Why?

[NerdSmasher]

What is the drive behind you when you are working towards financial freedom or wealth?

Do you want freedom?
A new car?
Retirement?
Do you enjoy building wealth?
Want to provide for your family?
A gift for your significant other?
Increase cashflow?
Build a business?
Gain self esteem?
Help fund a charity?
Put your children through college?
Put food on the table?
Boredom?
Prove to someone that you can do it?
Gain respect?
Etc.

The only reason I ask, is because while it's good to know where you're going, without knowing the why, you could still easily end up nowhere. If the going gets tough, your reasons why are what will either pull you through, or fail, and be why you simply give up.
That's not to say that what one person thinks is a poor reason why is bad for another person. It's all your opinion.

For me, it's a lot of things, to provide for my future family. To prove that I can do it. To become free, not just financially, but free of stress, of regular daily things I hate, etc. And, to simply do what I love.
I'm sure these reasons will change over time; but it's always good to look at them from time to time.

So, again I ask you: Why do you do what you do?

 

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[thecoach]

Personally, I've got 3 things that are my biggest motivators for succeeding

#1) I've always been a giving person, so by building wealth I'll be able to give a lot more. Charities, provide for my family. I sit on the board for a charity that was started in memory or 2 of my friends that died of cancer last fall, so the more I make, the more I give to them. I also want to be able to do something for my parents someday. My mom gave up a career as an accountant and my dad has worked hard as a journeyman electrician all his life for us 4 kids. They've never taken a holiday and they always talk about a cottage, but they will never be able to afford it. I'd love to be able to stroke them a check to make them debt free and cover an annual holiday for them.

#2) I want to break the mold so to speak. I want to prove that you aren't a product of your surroundings. I grew up on the 'poor side of the tracks' in a fairly small city (200k) and in a family and everyone I know that are of the poor dad mentality and that you have to get a trade to make money. There are no business people on either side of my family as far back as I could find, the closest thing outside of a trade is my sister who is a teacher and my mom who was an accountant 30 years ago.


#3) Deep down, I'm lazy. I admit that. I'm like the guy from Office Space where when he's asked "If you had a million dollars, what would you do?" he says "nothing, I would do nothing". I'm a very driven and motivated person and I love building businesses and keeping myself, but there is nothing more in life that I want than to be able to just sit on my a$$ on a beach for weeks at a time or playing golf all day or coaching baseball and soccer. Almost have no purpose in life other than just being there.

 

[BeingChewsie]

I think for me it comes down to a few things:

I want a better life for my son. I want him to be able to do the things he wants to do and not have to hear "No, I'm sorry, I can't afford for you to go or do xyz", when it is something he really wants or would benefit him.

I want my privacy. I'm a happy loner. I love solitude and privacy. I like small spaces too. It is why I want to live in a certain place, its a small area, extremely private, I can enjoy invisibility there. I think about it constantly.

Financial freedom will allow me to go to law school without having to struggle to pay for it or having to work a j-o-b while in school. Then I can be an advocate for kids with hidden disabilities against school systems dedicated to screwing them out of services they deserve. I'm like pavlovs dog at the thought .

Thanks, really cool question!

Sue

 

[M-M]

Financial freedom for me and my wife.
Personal satisfaction.
Fulfillment of a long time personal dream - owning a Lamborghini Diablo.

I don't care about possessions or money itself. I am happy with what I have - my wife and my dogs. If I never had any more than what I have now I'd still be happy, because I have found my inner peace and happiness.

 

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[nomadjanet]

What is the drive behind you when you are working towards financial freedom or wealth?

Diiferent things drive us at different times in our life.

The only reason I ask, is because while it's good to know where you're going, without knowing the why, you could still easily end up nowhere. If the going gets tough, your reasons why are what will either pull you through, or fail, and be why you simply give up.

This is a good thought especially at the bigging, think about it though after you have achieved all the survival things & most of the comfortable things you must still have some special drive to go on. On the other hand maybe you have just formed the habits of working smart while you were getting through the survival & comfort portion of your whys.

That's not to say that what one person thinks is a poor reason why is bad for another person. It's all your opinion.

:smx7: Of course you are right about this we all have our own reason for everything.

So, again I ask you: Why do you do what you do?

I have all the survival things & the comfort things now I am looking for the next things
the fulfillment things.

