But what does “awe” actually mean?

Awe is that feeling we get when we encounter something larger than ourselves. Like watching a beautiful sunset.

You know, the stuff that we’re often too distracted to experience.

Does that mean we should all travel to see these beautiful sights?

Not really. I don’t think that’s sustainable. Also, chasing after pleasant experiences is not a good solution to making ourselves feel more alive.

Instead, we can do these 3 things to feel more alive this year.

1. Go on a road trip

I can’t recommend this enough. Pack up your stuff and drive to a different country or state.

I’ve been doing this now every year since 2022, and I love it. First, I went with my dad. The last several times with my partner.

We’ve done thousands of miles. Every time, we sleep in a different city. Now, you can also do this if you don’t have a car or much time.

You can just travel for a few days and then come back.

The true experience is in the trip itself. You’re constantly exposed to NEW things.

And that’s true gold in today’s routine-based life.

Everyone is crazy about their habits and routines these days. And I get it. Consistency is important.

But so is novelty.

Just do something that requires you to use all your senses. And the best thing in my experience is going on a road trip.

2. Find the three, simple things that soothe you

We feel more alive when we’re in a calmed, relaxed state. It’s definitely harder to be more present and aware of the world if you’re too busy and stressed out at work!

Now, having a vacation is nice. But we can’t do that every single time. So the best alternative is to find three simple things that soothes or relaxes you.

It could be anything small like brewing a cup of tea, listening to your favorite song, or meditating.

Marcus Aurelius said it best:

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

Allow yourself these moments of serenity, and they will act as your sanctuary amidst the chaos.

3. Cut down on content consumption

Everything you suspect about consuming content is true: It makes you passive, lazy, and addicted.

I’ve been cutting down on content consumption a lot recently. I’ve used YouTube Premium for many years now. But I canceled it.

I consumed A LOT of content on YT. From podcasts to informational videos. I’m done with always opening the YT app.

I’m not really a social media type of guy, so I don’t use it anyway. But if you do, I recommend getting rid of it for a while.

The only content I consume now is audio. I’m back to listening to podcasts, which I didn’t do for years. And reading of course. I still read books and articles. That’s my default.

But getting rid of visual content is a must. We already watch enough content.

Use your time to make progress on your goals. And to DO MORE.

A new year means new chances

What month is it today? It doesn’t matter. Feeling more alive “this year” is always up to you. Whether the year is just starting or ending, it’s up to you whether you’ll start and continue to change something.

So if you want to build new habits, and it’s still January, then great!

Go for it. But even if it’s the middle of the month, or the last month of the year, you can always start to improve your life and happiness. As Seneca said:

“As long as you live, keep learning how to live.”

Every day is a new opportunity to feel more alive. Don’t wait for a new year to revitalize your life; the power for change is always in the present.

The post 3 Ways to Feel More Alive This Year appeared first on Darius Foroux.

Maybe you’re thinking of quitting, giving up, or even escaping your life and traveling the world?

Well, welcome to modern-day life, filled with expectations and pressure to be successful.

When life gets hard and we don’t get what we want, we tend to get frustrated. Eventually, that frustration leads to anger, which in turn results in an overall feeling of helplessness.

That’s when the gloomy thoughts take over.

“I can’t do it. I’m going to quit.”

Now you start questioning yourself. You forget about all the things you’ve accomplished in your life and you only think about how hard life is in the moment.

You lose all perspective. It’s just negative thoughts. Everything sucks.

I’ve been on this path many times in life. You and I both know that it’s a pure waste of energy.

Whether you feel sorry for yourself or not, life goes on. It’s your responsibility to snap out of your gloomy mindset.

10 things you can do right now to feel better

I want to give you a set of techniques you can immediately use if you feel gloomy. Maybe that’s right now. Or maybe you can use it in the future when you get in that type of mindset.

Here are ten practical steps you can immediately put into action.

