Money is a tool, not a goal

Money should be viewed as a tool, not a goal.

While money is essential to modern life, focusing on it as a goal can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Here’s why.

When money is the ultimate goal or viewed as a goal, it becomes the primary focus, often at the expense of other essential aspects of life, such as personal growth, relationships, and well-being. This can lead to feelings of emptiness and a lack of fulfillment, despite having financial success.

On the other hand, viewing money as a tool allows for a more balanced approach to life.

Money becomes a means to an end, a way to achieve goals and aspirations, rather than an end in and of itself.

For example, someone who views money as a tool may prioritize saving for a down payment on a house or investing in their education to advance their career rather than simply accumulating wealth for its own sake. This approach can lead to greater financial stability, satisfaction, and happiness.

In contrast, someone who views money as a goal may prioritize accumulating wealth and sacrifice other important aspects of life, such as relationships or personal growth, to pursue financial success. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and unhappiness.

It’s pretty clear which is the preferred approach.

Avoiding the pitfalls of treating “more money” as the goal

Focusing solely on accumulating more money can lead to several pitfalls that can negatively impact our lives.

And two of the most common pitfalls are:

• comparison
• materialism

Comparison

Comparison is a trap that many of us fall into, particularly in this age of social media.

Seeing our friends and acquaintances post pictures of their lavish vacations or new luxury cars can make us feel like we do not measure up if we don’t have those things. But unfortunately, such a mindset will only lead to perpetual frustration.

But it’s important to remember that we all have different financial situations and priorities. What’s right for one person may be wrong for another. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on our financial goals and what we want to achieve.

Materialism

Materialism can occur when we focus too much on wanting money purely for the ability to purchase material items.

Getting caught up in the idea that having more stuff will make us happier is easy, but research has shown that this is rarely true.

Rather than spend money on things we don’t really need or want, we should focus on spending it in ways that will bring us true happiness and fulfillment.

How to embody “money is a tool, not a goal”

To avoid the pitfalls of consumerism and materialism, it’s important to shift our focus from buying things to building a life rich in experiences, relationships, and personal growth.

Here’s how:

Define your own version of success

Take the time to think about what success means to you.

What are your priorities, and what do you want to achieve with your money? What do you want to accomplish in life? Is it buying a home, starting a business, or traveling the world?

When you have a clear idea of what success means, it’s easier to avoid comparing yourself to others or falling into the trap of materialism.

Prioritize your goals

Prioritizing your goals is vital to make the most of your money.

Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and set clear, achievable goals. This will enable you to make informed decisions about how to use your money as a tool to achieve those goals and create a fulfilling life.

And then, focus on the goals that are most important to you and allocate your resources accordingly. This will help you stay on track and avoid wasting money on things that don’t matter.

Create a budget

A budget is a powerful tool to help you use your money effectively.

By creating a budget, you can track your expenses, identify areas where you can cut back, and allocate your resources to achieve your goals.

Start by listing your income sources and fixed expenses, such as rent and utilities. Then, set aside enough money both for savings and discretionary spending.

It’s important to regularly review your budget and make adjustments as needed. By keeping your spending in check, you’ll have a clearer picture of your current financial circumstances and situation and be better equipped to achieve your goals.

Surround yourself with positive influences

Spend time with people who share your values and goals. Avoid those overly focused on materialism or keeping up with the Joneses.

Spending time with like-minded individuals who share your values and goals can provide a sense of community and support.

Conversely, being around individuals overly focused on materialism or constantly comparing themselves to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and overspending.

So surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you.

Goals to set instead of “more money”

Now it’s time to set goals that align with your values and bring us true joy and purpose.

To that end, here are some goals you can set that go beyond “more money.”

Take what speaks to you! Leave behind what doesn’t.

Examples of non-financial goals

Money isn’t the only thing that brings fulfillment in life.

Many non-financial goals can provide a sense of purpose and happiness.

For example:

• Personal Growth: This can include learning a new skill, reading more, or pursuing a hobby.
• Meaningful Relationships: Spending time with loved ones and building meaningful connections can bring us great joy and fulfillment. Whether volunteering in your community or spending more time with family and friends.
• Pursuing a Passion Project: Whether it’s writing a book, starting a blog, or learning a new instrument, pursuing a passion project can bring us a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Examples of financial goals that aren’t just “more money”

If you think financial goals are about accumulating more money, think again.

Plenty of worthwhile financial goals go beyond just making more cash.

Here are some examples of financial goals that can help you build financial security, increase your happiness, and make a positive impact on the world around you:

• Paying off debt: Setting a goal to pay off high-interest debt can help you achieve greater financial stability and reduce debt-related stress. This goal can also free up money for other important priorities, such as saving for a down payment on a house or investing in your retirement.
• Investing in experiences: This could mean saving for a dream vacation, taking a class or workshop to learn a new skill, or investing in a hobby you enjoy.
• Giving back: Donating to causes you are passionate about can help you feel like you are making a positive impact in the world.

Money is a tool; set your priorities accordingly

Viewing money as a tool rather than an end goal can change your life.

When you prioritize your goals and understand the true purpose of money, you can use it more effectively and meaningfully. And by setting financial goals that go beyond just accumulating wealth, you can find greater satisfaction and fulfillment.

Keep your priorities straight to create the life you deserve.

Check out the recommendations page on the blog for more life-changing books, or sign-up for my program, Wealth On Purpose, where I host a monthly book club covering the top financial and self-improvement books.