For a long time I pursued in vain goals. Financial independence is just one of these goals. It’s a goal that does not make you feel any more different after you have achieved it. Are you able to relate to this?
It’s as if you’re studying for four years for a degree only to you think, “this is it? I was hoping to be differently.” But nope. It’s it. Read also bigmatrimonial.
“But how do I handle the long hours? The sacrifices? The credit? The battle?”
We believe that since we invest so much time and energy to achieve a goal and it should be worth the effort. It must also transform our lives. However, let me assure that the world will be the same regardless of whether you have 10 degrees or not. It’s the same with the money you earn.
When you’re no longer required to worry about paying your expenses, any you make will not make you feel any better. Sure, you won’t be facing issues with money however, you’ll be a human being.
FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE ISN’T THE SOLUTION TO EVERYTHING.
There’s a lot of discussion about financial independence in the present. There’s this notion that there’s a certain ultimate goal in life. The ultimate goal is to be financially secure and not needing to work any more.
While financial independence is certainly a desirable goal, it’s certainly not the answer to all our issues. We all believe it’s going to transform the world. This approach to think is founded on faulty assumptions.
For a long time I was trapped in a pattern of thinking that something outside can set you free. For instance, when went to college I believed I’d be “set” when I earned the master’s level degree.
I was hoping that the businesses would come together to give me the job that I had always wanted. However, this did not happen. After I graduated, I discovered that nobody will give you any kind of gift.
The pattern continued to repeat over the course of my 20s and into my in my early 30s. My last assumption was that, if I were financially independent I would “arrive.”
Where do you go? to a point at which you are finally done the pursuit of something? What’s the purpose of doing that? In reality, no external factor has the power to make you free. Not even money, not even an academic degree, and certainly not even status.
“SO WHAT IS IT THAT WILL SET YOU FREE?”
Let’s consider the reasons we are aiming for financial independence. We all would like to be financially independent so that we can say to others, “I retired at age”X.” It’s not much more than an identity symbol in the modern world.
Our lives are a society which is governed by appearances. External elements matter more than what’s happening in our own world. Saying, “I’m financially free” confers a the status of a celebrity. Also, I’m in need of your approval in order to feel more superior.
To me, this type of behavior and communication is completely in contrast to my ideals for living. I am influenced from my favorite Stoic philosopher Epictetus who stated the following (quote taken from The Good Life Handbook):
“You are compromising credibility when you try to get external approval. And you should be satisfied that you are living up to your logic. You are your own witness should you require one. There is no need for a additional witness than this.”
Do you know how many people tell you, “that’s easier said than done,” when you talk about developing new habits or undertaking something difficult? It’s a lie. We all know that.
But when you’re trying to live in accordance with your values there is no excuse. It’s one of the most challenging things to do in life.
Everybody can claim that they don’t require approval from outside. Did you remember when everyone was talking about the “not giving a damn” book? What percentage of us have a few words to say about that?
Let’s face it. The idea that you don’t really care about the opinions of others as well as really not worrying about what others think are two distinct things. As Epictetus said it is our responsibility to be the witness of our own lives.
It’s all you have to do in order to adhere to your ideals. Of course, you must be aware of what your values are because without them, you’ll be unable to strive for.
TRAIN EVERY DAY
Diogenes was the Greek philosophical philosopher, who lived for 400 years prior to Epictetus is renowned for his simple lifestyle. He was among the pioneers of Cynicism and a philosophy that is widely misunderstood.
Cynicism doesn’t have anything to do with being cynical. It’s about being straightforward. Diogenes stated that the aim of life is living in virtue, and to be in harmony with the natural world. He led a life that was without possessions.
The Cynic lifestyle required regular fitness, both physically and mentally. The aim was not to attain wealth or status but to improve as an individual.
To truly be independent, one doesn’t have to be financially free; we need to be free of pressure from outside. I understand that this may be a an unsatisfactory answer for those who wish to be financially independent. And I get it. It’s an example of something that you must experience for yourself before you can appreciate the truth of it really is.
Every philosopher around the globe can advise you to live by your internal values However, we must still deal with all the external elements that make up modern-day life.
Everyday we are faced with temptations and distractions. Everyone wants to be noticed and feel that we’re creating an impact with our lives. Nobody wants to be wasting their time. But how do you waste your time?
THE COST OF TIME SPENT IS IN A DIFFERENT WAY. SPENDING TIME
The majority of people have heard of Bruce Lee from his movies. He was also a great philosopher. One of my most cherished philosophical books “Striking Thoughts”–a compilation of Bruce Lee aphorisms. When it comes to wasting time, Lee states:
“To be a time-sucker is do it in a specific way. To spend time is to do the time in recklessly or inconsiderate ways. Everyone has time to spend or not and it’s our choice to decide what we will take advantage of it. However, once it is gone the time has passed forever.”
Stop believing that financial independence the degree you earned, your work will free you I’m with you, dear reader. You are the only one you can liberate yourself by investing your time in a wise manner. Let your core values determine your decisions. This is exactly the idea Lee is talking about when he speaks of spending your time in the “specified way.”
How you use your time is acceptable when you’re happy with how you manage your time. This is the way to true freedom.