1. Let go: Surrender, but not in the way you might think. Let go of unrealistic expectations and overly ambitious goals that are causing you stress. There’s virtue in knowing what truly matters. Remember, the sun doesn’t shine brighter because we force it; it simply shines every day without effort.
2. Embrace simplicity: Escaping isn’t the solution. Instead, learn to appreciate the mundane aspects of your life. Find joy in simplicity. A cup of hot coffee on a cold morning, a warm smile from a stranger, the sound of rain on the roof; these simple pleasures are the real treasures of life.
3. Listen to your favorite music: Music has the power to uplift your spirits. Listen to songs that make you happy.
4. Revisit your favorite childhood movie: For me, it’s “Back to the Future II”. I watched that movie so often when I was young. Watching it now reminds me of that time. Doesn’t matter which movie it is for you. Just let it remind you of simpler times.
5. Buy a bunch of good books: Get excited about immersing yourself in new worlds and ideas. Reading can be a great escape. From fantasy epics to insightful biographies, books offer us countless lives and realities.
6. Read “A Manual for Living” by Epictetus: This brief yet profound book will help you refocus on what’s truly important in life. Epictetus teaches us that it’s not events that disturb us, but our interpretation of them.
7. Connect with friends: Engaging in meaningful conversations with good friends can be energizing and uplifting. Reach out to an old friend, share a laugh, reminisce about old times, or even vent if you need to.
8. Go for a long walk: Walking is not just physically beneficial, but it’s also a great way to clear your mind and relax. As you walk, try to consciously notice the world around you – the falling leaves, the chirping birds, the cool breeze. Appreciate the beauty of nature.
9. Indulge in self-care: Take a warm bath or visit a sauna. Relaxation helps you to focus on the warmth and good feelings.
10. Slow down: When gloominess strikes, our thoughts tend to race. Make a conscious effort to slow down. Take deep breaths, meditate, or practice mindfulness. Remember, it’s okay to pause.

As you can see from the above tips, it’s all about slowing down your life and mind.

When you’re glooming, you go fast. You want to slow down.

Reject the gloomy thoughts

When gloominess sets in, remember that you have the power to break free from it. You can return to your normal self.

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist who endured unimaginable suffering in concentration camps, said: 

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

This is a very powerful idea. YOU have the power to choose your attitude, NO MATTER WHAT.

Choose positivity, life, and good things—even if life is hard. Never walk away from hardship.

Go through it with an optimistic mindset.

The post How to Get Out of a Gloomy Mindset appeared first on Darius Foroux.

1. What is Stoicism?
2. Stoicism in the modern world
3. Core Principles of Stoicism
4. Who are the ancient Stoic philosophers?
5. Applying Stoicism in your own life
6. The best books on Stoicism

I. What is Stoicism?

Stoicism was founded in the 3rd century BC in Athens by Zeno of Citium. Coming from a wealthy merchant family in Citium, now part of Cyprus, Zeno initially pursued the family trade. However, after losing his fortune in a shipwreck near Athens, he turned to philosophy. Zeno’s journey highlights a common path to finding solace and understanding through philosophy.

Stoicism teaches logic and a unique perspective on life. It emphasizes distinguishing between what is within our control and what isn’t. Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, summed it well:

“To achieve freedom and happiness, understand that some things in life are under your control, and others are not.”

We truly control only a few aspects of life, such as our beliefs, desires, aversions, and attractions, according to Epictetus. Everything else is beyond our control. Stoicism, therefore, is about letting go of worries over what we can’t control and focusing our energy on what we can.

II. Stoicism in the modern world

How is the ancient philosophy of Stoicism relevant today?

Stoicism isn’t just about enduring hardship. To me, Stoicism is a practical philosophy that you can start using right now, no matter what life throws your way. The key is to focus on what you can control.

For example, instead of getting angry and frustrated at being stuck in traffic, a Stoic recognizes that such events are out of their control. So they focus their energy on other things, like making plans or even listening to an audiobook.