My want & my why is that I want to leave the people & things I touch things better than how I found them.
I want people to be more knowledgeable because we learn new things together
I want people to be more respectful to each other, more tolerant of other opinions
I want the people in my life to have more security, less worry
I want time to enjoy hot sands, blue skys, clear water & sea breezes
I want time to see high mountains, deep canyons & wide rivers
I want time to teach, time to play & time to experiance the people around me

 

[S928]

True financial freedom aka wealth (because living well is a must) is attractive because:

It will provide true freedom from external forces. Why let others control my destination? I have no desire to be an employee. Also, being my own boss will allow me the flexibility to do as I please while not having anyone to answer to. Freedom = priceless (ask anyone who's in the military and has had a change of heart).

I like the "good life". Eating out daily. Sleeping in. Traveling. Jetskiing. Cheering on my fav teams, live in their turf!

The thought of having homes in different locations would be awesome. Good weather will certainly be a plus!!!

Real estate rocks. Finding a good deal is like winning the lotto. Plus, saying, "look at what I bought" is one of the greatest senses of pride. Oh, and you own what again? ... I mean to say that buying real estate is not hard, yet most people are sooo afraid of the commitment.

Overall: be free of the daily grind while enjoying my time with leisure, visit exotic places, own a few nice things (not usually a materialistic person), and spend time making money doing something I enjoy.

Terri Clark's song "I wanna do it all" is one of my favorite songs because it puts things in perspective for me.

 

[SteveO]

I am not sure that you will truly eliminate stress. What you stress about will change a bit.

I am happy that I have freedom to do what I want. I run every day, golf 3-5 times per week, go to the gym when I want, have a lot of flexibility in my schedule. I can choose how much work I want to commit to.

The most important thing to me is what I pass on to my children. Values are critical. I want them all to be working on the right things in life that will bring them freedom and happiness.

 

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[FT1]

The most important thing to me is what I pass on to my children. Values are critical. I want them all to be working on the right things in life that will bring them freedom and happiness.

:iagree:

 

[michael515]

Purpose...

I've learned I have a deep desire inside to do something for others that makes a difference, be a leader, be respected, etc. After 6 years of the entrepreneurial world
I'm making a drastic change and pursuing something I've secretly wanted to do - but never had the confidence and courage to go for...

In the process I've learned who I am. Money in itself doesn't completely motivate me. Big houses, expensive cars, designer suits don't do it. I love interactions with people. I love to encourage others and see them grow - that's my fuel.

What's crazy is that I'm finally surrendering to what I truly believe my purpose is and taking action and I feel more motivated than I've ever felt. It seems as if everything is making sense.

My goals now have shifted from getting out of the rat race and getting rich, to freeing up more time to allow me to pursue other things. Perhaps more of a lifestyle business. Funny thing is that the only way I see it possible for me to do accomplish my goal is to use the business experience of creating systems that work in spite of me and help me free up time.

So yes, purpose is it for me. Because when the times got rough I found out who I really was and still felt motivated to continue. :driving:

Michael

 

[Antonio.]

I want Freedom overall. Im going to want to be able to do the thing's i enjoy in life on a constant bases.

 

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[Diane Kennedy]

For me it's because I get to choose. I choose what my life looks like and if something unexpected happens, I have the resources to make choices that aren't always just based on finances.

It's not "we can't afford this", it's "we choose not to have this." There's a big difference there and in some ways it is harder to explain to a child. (one potential downside...)

I want to be a good role model for my son, to demonstrate that the world is not a scarce place, there is plenty for all.

I want to be able to take the time to demonstrate the gratitude I have for the people and things in my life. (Money = more time)

I want to be part of sustained giving, with confidence that not only do I have wealth now that even if I lost everything, I could get it all back in 2 years or less, so what I have or don't have is never a reason not to give.

I believe that the worst in humankind is revealed when there is lack or a feeling of lack. It's what is at the heart of discrimination, hatred and wars. If we all have plenty, and feel that we have plenty, we can act with kindness and generosity of spirit.

Knowing all that, I have a choice every day - Do I continue to grow and find new ways to positively impact the financial wealth of others? Or sell out, and sit in a rocking chair on the front porch. (well, metaphorically speaking anyway)

 

[M-M]

I believe that the worst in humankind is revealed when there is lack or a feeling of lack. It's what is at the heart of discrimination, hatred and wars. If we all have plenty, and feel that we have plenty, we can act with kindness and generosity of spirit.

I agree somewhat with the first part and disagree with the second part. It really depends on what you are referring to. Lack of what? Although this leads to a deep philosophical discussion, and this is not the place for it. But I do love a good philosophical discussion.

