This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
We voluntarily sign up to chain ourselves with our financial goals
It spins the world around and around.
And for some, it completely overpowers their lives in every way because they endlessly pursue it.
“Ever wonder what God thinks of money? Just look at the people he gives it to.” – Anne Lamott
It’s incredibly easy to always desire more money and pursue it incessantly without questioning the desire.
It is essential to continuously increase your income because our cost of living also rises, but to what end?
Some of you have crazy financial goals but never question what your intentions for those financial goals are.
Why do you want to earn x amount?
What do you plan to do with the money if you earn it?
What do you hope to gain from earning this amount of money?
Too many of your answers might be superficial or general:
I want to support my family.
I want to start my own business.
I want to experience financial freedom.
I want to be able to purchase anything I desire.
These are all generic and unspecific answers.
Before you set a financial goal, think through the motivations behind the goal.
The more you dissect a goal, the more intentional your actions will be.
After endless questioning of your financial goals, you might realize there is no genuine logic for pursuing x goals.
Interrogate your intentions endlessly.
Do they make sense?
Are they sound?
Are they reasonable?
Are they meaningful?
Not everyone needs to earn one million dollars.
Not everyone needs to earn ten million dollars.
Not everyone needs to earn a hundred million dollars.
Not everyone needs to be a billionaire.
I Want To Be A Billionaire
Someone the other day said they desire to be a billionaire, and I was curious why.
They didn’t even have an answer themselves.
How silly is that?
If there is no clear intention behind your financial desires, you’ll likely miss the mark, and if you do hit your target, there is a high chance it will be a meaningless pursuit that robs you of something.
Focus On Serving Others
I’ve set many financial goals throughout my life, and I’m grateful because it has helped me set and reach targets.
Furthermore, it has empowered me and granted me more financial freedom.
However, I constantly remind myself, do I really need to earn x dollars?
Can I still serve and help others if I earn less?
I’m not trying to limit my earnings; I’m trying to limit the chains I link myself to.
Ultimately, if you continue serving others meaningfully, you will likely earn more money than you need, but you will avoid the obligatory feelings of having to earn a specific dollar amount.
Maintain your freedom at all costs.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.