The Right Reasons

You oftentimes hear people say “If only I had enough money…” Heck, even I say that on a daily basis. But what is “enough” and what do you really want it for?

In psychology class we learned of basic human needs. Here is a slight refresher for those who have been out of school for a while…

1) Physiological: hunger, thirst, bodily comforts, etc.;
2) Safety/security: out of danger;
3) Belonginess and Love: affiliate with others, be accepted; and
4) Esteem: to achieve, be competent, gain approval and recognition.

Once these are meant, there are higher ideals:

5) Cognitive: to know, to understand, and explore;
6) Aesthetic: symmetry, order, and beauty;
7) Self-actualization: to find self-fulfillment and realize one’s potential; and
Self-transcendence: to connect to something beyond the ego or to help others find self-fulfillment and realize their potential.

So I asked myself on my trip to Washington DC this weekend – why do I seem to think money will be the answer to all of the things I feel I am missing out on. With my recent iPod quest, you might think I want more money so I can spend it on trivial things like an iPod, XBox, palm pilot, Blackberry, newer computer, laptop, etc etc. While these things would be nice, they don’t really do anything to bring you closer to your goal of enjoying life.

So why do we really want more money? I have come to the realization that my quest to increase my bottom line is tied directly to the fact that I would like to do what I want, when I want. i would rather not go into a job from 8-5, instead I would like to travel, observe and most of all, get back to what I enjoyed in high school – giving back.

So what would I do with a million dollars? Or two? Forget the people who say they would still work at their job. I would find a way to do what I want. I would make donations in my local community in the arts, sports, and humanitarian issues. I would find something that I enjoy and actually do it. I would sleep in till noon and spend the rest of the day doing whatever it is that I felt like.

THAT is what being financially independent is about.

This past year I have been absorbed in things for me it seems. 3 plays … and now the renaissance faire. (How many more weeks?) I have let things slide in some areas that only a year ago I never would have missed. I just wish I could do everything I wanted and then start again the next day anew.

So what would I do with a million or two? Whatever I can. For me, and as many people as I can help along the way.

Until then I guess I will go about my job (which I do like) and try to make do with what I can. And maybe someday, somehow, even the slightest thing I have done will make a difference. There’s some hope in that.

/end introspective