Stoicism also emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment. It’s easy to get caught up in constantly planning for the future or dwelling on past mistakes. But by focusing on the present and accepting things as they are, we can find more peace and contentment in life.

III. Core Principles of Stoicism

Reason

This is our mind’s ability to figure out what’s true, make good guesses, and come to conclusions. It lets us think clearly and logically about the world. By using Reason, we can look at evidence and arguments, consider different opinions, and make smart choices. It’s key for critical thinking and solving problems.

Self-control

This refers to managing your emotions, thoughts, and actions to reach your long-term goals. Self-control is key to doing well in school, succeeding in your career, and having good relationships. It allows you to resist things that won’t fulfill your goals, and act in accordance with your values and beliefs.

Indifference

Being indifferent to external events means you don’t get too attached or upset about things you can’t control. It’s about accepting the world as it is, without letting anxiety, anger, or frustration take over. This doesn’t mean you don’t care about others’ suffering. It’s about understanding that we can’t always change what’s happening around us, but we can work on being at peace with ourselves.

Inner Strength

Inner strength means being able to handle stress, tough times, and challenges without giving up on what you believe in or who you are. The key is to build a mindset that welcomes change and growth. People with a lot of inner strength can deal with life’s ups and downs better, and recover from setbacks more easily.

IV. Who are the ancient Stoic philosophers?

You have likely come across these prominent Stoic philosophers already. Their wisdom is relatable and useful, so they are often quoted.

Several ancient Stoic philosophers laid the groundwork for Stoicism that the modern world would come to embrace and study.

Who is Seneca?

“All cruelty springs from weakness.”

Born around 4BC, Seneca the Younger is the son of the wealthy writer, Seneca the Elder. Attalus the Stoic tutored the young Seneca. From Attalus, Seneca learned the value of applying philosophy for real-world improvement.

Despite his drive for self-improvement, Seneca’s father steered him towards a political career. In his fifties, Seneca withdrew from public life to write philosophical works. He was later implicated in a conspiracy against Emperor Nero and was forced to commit suicide in AD 65.

Who is Musonius Rufus?

“If one accomplishes some good though with toil, the toil passes, but the good remains; if one does something dishonourable with pleasure, the pleasure passes, but the dishonour remains.”

Gaius Musonius Rufus is a Stoic philosopher who lived during the same time as Seneca, in the first century AD. He was born into an aristocratic family. Scholars often refer to Musonius Rufus as the “Roman Socrates” for his emphasis on the practical application of philosophy and his insistence on living a virtuous life.

Musonius Rufus’ teachings centered around self-discipline, moral fortitude, and living in accordance with nature. He emphasized the importance of practicing what one preaches and leading by example.

Who is Epictetus?

“When you set about any action, remind yourself of what nature the action is.”

Epictētos is Greek meaning “acquired.” Epictetus was born into slavery, and his given name remains unknown. Epictetus walked with a limp, and it’s uncertain whether a slave master twisted it or he was born with it. Despite that, Epictetus wasn’t broken.

He famously stated, “Lameness is an impediment to the leg, not to the will.” He believed in the power of choice, which was central to his philosophy.

Epictetus gained his freedom after Nero’s death. He then dedicated himself to philosophy, teaching in Rome for 25 years until Emperor Domitian expelled all philosophers. Epictetus moved to Nicopolis in Greece, where he founded a school and taught philosophy until his death.

Who is Marcus Aurelius?

“Time is like a river made up of the events which happen, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place, and this will be carried away too.”

Marcus Aurelius, born in AD 121, became co-emperor of Rome at the young age of nineteen. He extended Rome’s dominion to include regions that are today known as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, along with parts of the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. This expansion meant he essentially ruled over nearly all of Europe.

Stoicism deeply influenced Aurelius, who often cites Epictetus in his sole published work, Meditations. This book contains Aurelius’ personal musings and philosophical thoughts. The emperor wrote these during some of the most challenging times of his reign.

