Seek Wisdom First

I absolutely love what goals can do for a person's life. I love the idea of taking thoughtful and purposeful time each and every day to make life just a little bit better and more productive than it was the day before. I look back on my own goal work and realize the small mountains I have moved and it leaves me in awe. One thing you may not see me talk as much about is wealth building and making money. Sure, making money is a goal many people have, but I feel like it is rife with complication when you consider what it takes to achieve "making money" and how shortsighted this can seem. What is the purpose? How does making money actually serve you? I would like to discuss how this mentality can actually harm you in ways, not only because you are putting the cart before the horse, but you are missing out on some key elements in the process that money can't buy.

Let's consider your purpose; the natural talents and skills that you have all working together to fulfill what is most meaningful to you as a person. Think global here. What do you see in the world that you'd like to change? This change can be your purpose. How many of us, however, quickly take a job so we can simply pay the bills? I'm guilty of this myself. After all, sometimes beggars can't be choosers. 

If you're like many people today, after finding a job you are comfortable with, you find yourself asking, "now what?" Are you going to improve some skills and become more promotable? Maybe if you've already earned the skills, you start looking for a job that pays better after you've spent some time with your company? Does that bring you fulfillment? For some, this means making widgets in a factory to becoming the manger of workers who make widgets in a factory. Congratulations. The challenge is that even after you begin making more money you may still be struggling with finding fulfillment in your life, because now you may find you have even fewer hours in the day to work with. This is the problem with equating "making money" with fulfillment and success.

Keeping your eye on the money also short circuits a critical process: The value of finding fulfillment in wisdom through self-improvement. See, making money is just one fruit or product of the investments you've made in yourself in the past. It is but one reflection of what you've earned from your hard work. This is, once again, where having a purpose comes in handy. See if you're serving out a purpose, every action you take will be made out of passion; out of necessity and the power of will to see your vision come to fruition. Before money comes flowing in, think about the other fruits you are developing: Wisdom, patience, understanding, and fulfillment. It is through our purpose that we find these things.

I want you to think about your specific purpose again for a moment. Do you have one? You may have no idea what your purpose is! The truth is nobody can pick that purpose for you.  You have free will and are free to choose anything you wish. You don't need to move mountains, just work toward doing something that would make your life feel more fulfilling. It is through the wisdom you gain through the successes and failures that will ultimately reveal your true calling.

If you haven't had a chance, I suggest writing down a few goals along with some simple subtasks to help you get started. If those subtasks seem daunting, break them down into even simpler tasks to make them even more achievable. Always take time to look at your list of goals each and every day, because there is something at stake: The life you've been dreaming of. Remember that money has very little to do with living out your passion. Have a great day, friends. I wish you many blessings in all your pursuits.

Psalm 49 (New International Version)
16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
    when the splendor of their houses increases;
17 for they will take nothing with them when they die,
    their splendor will not descend with them.
18 Though while they live they count themselves blessed--
    and people praise you when you prosper--
19 they will join those who have gone before them,
    who will never again see the light of life.
20 People who have wealth but lack understanding
    are like the beasts that perish.

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