We often look at individuals like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, and other visionaries, and notice they possess a unique way of thinking, distinct from those who achieve success solely through relentless hard work. It's a mindset that doesn't focus on running from problems, like so many do – constantly trying to escape scarcity, afraid of change, and perennially dissatisfied. Instead, they seem to navigate towards something. Today, let's talk about money, not as a source of anxiety, but as a current to understand.

The Trap of Unconscious Desire

First, a vital principle: money should never become an unconscious master, dictating all your resources—your talents, abilities, attention, even your health and joy in life. Our deeper mind doesn't truly grasp "money" in numerical terms; it thinks in images and feelings. If money becomes an all-consuming unconscious dream, it hijacks our best and brightest faculties for a goal it doesn't truly comprehend.

The Boat and the Current: A Metaphor for Money

Imagine you're in a boat, oar in hand. If you paddle with the current, its speed adds to yours. You enter a "flow." These flows can be economic—finding yourself in a thriving financial environment. They can be technological, like being part of an innovative wave in places such as Silicon Valley or other global tech centers. There are even societal currents, where a whole nation or community experiences an incredible burst of internal energy, as some thinkers have described.

Then there are personal currents, generated by impactful individuals like Jobs or Musk. Being in the "wake" of such people can create incredible momentum, even for a small endeavor.

Now, as I stand in my boat and paddle, I dip my oar into the water—this water represents money. I use my strength, skills, and abilities, applying them to this "water," to move faster. However, my goal shouldn't be the water itself, because the water is constantly moving with the current. If I row against the current, I’ll struggle to make headway. If I row in still water, my progress depends solely on my own effort. But if I align with the current, its power assists me.

A certain amount of water inside the boat is also useful. It provides stability and can be used for daily needs – to drink, to wash. But if too much water accumulates in the boat, I start spending energy just to transport the excess water. Eventually, the boat becomes unstable and can easily capsize. It's a vivid image, isn't it? The goal, therefore, should always be set on the distant shore, not on the water itself.

The Common Misstep: Setting Money as the Goal

Many stumble by making money their ultimate objective. Those who find money comes more easily often think differently than those who struggle. We carry "ancestral programs"—attitudes inherited from our families and society. Perhaps we grew up where discussing money openly was taboo, or where parents constantly deferred living for a future that never quite arrived. This can breed the mistaken belief that to live well, one must endlessly toil, that hard work directly and proportionally translates to wealth.

I want to gently challenge this: it’s not always true. Some may work tirelessly and see little reward, while for others, abundance seems to flow more freely. The difference often lies within, in our fundamental relationship with money.

Mindset: The Great Differentiator

Let's look at the contrasting mental codes. Those who struggle with money often live in a state of perpetual unhappiness, fixated on what they lack rather than appreciating what they have. They aren't truly present; they're always trying to "escape" from something – poverty, problems, a sense of inadequacy – instead of moving towards something, like happiness or fulfillment. One cannot simply "leave from" a problem; one can only "go to" a solution or a desired state.

People with a healthier money mindset don't primarily ask "Can I?" when an opportunity arises. They look for solutions, not for reasons why something is impossible. They don't postpone life. If they choose to buy something, they may opt for quality that brings genuine pleasure, feeling worthy of it.

Crucially, those comfortable with money don't live in constant fear of losing it, nor do they obsess over potential future poverty. They trust in their ability to generate more if needed. They are continuous learners, observing others, adapting, and developing. They aren't afraid to change; indeed, they embrace it, keeping a sense of what's happening in the world, reacting with an almost anti-fragile quality because they are attuned to many signals.

These individuals take responsibility for their lives and destinies. They don't complain or blame others for their setbacks. They know what they want and set clear goals. They also understand the importance of their environment, seeking out people who inspire them and who are perhaps a step ahead, learning from them.

Passion, Helpfulness, and the Power of Meaning

For them, money is not an end in itself but a measure of the value generated by their passion. They do what they love, and if that passion creates something useful or desirable for others, then people are naturally drawn to it. It’s often said, the more people you effectively help or serve, the more potential for financial reward there is.

And this brings us to meaning. Meaning has an immense power to shape our world. There's a striking saying: if you want to earn a million, build a business; if you want to earn a billion, don't just sell a product or service, create something akin to a "religion." This speaks to ideology and mythology. Consider brands like Harley Davidson, Ferrari, Mercedes, or Coca-Cola. They are more than just products; they embody powerful ideas and narratives. This is a key to their enduring success. Those who prioritize and skillfully weave meaning into what they offer often lead the way, because meaning itself is a profound human driver.

Let's learn from these perspectives. I genuinely wish you financial well-being. But perhaps dream more about how you will use money, how it will enable something meaningful for you and for others. Money tends to flow when you are prepared for it, when you feel you deserve it, and when you have a clear, constructive purpose for it.

Be rich in spirit and happy in life.

References

• Dweck, Carol S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
  This book explores the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets. It explains how believing that your abilities are malleable (a growth mindset) can lead to greater success and resilience, which aligns with the article's points on the internal attitudes distinguishing those who are "good with money" (e.g., "constantly learning," "not afraid to change") from those who struggle. See Chapter 3 ("The Truth About Ability and Accomplishment") and Chapter 7 ("Parents, Teachers, and Coaches: Where Do Mindsets Come From?") for discussions on how mindsets are formed and impact various life areas, including achievement.
• Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
  Csikszentmihalyi's seminal work details the concept of "flow," a state of complete absorption in an activity. This resonates with the article's boat metaphor ("get you into the flow") and the idea that "they are always doing what they love, they enjoy what they do." The book explains how engaging in activities that challenge us and align with our skills can lead to profound satisfaction and high performance. Chapter 4 ("The Conditions of Flow") discusses how clear goals, immediate feedback, and a balance between challenges and skills contribute to this state.