V. Applying Stoicism in your own life

The keys to applying Stoicism in your life are twofold: Focus on what you control, and live in the present. Below are major areas of life where we can apply Stoicism. I’m listing my best articles on each topic so you can easily learn more about them.

Self-Improvement and Productivity

You can boost your personal growth and productivity with stoicism by setting small, reachable goals. It’s important to concentrate on the journey, not just the end result.

• Stop Putting Imaginary Pressure on Yourself – The “I need to do X (action) otherwise Y (bad outcome) will happen” thinking is a waste of your energy. And yet, we all do it. Here’s how to change that thinking pattern.
• How to Use Setbacks as Energy – When I wrote this article, I had just experienced two health and career setbacks: I got a stomach virus after eating ice cream at McDonald’s, and our family business engineer, who’s also a personal friend of mine, suddenly quit so our workflow took a huge hit and we’re all scrambling to maintain consistency. Here’s how a Stoic mindset helped me push through.
• Small Habits That Rewire Your Mind to Be Better – Many used to believe that aging halted brain evolution. But recent research found that our brains exhibit “neuroplasticity,” which means it’s constantly shaping our identity. Each new skill learned prompts our brain to adapt, changing in size and structure to accommodate new knowledge. Our brain evolves continuously. And we can help evolve it better with certain small habits.
• Strategic Opportunism: How to Thrive in an Unpredictable World – My book, The Stoic Path to Wealth, was supposed to come out in February 2024. But my publisher decided to push it further to July 2024. When I heard about the new publishing date, I had already started with the marketing strategy for the new book. This meant I had to suddenly change my strategy and mindset.

Money, Investing, and Personal Finance

Stoicism advises us to separate our feelings from our finances. It encourages us to see money as a tool, not a source of happiness. This mindset helps us make smart financial choices aimed at long-term success, not just immediate pleasure.

• The Stoic Path to Wealth: An ancient investing strategy for the modern world – When this article first came out in 2021, nearly a thousand people emailed me to learn more about stoic investing strategies. This inspired me to write a book about the topic. After more than 2 years of writing and editing, The Stoic Path to Wealth book is now available.
• Stoic Investing: Mastering Your Emotions Will Make You Rich – Stoicism is a philosophy that favors the long-term over the short-term. If we apply that philosophy to investing, it means that Stoic Investing is about putting your money to work today so that you don’t have to work later. Stoicism can help you to become a more consistent investor, through the ups and downs of the market.
• A Life of Pleasure: How to Enjoy Yourself Without Destroying Your Wealth – An overly luxurious lifestyle will destroy your wealth. But even the ancient stoics didn’t believe in living like a monk. Seneca said it well: “The wise man does not consider himself unworthy of any gifts from Fortune’s hands.”
• Get Rich With Stoicism – If your only reason to acquire money is so you can buy a fancier car, go on more luxury vacations, and wear better clothes, you’re missing the point. I believe that everyone should apply the principles of Stoicism to their finances. Without a Stoic mindset, one will succumb to greed.
• Investing and The Fear Of Missing Out – The two biggest emotions in investing are fear and greed. Because there are so many opportunities in the market, you feel the pressure to jump on every stock that seems to be going up. Stoicism helps us make better investments by managing our emotions.

Decision-making, mindset, and happiness

Use stoicism to improve your decisions, mindset, and happiness by focusing on what you can control and accepting what you can’t. We can’t control things like the economy, the job market, etc., but we can control how we react and what choices to make.

