Will Teach You to Get Rich.” For what it’s worth, despite the annoying title, it’s actually practical.)
But the main thing I like about Ramit Sethi’s perspective, which Dave Ramsey doesn’t teach, is this: Everyone’s version of a rich life is different. You get to decide what that looks like. For example, you don’t have to own a home if you don’t want to. He himself chooses not to because he likes how the flexibility of renting allows him to travel.
So I think it’s worth considering: If money were not a thing and literally anything were possible without it, what would you do with your life?
A lot of us think we want more money because it allows us the freedom and security to do or have what we want. So ultimately, it’s not money we want, it’s security and freedom. So again, if you already had all the security and freedom in the world, what would you do with your life?
When I considered that question, I had the epiphany: I’m already living a lot of my rich life. I want the freedom to create whatever I want, (including books!), and I already have it. While I’m single, I have a studio and apartment that’s perfectly “me-sized” where I do all the creating. And, I even have a cute public courtyard area where the community comes together to play games and music every so often. (It’s straight out of a Hallmark movie.)
I also have friends and family who love and depend on me. I have meaningful work where I facilitate a creative space on Friday nights, and help bake cookies that add joy to people’s lives after a stressful week at work.
I did a lot of traveling in my 20’s, but I’ve been more limited since quitting my corporate job. So I’ve had to dissect what traveling satisfies in me, and how I can get that same satisfaction in local, budget-friendly ways. What I get out of travel is: fresh inspiration from a new environment and change of pace, sharing a new experience with a friend, quality time with loved ones (visiting friends and family), and a sense of discovery and adventure. I realized that I don’t have to put off having those things until I get to travel somewhere; I can just live my life that way.
There are some other deeper, meaningful things I still want–like a husband to share my life with, and kids to raise in a safe, loving home. But those can’t simply be bought. That life is created.
So really, if you want to “get rich quick,” look around at all the wealth you already have. It may not be financial wealth, but a wealth of love and meaning is worth so much more.
And as for what you don’t have? Look around you. Ask yourself what you can create with what–and who–is around you.
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