The Root Of All Evil

They say money is the root of all evil. It can make people do crazy, selfish things and can turn friends into enemies. Now not everyone may fall into this category, but in the chaotic nonstop world we live in today, money seems to hold value above all else.

My Thinking

I have grown to dislike the behaviorism of America and how we view and value money. It is my understanding that money should be used as a tool, similar to how I am now using my laptop to type up this monologue and how you are using your device to consume it. Now I am not saying that money isn't important. Without it, you wouldn't be able to pay for a roof over your head or put food on your table. What I am saying, however, is how we use and value money is more important.

I didn't always have this mindset and getting to this point has been a journey with some trial and error.

My Money Mindset Shift

Before joining the workforce and experiencing how money worked I never thought this way. My mindset resembled the classic "American Dream". Get a job and then buy a nice car, house, pool, boat..etc.

Soon after working for a bit and doing some personal self-development, along with countless hours of reading I had a paradigm shift in my thinking. At the end of the day, I am trading my time (which is irreplaceable) for money (which is replaceable). I started looking at purchases and spending as not only costing me money but costing me time. It was at this point that I realized I wanted to figure out a way to beat this system and live a more fulfilled and meaningful life on my terms.

How I Do This Now

Now before making most purchases, I think about whether this item will bring/add value to my life or if I'm just making an impulse decision. Sure I may overindulge on occasion or spend a little too much money when I didn't need to, but I am aware of my spending and where my money is going.

I also try and live well below my means and invest/save a good portion of my income (usually between 40-60% of my monthly income). Just doing this alone will make all the difference in the world and within a year, you will likely see mass improvements in your savings/investment accounts.

This journey hasn't been easy, but it also hasn't been too difficult (so far). I still have a ways to go, and I'm only just beginning to see the effects of this shift in mindset, but these effects alone have motivated me to not only continue doing this but also to document it and share what I'm doing with others.

Hope

I hope to challenge the social norms and to help others escape these "American Dream" chains that are shackled around far too many people's ankles. We live in a fast-moving world where consumerism reigns supreme. But it doesn't have to be this way, you have the power to decide where you want to invest your time and what you'd like to invest your money in.