• The Stoic Mindset: How to Use Ancient Lessons to Face Life’s Challenges – I apply Stoicism to my happiness, work, finances, and even relationships. This Stoic mindset allowed me to leverage ancient lessons into my entire life.
• 5 Classic Stoic Principles to Live By for a Happier Life – Before I discovered stoic principles, I went through life without a clear purpose. Without any idea of how to live a good life. I simply imitated the actions and behavior of those around me.
• Five Timeless Life Lessons from Seneca – Detaching your self-worth from material success, pursuing financial independence but not at all costs, making an impact on others, being content with what you have, and valuing your time more than your possessions.
• Living with Intention: Lessons on The Brevity of Life – How would you change your life today if I told you that in 3 years, you would die? That’s a good thought experiment if you want to live your life with intention. Look, life is short. We all know it. And yet, we get stuck in the mundanity. Here’s where Stoicism comes in.
• Stoicism as a Way of Life – I’ve been reading philosophy since I was 17. And out of all the philosophies I’ve read in my life, I identify most with Stoicism. I came to this conclusion after 13 years and hundreds of finished books.

VI. The best books on Stoicism

If you want to learn more about Stoicism and the teachings of the ancient Stoic philosophers, then I recommend the following books.

The Manual For Living by Epictetus

“It is the act of an ill-instructed man to blame others for his own bad condition.”

A short book. The Manual For Living is exactly what the title says it is. This book also gives you a larger perspective on humanity. People have always had problems with self-confidence, family, work, other people, etc. In a way, nothing has changed. And that’s pretty comforting.

Arian was a student who transcribed Epictetus’ lessons in the early second century AD. Arrian’s notes propelled him to fame in Rome as a political advisor, military commander, and author.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

“Constantly test your mental impressions – each one individually, if you can: investigate the cause, identify the emotion, apply the analysis of logic.”

Meditations is a unique document, revealing the private thoughts of one of the world’s most powerful men advising himself on fulfilling his duties. Marcus Aurelius regularly engaged in spiritual exercises to cultivate humility, patience, empathy, generosity, and strength. Reading this book will help you during difficult times. It’s practical philosophy at its best.

The Stoic Path to Wealth by Darius Foroux

“At its core, Stoicism is a survival strategy. Stoicism is not just a set of beliefs; it is a way of protecting your sanity. But you can also apply Stoicism to protect your money… The Stoics were (in essence) investors. They gave up instant gratification and bad habits to increase their odds of living a peaceful life. That’s exactly the key: to find financial fulfillment is to invest in yourself.”

The Stoics understood that if you can control your reactions and manage your emotions, you can achieve success. The same principles apply to our financial lives today. That’s because money and investing are not logical – they’re mostly emotional.

Combining ancient wisdom with practical investment strategies drawn from analysis of the greatest investors of all time, The Stoic Path to Wealth will teach you how to:

• Cultivate an investing edge by managing your emotions and developing your unique skills and talents.
• Develop the discipline to ignore short-term market fluctuations and avoid living in the future.
• Foster a mindset that allows you to enjoy what you have and avoid greed.
• Create a sustainable approach to trading

As financial markets become increasingly unpredictable and chaotic, The Stoic Path to Wealth offers the key to weathering any economic storm while building wealth that will last a lifetime and beyond.

Focus on What Matters by Darius Foroux

“Without accepting that we don’t control most things in life, we can never have lasting happiness. Getting concerned with things outside of our control is a habit.”

Focus on What Matters is a collection of 70 letters/essays I wrote about different aspects of life, from happiness, wealth, health, relationships, and much more. These letters, inspired by the original works of the Stoic philosopher Seneca, serve as reminders to focus on the right things in our chaotic lives.

Focus on What Matters is inspired by those letters. It will show you..

• Simple thought exercises to become resilient and focused
• How to live in the present moment every day
• Authentic Stoic values for a life of happiness
• A way to build more discipline

In short, this book helps you live well despite daily life’s challenges.

The post Stoicism for Beginners: An Ancient Guide for Living Well appeared first on Darius Foroux.

”‘Tis easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.”

This is a timeless truth about human nature and how we’re constantly pursuing our first desire.

Let’s say you’re scrolling through your social media feed and stumble across an ad for a shiny new gadget for your kitchen.

