BROKE IS THE NEW RICH

In 1998, Stephen M. Pollan penned a bestseller titled Die Broke. Mr. Pollan interlaces several sound practices, but one really stuck out. Give what you have away while you are alive to enjoy watching others be blessed by your generosity. Why wait to give away what you have earned until after your gone. Where’s the fun in that? The reason this book was a bestseller is because it is so counterintuitive to our natural store up and hoard game plan.  

Houses, garages, storage units full of our stuff feels like winning in the moment. Why is that? My bookshelf is full of books that I have read. Occasionally, I will gaze at that shelf with pride like they are all little trophies. Why would I hold onto these little accomplishments instead of passing them on in an attempt to bring joy to someone else? Honestly, it’s most likely because I’m proud of the time I invested and occasionally will use these books as references. But maybe I’ve been thinking about these little trophies all wrong. I have already paid and benefited from them and now I have the opportunity to share something that has added value to my life with somebody else. 

The reason we accumulate is to establish the fact that we have made it. The secret voice in our head says, “that (fill in the blank) was wrong about me and didn’t see the raw potential that I had.” With chest puffed we secretly declare, look at me now. It’s amazing how much time we invest into proving others wrong. This chip on the shoulder mentality allows for you to acquire and accomplish but it will inevitably cost you everything. More specifically, everything of true value. 

One cannot acquire relationships. True bonds with our spouses, kids, loved ones, coworkers, and friends cannot be purchased. In fact, anything of eternal value can’t be bought. Yet, we spend our whole life generating income in hopes of securing something that can’t be obtained with the money we worked so hard to procure. 

This week, I encourage all of those reading to give something of value away to a person you care about. We must never take for granted our time together and we need to condition our selfish nature to look outward. Thinking of others is a habit and one that will change your life. 

Finally, it is my belief that the way in which we share what we have is the wisest investment of our time. The final result of a life led by giving will be a life that is honored, revered, and read about in trophies on bookshelves like mine. Remember, nobody has ever regretted being generous!