FINDING YOURSELF: LIVING A FULFILLED LIFE BEYOND THE CHASE FOR MONEY
We’ve all heard the phrase "life is short," but how often do we really stop to think about it? Most of us get so caught up in trying to make a living that we forget about actually living. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle for money, thinking that once we’ve made enough, we’ll be happy. But here's the truth: Life isn’t just about how much you make it’s about how you spend your time and what you do with the gifts you’ve been given.
Chasing Money vs. Living Fully
I’ve met people who work tirelessly, day in and day out, just to make more money. They tell themselves that when they hit a certain amount in their bank account, they’ll finally be happy. But I’ve seen the opposite happen. Once they get there, they’re still unfulfilled, wondering why all that effort doesn’t feel as rewarding as they thought it would.
I used to be like that too always focused on getting more money, believing that was the key to a good life. But over time, I realized that no amount of money could fill the gap of living without purpose.
Discovering Your True Self
Each one of us was born with something unique to offer the world. Maybe you're great at connecting with people, solving problems, or creating art. But when all you do is chase money, you can miss out on discovering these gifts. You forget to ask yourself, “What do I really love to do? What makes me feel alive?”
A friend of mine, for instance, spent years working a high-paying corporate job. He made good money, but he hated waking up every morning to go to work. One day, he took a step back and realized he wasn’t doing what he was passionate about. So he took a risk and switched to a completely different career something he had always loved, even though it paid less at first. Now, he's happier than ever. The money eventually came, but what mattered more was that he started doing what he was meant to do.
Money Follows Value
Here’s a simple truth: Money comes when you provide value. But how can you provide value if you're not doing what you're best at? Think of yourself as a vessel you were designed to carry something specific, and that’s your value. When you figure out what you're good at, what lights you up inside, and you pour yourself into it, you naturally start adding value to the people around you. And that's when money comes, not because you’re chasing it, but because you're living out your true purpose.
Take the example of someone who’s passionate about cooking. They may start small catering for friends or family, just because they love it. Over time, word spreads, and before they know it, they’re running a successful business. They didn’t start off thinking about the money, they started by doing what they loved, and the value they provided brought them the success they never imagined.
Doing What You Were Born to Do
The key to living a fulfilled life is to find out what you were born to do. We’ve all got something special inside of us, and when we align ourselves with that, we not only feel fulfilled, but the rewards follow. Sometimes it means taking a step back and asking yourself hard questions:
- -what do I love to do, even if no one paid me for it?
- - What makes me feel like I’m making a difference?
- - What can I offer that comes naturally to me?
When you figure that out, everything changes. You start living with more joy, more energy, and most importantly, more purpose. Sure, it might not always be easy at first, but when you’re doing something you truly care about, you’ll find a way to make it work. And trust me, the money will follow.
My Own Journey
I used to think that success was all about making money. I spent years working jobs that paid well, but something always felt off. I wasn’t excited about what I was doing, and I kept feeling like I was missing something. It wasn’t until I took time to really ask myself what I loved that things started to change. I discovered my passion for writing and helping others through words. Now, not only do I get paid for what I love, but I also feel more fulfilled than I ever did before.
Life Is About More Than Money
Life is once, and how you live it matters more than how much you make. When you’re gone, no one will care about the zeros in your bank account they’ll remember how you made them feel, the value you added to their lives, and the way you lived out your true self.
Don’t spend your life chasing after money. Instead, chase after what makes you come alive. Do what you were born to do, and I promise, everything else including the money will follow.
(1) Comment
(1) Comment
By Jaiyeola 2024-10-05
Hmm