Maybe some magic trash bin that opens automatically when you look at it. The bin has eyes and knows you’re looking at it. Pretty neat, right?

“I need one of those!” You think.

But hold on a second – is it really necessary? Or is it just a fleeting desire sparked by clever marketing?

Remember Benjamin Franklin. In this case, it’s not about the trash bin. It’s about becoming a mindless consumer. If you always think, “I got to have that,” it becomes a lifestyle.

Now, this is a silly example. But Franklin’s advice is so true. We all have so many desires throughout the day. We can’t satisfy every urge we have.

It’s like opening a Pandora’s box of wants that are never fully satisfied.

That’s why it’s better to suppress that initial urge.

No pleasure without non-pleasure

Look, this is a philosophical topic.

Yin and yang.

If you only have pleasure, it becomes your default state, and you don’t realize how good it is.

But if you have some discomfort, some non-pleasure, it helps you fully appreciate the times of pleasure. For example, I’ve talked about how I once moved to Spain to see if I wanted to live there.

Compared to the weather in the Netherlands, where I’m from, Spain looks much better. However, I discovered that I prefer the conveniences I have in the Netherlands. I realized I took those for granted until I missed them in Spain.

The same concept can be applied to our consumerist culture.

We are constantly bombarded with ads that tell us what we need or should want. It’s an endless cycle of wanting more and more, always chasing the next shiny new thing.

But things only feel good because you also experience bad things.

Think about it. Rest feels good after work. Food tastes better after an intense workout.

This is why restraint is such an important topic. It helps you enjoy life to the fullest.

The power of restraint

How do we combat these urges that seem so irresistible at the moment? This is where self-restraint comes in. (Which is rare in our culture of instant gratification).

Restraint is not about denying yourself pleasures. It’s about making conscious choices instead of letting your impulsive desires lead your actions.

Always ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” or “Is this truly beneficial for me?”

One practical way to exercise restraint is to practice delayed gratification. This means resisting an immediate reward in favor of a later, often greater, benefit.

Remember the famous ‘Marshmallow Test’? Kids were given a marshmallow and told they could have a second one if they could wait 15 minutes without eating the first.¹

Those who managed to wait generally fared better in life, demonstrating the power of delayed gratification.

6 tips for improving your self-restraint

Self-restraint is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Here are seven practical tips to help you build this invaluable skill:

1. Practice mindfulness: Being present in the moment can help you recognize impulsive urges and choose not to act on them. Try mindfulness exercises or meditation to enhance your self-awareness.
2. Use healthy distractions: When a desire hits, distract yourself with something beneficial. Go for a walk, read a book, or do some stretches. This can help shift your focus away from the urge.
3. Remember your goals: Every time you follow an impulse desire, you trade away your genuine goals. Take impulse purchases, for example. Money means freedom. Every time you spend money, you lose a bit of that freedom. If you’re saving money for a house and end up spending what you saved on an expensive vacation or a car, you’re delaying your most important goals in exchange for satisfying an urge.
4. Delay for a few minutes: Impulse urges often go away on their own. They just need a bit of time. Practice waiting before indulging in your desires. Start small – wait 15 minutes before giving in to a craving. Gradually increase this time. You’ll be surprised at how often the desire fades.
5. Surround yourself with similar-minded people: It’s easier to exercise restraint when you’re around people who have the same goals. Working out and improving your diet is hard when the folks around you are all couch potatoes and junk food consumers. Same thing for the shopaholics. Stick with friends and family who can keep you accountable.
6. Forgive yourself and move on: Everyone slips up sometimes. If you give in to a desire, don’t beat yourself up. Acknowledge the slip, learn from it, and move forward. It’s all about being consistent.

In our daily lives, we are constantly bombarded with desires – for material possessions, success, recognition, and more.

Giving in to every single one not only exhausts us but also leaves us unsatisfied and always wanting more.

So, the next time you feel that first desire creeping up on you, remember Ben Franklin’s wise words.

