Thinking-Rich.com

If your reason for having more money is so can spend more time with family and friends or relax more - more trips to the beach, more jamming with your guitar, etc., then is money really what you need? If you’re taking time away from your life to make money, then you’re doing the opposite of your desire. Maybe what you need is less money or more money in less time.

Time and money are not of equal value. Money is nothing compared to your time. Time can’t be banked, can’t be depended on, can’t be added to. Your time on this earth may be long or short, but it’s all you get.

So what are you working for? Material wealth or the freedom wealth gives you? Neither answer is wrong. You’d just better know before you commit yourself to any strict path.

Does being rich mean owning the Mercedes or does it mean living by the ocean? Would you drive a used Kia in order to live worry-free and perhaps a bit more frugally by the water for a year or more?

On the ocean topic, I read a quote by someone (help me if you recognize it) that says, in a bit more elegant manner: “Why do we wait to move to the ocean until we’re so old we’re afraid to go into the water?”

So how is making more money now going to affect your true desires?

How much time are you spending now to make money you’ll spend later?

What if there is no later?

Isn’t it counterintuitive to work away your youth so you can be comfortable when you’re old?

Work-weary old farts really dig a nice blanket and a good book. Is that what has you on the edge of your seat right now? Is that goal the one that drives your motivation to go to work each day? Or would you rather be skiing? Would you rather be painting landscapes on the edge of the desert? Would you rather surf, sculpt, write, live naked, travel the world, know your Goddess, front a band, restore old cars?

Whatever it is, do it now. Now is all you can count on. Find the ways to make more money in less time if money is what you need. Research alternatives to money if a lifestyle change is your goal.

If you want to ski, can you learn to groom trails, operate a lift, teach beginners or work at a lodge in exchange for your daily dose of downhill?

If you want a band, can you and your bandmates pitch in for place to live/practice, can you give lessons, work in a recording studio, DJ weddings, create graphics for fliers or CD covers, fix guitars, teach songwriting, create jingles for local businesses in exchange for the time and place to play your music?

OK. You get what I’m saying. You can make less and get more. Thinking rich encompasses so much more than the act of making money. Of course, the best of both worlds is also possible and certainly the most recommended - make tons of money while living your dreams. Most money gurus say this is the only route to true wealth. I’m leaving that decision up to you.

~$~

Featured on Verve Coaching’s “Carnival of Powerful Living.” Thanks Erek!