The question was seeded in my mind by blogger Trent Hamm of "The Simple Dollar" (A fantastic blog BTW if you would like some good financial advice to digest every once in a while. He sent me a free copy of his ebook "31 Days to Fix Your Finances" for being a loyal reader of his blog. I downloaded the ebook though I was certain I had too much work to do to really read it. "Thanks Trent, but my finances aren't actually broken" I thought, but as I scanned through the first couple pages something he wrote struck me in earnest. Hopefully he won't mind if I quote it here:
"You might have expected that we would start out fixing your finances with a
pencil and a calculator. In fact, it will be a few days before we have any need for
either of these. Why? Before we can define a plan that works for you, we need to
sit down and figure out what really matters in your life.
All of us work hard for a reason. We go into work and come out of work because
we want money, right? Money buys us things and allows us to live in this modern
world. But what do we mean by “live”? What exactly is this “living” that we are
focused on?"
As I pondered this, it became painfully clear that I easily and often forget why I am working. Why I am earning money. I wake up and start working. If I am not working, I think about the work I need to do. Yes working for food and shelter are great motivators. And so is future financial security. But as Abraham Maslow so accurately pointed out, these are some of our most basic needs. They don't speak to our higher needs for Love/Belonging, Esteem, and, ultimately, Self-actualization. So I opened up my moleskin notebook and started writing.
What is important to me? What is it that money can help me get out of life? It didn't take long to settle on my answers. The sense of clarity is quite refreshing. I'll share my answers with you here, and I would love to hear yours in the comments if you're so inclined.
- My number one driving value, the thing that is most important to me right now in life, is to continuously have new experiences. For me, that means traveling and backpacking; It doesn't have to be expensive. Day trips to local attractions, museums, art centers, aquariums, state parks, national parks, etc.
- Fitness. It's something I've always loved. Running local 5k's, hiking, mountain biking, etc.
- Expanding my business. My website design firm, Dotstar Media, LLC, has been a work of passion. it's provided for me and I love the work I do. But I have to remember to work on my business instead of always working in it.
LaZ