Take a moment to reflect, exercise restraint, and consider the power of delayed gratification.

The peace and satisfaction that come from this practice far outweigh the fleeting pleasure of immediate gratification.

The post Don’t Give In To That First Desire appeared first on Darius Foroux.

But then, he began to feel an itch. Why not use that money to travel? Or maybe buy a new car?

The house he was dreaming of buying still seemed far out of reach, and the money sitting in his bank account was so readily accessible.

I asked him, “What do you think your future self will think if you spent it?”

His response was a pause followed by a contemplative silence. It got him thinking – and it’s something we all need to ponder.

With homeownership becoming more difficult in today’s economy, it’s understandable why some might consider using their hard-earned savings for other purchases instead. But you know that you’ll likely regret doing so.

Here’s the reality: The world won’t follow our plans.

All kinds of things can happen that derail your plans. Whether that’s financial like inflation or high interest rates, or emotional, like dealing with depression.

But no matter what happens, it doesn’t mean you should give up your plans altogether.

In my friend’s case, he needs to make sure his money goes towards the house down payment. Plans can change because of external circumstances, but when we can actually achieve our goals, we should.

So, how can you ensure that you don’t squander your savings? And how do you stay on track and use your money for your goals?

Remember that money is emotional, not logical

Look, you can’t calculate or budget yourself toward financial freedom.

You can spend so little and still not feel wealthy. Or you can earn a lot and end up spending most of it. It’s all about your mindset.

Our spending habits are often tied to our desires, fears, and self-worth. We often make money mistakes when we make financial decisions based on emotions rather than logic.

When it comes to spending our savings, it’s easy to get swayed by our impulses. Personal finance authors Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez said it well in their book, Your Money or Your Life:

“Money is something you trade your life energy for. You sell your time for money. It doesn’t matter that Ned over there sells his time for a hundred dollars and you sell yours for twenty dollars an hour. Ned’s money is irrelevant to you. The only real asset you have is your time. The hours of your life.”

Sometimes, we also give in to the urge for immediate pleasure. So, before you touch your savings, take a moment to think.

Why do you want to make a purchase?

• Is it something you really need and does it match your long-term financial goals?
• Or are you being pushed by outside pressures? These could be other people’s expectations, or trying to prove something to others.
• Maybe you’re buying things out of boredom, and you don’t really want that purchase as much?

By being self-aware, you can stay clear of decisions that can bring your financial ruin.

Make NOT spending easier

Spending is a habit. And like any habit, a good habit is easier to keep when your environment encourages you to keep doing it. On the flip side, a bad habit is easier to break when you remove or avoid triggers that lead to it.

So, if you find yourself constantly tempted to spend money, try making some changes to your environment:

• Limit your access to online shopping sites by turning off notifications or deleting apps.
• Unsubscribe from email newsletters that promote sales and discounts.
• Avoid physical stores unless you have a specific item in mind that you need to purchase.

By removing these triggers, you can make it easier to resist impulsive purchases.

Additionally, finding alternative activities or hobbies that don’t involve spending money can also be helpful.

Remember: Spending money is not bad! It’s actually necessary and good. If you use money well, it drastically improves the quality of your life.

The point is that you don’t want to make spending money habitual. When you eat out several times a week and always go to fancy restaurants, you get used to it. And the experience becomes normal.

But if you occasionally go to a fancy restaurant, you’ll have a 10/10 experience every single time.

The first step to achieving your goals is sticking to your plans

We don’t control outcomes, but we control our actions. If you have a long-term goal, like buying a house someday, then you won’t reach that if you spend your savings on impulse buying.

Remember, it’s not about depriving yourself of things you want. It’s about being intentional with how you spend your money.

Always think about your long-term goals and whether a purchase will bring you closer to them.

Remember, we control our money, not the other way around.

The post Spend Your Money According To YOUR Plans appeared first on Darius Foroux.