Using Money to Fulfill Your Purpose: How to Put Your Heart Where Your Money Is

Money is often posited as antithetical to a fulfilling life; the sentiment is expressed in various adages such as “money can’t buy happiness” and “the best things in life are free”. However, we cannot deny that money plays an important role in shaping our lifestyles and giving us the freedom to pursue our passions and aspirations.

So, is it possible to use our money to further our personal purpose, the thing that truly makes us happy and gives our life a sense of meaning and direction? The answer is yes – with a balanced financial perspective and the right mindset. Here are some tips on how to put your heart where your money is.

1. Accept That Money Is a Tool and You Need It

First and foremost, we need to shift our perspective on money. It should not be viewed as a symbol of greed or materialism, but rather as a tool that can help us achieve our goals and improve our well-being. We must recognize that we need money to fulfill even our basic needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Of course, money cannot buy everything, especially the intangible things that truly matter, but it can give us access to resources and opportunities that can enhance our quality of life.

2. Realize That Tools Are Meant to Be Used

Once we acknowledge the value of money, we should also acknowledge the fact that tools are meant to be used. We should not hoard our money or be afraid to spend it when necessary or when it brings us genuine joy. This means striking a balance between preparing for the future by saving and investing wisely, and enjoying the present by spending on things that matter to us. We should not feel guilty or regretful when we do spend money, as long as it aligns with our values and priorities.

3. Leverage Your Assets to Increase Your Happiness

The question of what makes us happy is a highly personal and subjective one, but one thing is certain: it often requires financial resources. For instance, pursuing a hobby or traveling to a meaningful destination may require spending money on equipment, transportation, accommodation, or admission fees. However, these experiences may also bring us immense joy and fulfillment, and help us cultivate our talents and social connections. Therefore, we should identify what brings us happiness and invest our money in those areas.

4. But First, Leverage Your Assets to Discover What Makes You Happy

Of course, the challenge is to figure out what truly makes us happy and fulfilled. This may involve experimenting with different activities, taking classes or workshops, volunteering for a cause, or traveling to different places. It may also require some self-reflection and introspection, as well as seeking advice from mentors or loved ones. The key is to invest in our personal growth and discovery, and to be open to new experiences and perspectives.

5. Politely Ignore Others

Ultimately, the decision on how to use our money to fulfill our purpose should be based on our own values and passions, and not on others’ expectations or judgments. It is important to seek feedback and support from others, but we should also trust our own intuition and follow our own path. We may face criticism or resistance from others who do not share our vision, but we should politely ignore them and focus on what truly matters to us. Money can be a powerful tool, but it should not dictate our lives or define our worth.

In conclusion, using money to fulfill our purpose requires a mindful and intentional approach. We need to recognize the value and limitations of money, strike a balance between saving and spending, invest in what truly brings us happiness, and trust our own vision and voice. By doing so, we can align our financial resources with our personal mission and create a life that is truly fulfilling and meaningful.