Page 2 Module 3- Financial

QUESTION ?

What is the question? We are surrounded by answers and solutions….but one must stand back to get perspective.

Is it about MONEY, is it about VALUES, is it about LIFE, is it about RELATIONSHIPS, or all of the above?

It all comes back to Code of Conduct. Where did it come from? Who set the standards? Did we inherit it or is it in our DNA? Believe it or not, you made conscious and unconscious decisions from the minute you were born and as your knowledge and awareness increased, you set the scene for personal growth. Yes, of course, there are standards laid down by laws which govern every aspect of life and how you use your time and money, or wealth, in most countries, is up to you. There are core values that apply whether you live under a capitalist, socialist or communist government, or a combination thereof.

Yes, you are limited by your environment, your surroundings, your social status, and even your physical capability….but choice to act or not to act by and large still remains as a universal freedom.

So, from bartering, to hard currency, to gold bullion and to virtual currency, little has changed, because it’s all about values. How do you acquire value? You need to apply your mind and ask the necessary questions of yourself about why, when, how much, in order to set your own goals and standards – i.e. the Code of Conduct.

QUESTION? What does money and wealth fulfil in your journey? As a ‘Whole Person’ you may aspire to sharing your skills with your immediate family, friends, and even the world at large. For example, a singer may have started with humble beginnings in a school choir, family and friend sing-alongs, then going solo or into a band, and together with talent and hard work can become world-famous and make lots of money. This is not an academic career but it is a lifestyle which appeals to humanity as we all enjoy music.

On the other hand, you may have aspirations to being a specialist surgeon because your family has had healthcare professionals in the past, and you aspire to follow in their footsteps. So the importance of career planning is evident as a tool to help you reach your goal. This will need you or your parents to finance your education and enable you to attend an institution of higher learning ad once there establish yourself in your chosen career path. It is this route on your journey of achievement that will enable you to sell or use your skills and in turn earn money.

QUESTION? How to use money as a tool? Life’s norms in the 21st century is to acquire a degree of independence by providing a roof over your head for yourself and your family, providing food for yourself and your family, and opportunities for your children to enjoy the opportunities that you have created by the wise use of money.

There are volumes of books and myriads of stories about personal micro and macro-economics. You should educate yourself continuously in the circle of life as circumstances around you change. Good habits come from discipline, discipline is learnt either by observation or repetition.

Happiness is not a tangible item bought off a shelf, and cannot be measured by how much money you have. Each individual must set their own goals and standards, and measure themselves against themselves, and be happy when their own goals and standards are achieved.

Life’s journey is fraught with deviations, challenges, setbacks, but there are also opportunities and joy and faith, and the way in which you deal with these factors determines your level of happiness…..THE GOOD LIFE.

Never give up!