Here’s The Most Painful Part of Building Wealth
Most people want it but don’t want to deal with the initial sacrifice
If you haven’t read Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday, you’re missing out on one of the greatest books ever.
In this read, he has a section called “The Battle Against Pleasure.”
Some of my favorite quotes from this reading:
1. “Don’t just think about what a certain pleasure will give; think about what it will take out of you.”
The money game is a long game, and what you put in, you get back.
Something that’s always helped me is foresight.
I like to ask myself, “What will be the ramifications of this financial decision or purchase?”
Do I like the answer? If not, I must walk away and reconsider or let go altogether.
If you buy that thing, what will be the ramifications?
If you finance that new car or house, what will be the ramifications?
If you cosign that loan, what will be the ramifications?
If you increase your living expenses, what will be the ramifications?
If you finance everything in your life, what will be the ramifications?
If you go out every night spending liberally, what will be the ramifcations?
If you allow addiction to overtake your life, what will be the financial ramifications?
If you don’t implement financial boundaries with others, what will be the ramifications?
If you consistently live above your means, what will be the ramifications?
Every action has a reaction.
2. “Nothing is more pleasant than self-control, and nothing is more painful than lack of self-control.”
I’ve been driving my car for 11 years.
A friend asked me, why don’t you get that dream car of yours?
My response was, “I don’t need it.” I never will need that dream car, but if I decide to get it, it will be on my terms and when the desire is strong enough — not because it’s something society claims I should do or because I earn x amount.
Just because you can attain a desire doesn’t mean you should attain it.
Just because you have resources doesn’t mean you need to spend them.
Whether your income increases, decreases or stays the same, opportunities to spend your money will always make themselves available.
Self-control, financial boundaries, and the magical word “no” are the only things that will save you from financial self-destruction.
Self-control is the ability to say “no” to a financial desire you can attain.
3. “Discipline is not a punishment; it’s a way to avoid punishment.”
Who wants to say “no” to what they desire when they can easily finance it or even use cash because they have plenty of savings?
Most people want to say, “Hell, Yes.”
Most people want it today and want it now.
Most people don’t know how to say “no” to spending money on themselves, friends, family, acquaintances, and colleagues; this is why they never have any money because they don’t have financial boundaries.
They lack discipline; therefore, they are financially punished.
People who lack financial discipline stay broke or end up broke.
4. “Make yourself superior to pain.”
I know what it feels like to drive an old and raggedy-ass vehicle.
I know what it feels like not to wear the best clothes.
I know what it feels like to say “no” to things I could attain but don’t fit in the financial plan.
I know what it feels like to postpone and sacrifice the attainment of deep desires for a larger goal.
I know what it feels like to get scrutinized for my wardrobe.
I know what it feels like to say “no” to something I could easily finance.
At the beginning of my journey to financial independence, there were times of pain, embarrassment, and despair.
But over time, I became (mostly) immune to the financial pain, discomfort, and sacrifice — I embraced it. And ironically, the people scrutinizing me were always the ones financially struggling.
I learned to say “no” enough, which allowed me to say “yes” to the right things at the right time.
But I had to get comfortable with pain, sacrifice, discomfort, and even a bit of self-consciousness until it didn’t matter as much what people thought about me, my status, or my appearance.
Once you become superior to pain and focus on the long-term goal, you become invincible.
I have nothing to prove to anyone, which has been liberating for my finances. If I get something, it’s for me — not because society, culture, my neighbor, or a friend says I need it.
People who allow broke people to influence their financial decisions end up broke.
Letting Go
One of the most significant lessons of my financial journey has been learning the art of letting go of desires — becoming unattached to things.
Why are most people in debt?
Because they’re attached to things, experiences, and living above their means.
It’s wild how financially struggling people still prioritize unnecessary luxuries such as eating out, impulsive shopping, or one-too-many vacations.
It’s easier to deal with the minimum payment lifestyle or adopt the “I’ll figure it out later” mentality than implement the discipline required to build real wealth.
It’s okay to delay a purchase or to let of it altogether. You don’t need it.
The Most Painful Part of Building Wealth?
Discipline.
Many desire it but don’t want to deal with the pain of it.
But you will NEVER build wealth if you don’t implement discipline.
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Thank you for reading | destinyh.com
This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Not all information will be accurate. Consult a financial professional before making any significant financial decisions.
Building wealth = making sacrifices.