 

[Diane Kennedy]

The question on the thread was "Why?" (as in why is it important to create wealth in your life) In answer to that question, these are my beliefs and that's what drives me.

What drives you?

 

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[Russ H]

Although this leads to a deep philosophical discussion, and this is not the place for it. But I do love a good philosophical discussion.

Based on what I've seen happen here, I would politely disagree with you.

But the question remains, M-M:

Why do you do what you do?

-Russ H.

I've been working on my response-- it's a bit wordy, so I'm trimming it.

 

[M-M]

Didn't want to say that anyone was wrong. It's simply a matter of opinion and preference.

Russ, what are you disagreeing with?

What drives me:
See post #4

 

[michael515]

Purpose...

"A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how."" -Victor Frankl

 

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[Russ H]

M-M
Didn't want to say that anyone was wrong. It's simply a matter of opinion and preference.

Russ, what are you disagreeing with?

What drives me:
See post #4

My Bad, M-M. I think your last post triggered some of the "Criticize without answering the quetion" cr*p I see over at RD.com, and I over reacted.

My apologies. :iamwithstupid:

I was disagreeing with your statement that "this is not the place for deep philosophical discussion". I think that a lot of the issues we deal with here are deeply personal and yes, at times, somewhat philisophical. I'm not suggesting we discuss phenomenology or dianetics , but when it comes to choosing our life paths, it's going to be natural for some pretty deep, personal stuff to come up.

That's what I meant. Again, apologies for not being more clear.:smx4:, and for jumping to the wrong conclusions. :smx4::smx4::smx4:

If you meant that this was heading into a *political* (not philosophical) discussion than yes, I agree with you. Heartily.

-Russ H.

 

[andviv]

My Bad, M-M. I think your last post triggered some of the "Criticize without answering the question" cr*p I see over at RD.com, and I over reacted.

MJ, I think you just found a moderator for the forum!!!!

On topic... WHY? Cause I went from living as a middle class family in a third world country to a poor person in less than ten years. Then, when I came to this country and saw what was possible I decided I rather be rich, to have a life of abundance and to be able to provide for me and my family. oh, and having that red Ferrari, of course. and the Formula 1 car. and, and, and,... I just think it would be a crime if I am here, land of opportunity, and don't at least try.

 

[Diane Kennedy]

My one and only comment on this subject, since the initial slam was directed at me.

It's always dangerous to publicly challenge someone's beliefs. Opinions, sure, but beliefs? Those are deeply personal. You may find that the other person has a much bigger dog in the fight than you're prepared to have.

 

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[M-M]

Russ, no harm done.:cheers:

My one and only comment on this subject, since the initial slam was directed at me.

It's always dangerous to publicly challenge someone's beliefs. Opinions, sure, but beliefs? Those are deeply personal. You may find that the other person has a much bigger dog in the fight than you're prepared to have.

Slam? Challenge? You interpreted what I said wrong. If I wanted to challenge your believes I would do so in a clear and obvious manner. And who knows, it might just be you who has to look out for a big dog.
Let's drop this issue.

 

[S928]

On topic... WHY? Cause I went from living as a middle class family in a third world country to a poor person in less than ten years. Then, when I came to this country and saw what was possible I decided I rather be rich, to have a life of abundance and to be able to provide for me and my family. oh, and having that red Ferrari, of course. and the Formula 1 car. and, and, and,... I just think it would be a crime if I am here, land of opportunity, and don't at least try.

Andviv, I love your thought process. Honestly, I'm amazed to see how many Americans are mentally trapped and totally oblivious to the multitude of opportunities at hand. So, I truly appreciate those who see through the barriers! Also, I agree with you: why not, don't throw it away.

"...we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining."

 

[Russ H]

Hey, no dogs around here.

They'd scare all of Peter's cats!

-Russ H.

 

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[M-M]

LOL. Ain't that the truth!

 

[Sid23]

The most important thing to me is what I pass on to my children. Values are critical. I want them all to be working on the right things in life that will bring them freedom and happiness.

I feel the exact same way. I wish my parents had. Rep speed ++

 

[nomadjanet]

Why Not?

Why not have all that you NEED & all that you WANT?

Why not live a bountiful happy life & help others around you to do the same?

Why not live in the knowledge that YOU CAN DO ANYTHING?

Why were we given this life if not to lead it to the fullest possible conclusion?

Life is what happens, live it consciously or let it pass you by.

 

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