Today, You're Living Inside Decisions Made in the Past
I think most people would describe me as being an extrovert — I mean, I am outgoing, I do love a party, and I know a lot of people. But here’s what I don’t like: superficial conversations.
I have a bias toward deep, meaningful connections. Just ask my friends, especially the ones I’ve known for 30-40 years.
This tendency of mine is probably why I’ve designed my business the way I have — and why, when I talk about money, I do so through a behavioral and cultural lens. I find it so much more interesting.
And as I’ve been reflecting on last week’s email about independence, I believe I’ve uncovered another reason, as well: Going deeper by going beyond the numbers reminds me that our lived experiences are not just impacted by our own choices, but by those of others — both people we know along with people we’ll never, ever meet.
Choices that were made at some point in the past — and, whether we realize it or not, funded with something.
Sometimes, with money. But just as often: with time, energy, patience, silence, a “no,” or a “yes.” Or, in some instances: a life. That last one may be hard to read; it was definitely hard to write. Yet, it is true.
I bring all this to your attention because some of what’s funding your freedom right now was never yours to decide.
Everything is Connected, Really!
It also gives me a chance to put a spotlight on just how interconnected the intersection of money, business, and life truly are. (And why I have such a disdain for superficial conversations about money!)
For example:
The choice you made three years ago to save your money instead of spending it, is what’s giving you the breathing room to manage a slow down right now.
The temptation you resisted to sell during a stock market dip that made you uncomfortable — is why you still hold what you held.
The price you set — or didn’t — when you took on that client (or job) is why you have the capacity you have — or don’t — today.
The debt you took on, or avoided, is why you feel overwhelmed (or not) by current day realities of the economy and governmental policies.
You may not have known exactly when the choices you made three years ago would pay off, or whether they’d create the independence you were seeking in the precise way you envisioned. But, I’d wager a bet that you made them believing you were making the “best choice” you could on an ordinary Tuesday.
And the same is true for the choices you’re making today.
So, here’s a question worth considering:
What decision am I making right now that I won’t feel the freedom — or the lack of it — from for another year or two?
Whatever answer you come up with requires a great deal of self-trust and belief in the vision you have of what you want money to do for you.
This is part of the Financial Flywheel™ that’s easy to forget: Earn, Save, Invest, Spend isn’t a loop that pays you back in real time. It’s a loop that pays you back later, on a timeline you don’t get to see while you’re inside it.
I think the same is true when it comes to feeling free and having the freedom you desire.
I said at the start I have no patience for superficial conversations about money. This is why. Because underneath every price, every “yes,” every debt taken on or avoided, is a much bigger story than a number — one that started before you, and will continue after you.
None of us fund our freedom — financial or otherwise — alone. Like me, you’re just working off a ledger you didn’t start and won’t finish — adding to it, drawing from it, trusting that whatever you put in today will mean something to someone, someday. Maybe even to a version of yourself, a year or two from now, who won’t remember this Tuesday, but will feel it.
That’s not a small thing to be part of. It’s just usually invisible.
About Jacquette
I love to ask questions and spark aha moments. I love to talk about why success with money is about more than just the numbers, and how the cultural impact on the intersection of money, business, and life matters–A LOT! And, I really hope I help people feel seen, heard, and not judged—especially since money is emotional and personal.
