The goal of making money isn’t just to have money. It’s about creating options for yourself.
If you worked hard in your 20s and 30s, lived within your means, and hit your financial goals early, you’re ahead of the game. But what happens when you realize that hitting a certain level doesn’t bring the fulfillment you expected?
Many people spend their whole lives chasing a number, only to find out (like you have) that it doesn’t solve everything. You think, “Once I get there, everything will be perfect, and I’ll be happy all the time.” But then you get there and think, “Now what?” You’re not alone in this.
So what’s the point of money?
It’s a tool — a means to an end.
As an entrepreneur, your job is to move resources around, taking them from a lower level of output to a higher one. This is why you hire people, develop products, or offer services: to create greater output from what you have.
Money is just a tool that lets you do things. If you don’t have a purpose for it, you’ll start to wonder why you’re accumulating it. Sure, you can buy a bigger house or a boat, but material items don’t bring lasting happiness. Instead, invest in experiences, freedom, and growth.
Maybe you don’t have the freedom you want in your organization. Use your money to hire better people, delegate more, and grow your business. Invest in infrastructure and marketing. Start a foundation or a charity. Donate to causes you care about. These are meaningful uses of your resources.
The key is to have a plan for your money. Ask yourself, “Does this money let me do something I couldn’t do before?” If it does, great. If not, and you already have what you need, then it’s time to look at how you’re spending your time. If you have everything you want, why are you doing things you don’t want to do?
Ultimately, money should give you the freedom to choose how you spend your time. If you’re not using it to improve your life and the lives of others, then it’s time to rethink your approach.
Make sure your financial success translates into real freedom and fulfillment. That’s the true power of money.
