Money is just an idea, a number on a screen. Focus on its sources instead. One of them is YOU.
Imagine you’re sitting in front of your computer or glancing down at your smartphone, checking your bank account. You see figures, digits – they go up, they dip down. That’s money for you, right there in the digital flesh. But think about it; isn’t it odd how these numbers, which can stir a whirlwind of emotions in us, are just… ideas? They’re a concept we’ve all agreed holds value, a number on a screen that dictates so much of our lives. Yet, as tangible as money feels when we’re paying bills or buying something we cherish, it’s not the money itself that’s the real treasure. It’s where it comes from. And guess what? One of those sources is you.
Let’s break this down with a simple analogy. Imagine you’re a gardener, and your financial stability is the garden you’re tending to. You could stare at the plants all day, worrying about their size or comparing them to the lush foliage over the fence. But does that help them grow? No. What matters is the soil, the water, the sunlight – the sources. In the grand scheme of things, you are the gardener of your own financial garden. Your skills, your knowledge, your creativity – these are the sources of your wealth. Just like a gardener nurtures their garden to flourish, focusing on improving and leveraging your abilities is how you cultivate your financial well-being.
Consider J.K. Rowling, who was living on welfare when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. She didn’t have much money to her name, just a number on a screen, probably a very small one at that. But she focused on her source of potential wealth: her imagination, her ability to tell a story. Rowling transformed her skill into a global phenomenon that not only brought her financial success but also joy to millions around the world. Her bank account numbers changed dramatically, but it was the source – her unique talent and relentless pursuit of her passion – that made all the difference.
This perspective shifts the way we view money. Instead of obsessing over the numbers, we start to see ourselves as the architects of our financial landscapes. Every skill you learn, every bit of knowledge you gain, every experience you go through waters this garden, making it more likely to thrive.
Now, think about your own life. What are your skills? What do you love doing so much that time just flies by when you’re doing it? That’s not just a hobby or a passion; it’s a potential source of wealth. It’s something that can grow, something that can contribute not just to your bank account but to your sense of fulfillment and purpose.
So, let’s flip the script. Instead of letting the numbers on the screen dictate your worth or your state of happiness, start nurturing your garden. Invest in yourself. Learn new skills. Deepen the ones you already have. Be curious. Be creative. Remember, you are the source of your wealth. Your abilities, your talents, your energy – these are the true currencies of your life.
Now, ask yourself this: What is one step I can take today to invest in my greatest source of wealth – myself?
* If you’re seeking extra motivation and inspiration on your journey of personal growth, I recommend taking a look at my SMART growth goals page, This page offers thousands of goal ideas that can assist in the establishment of new aspirations and the attainment of greater heights in one’s life. In fact, it was instrumental in my creation of a list of 100 goals, which I pursued for a decade.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
