The answer to that question is, “YES”. But before I get to that, let me explain something first…
If you're frustrated that you haven't achieved the success that you believe you deserve based on the efforts that you have put into it, then this article I have written with you in mind.
You see, I believe the pursuit of money is actually a spiritual journey.
One of two things will happen now. I'll get a tonne of emails arguing with me. Tell me that I'm some sort of space-cookie going on a warm and fuzzy bender, or totally agree with me and tell me how wonderful I am and how wonderful the whole world is at the moment.
Now, I'm not your religious type. I have more of a “universal” view of how we came into being. But here's what's interesting…
This will probably surprise you. It surprised me.
The bible has over 2,000 references to money, property and wealth.
Here's something else that totally surprised me. that so many people overlook as well.
There are almost twice the number of references to money than faith and prayer combined in the great book.
Think about that for a moment… Money shows up as a prominent theme in the best-selling book of all time.
So is it fair for me to assume that no matter what your personal faith is, spirituality and money are always connected.
It seems to me that the big bloke (or woman) upstairs cares about what you think about money and wealth.
Hmmm… Isn't that interesting?
So how does this relate to you? …Even if you have no specific denomination.
Here's how…
Every time you open your wallet, sign a check, or spend money on your credit card, you're making a statement of your spiritual values, like it or not.
Money is neither good nor bad, it simply has the power to reflect who you are.
If you're a d*#k head with no money, you're going to be a total d*#k head with money.
…And whether money reveals your true personality to be honest or dishonest, generous or greedy, spend-thrift or stingy, it has got nothing to do with the money – it's all about the simple truth of who you actually are.
The way I think of money is typically about having choices and the spiritual journey of wealth building begins when you realise that these choices define your life.
Having positive choices is a good thing, and pursing more positive choices is an enlightened pursuit.
When I was broke, I used to struggle with this. I used to think that I had to become a better person to attract money. In fact, I was already a pretty good guy, here's what I learnt to focus on…
I became totally selfish.
On the surface you might think that that is a bad thing to do, or in fact being totally selfish is the opposite to being spiritual or enlightened.
But here's what I discovered…
That focussing on the outer world is just an avoidance tactic of dealing with the real issues.
Here's what I mean…
The best way I can explain, that I think you will actually get and you've probably had first hand experience of, is the safety procedures protocol when you go on any domestic or international flight.
What's the got to do with making money? I hear you say… Heaps, let me explain.
The flight attendant tell you…
When the oxygen masks drop from the ceiling and you're traveling with an infant, make sure that you put your mask on first and THEN secure a mask on your child.
Just think about that for a moment. In the height of drama, you have to look after yourself first before you can help anyone else out.
Yet in life, we do the total opposite. Become victims or martyrs or doormats and we think that this is somehow advancing our movement to creating financial wealth.
So take the time out and be a little bit selfish… In a spiritual sense, look after yourself first.
Make yourself strong financially and you can help not just one person in a philanthropic sense, but millions upon millions of people.
Look at individuals like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. What they give to charities and good causes is likely to run into billions of dollars. Even the Australian government probably doesn't come close to the charity budgets of Buffett and Gates.
They would never have been in this position if 25 years ago they chose to give away their time to help people and not focus on themselves and create wealth.
All successful investors understand the relationship of spiritual values and the pursuit of financial prosperity.
The further they progress, the more generous they tend to be with money, time and financial wisdom. The only reason you don't see them on the 6 o'clock news is unless you give away $300 million, it's not such a big deal.
…And in any case, good news does nothing for ratings.
Over the years I've come to understand that money is good for the good it can do. I encourage you to adopt that viewpoint as well.
…Good for the good it can do.
It's a journey and there's always a lag time to success. That's why you feel frustrated at time. You're putting in as much as you can to develop your financial intelligence, but nothing is showing up.
Don't give up, it's just around the corner.
I've found that I get far more personal growth by growing wealth and experiencing all that comes with it than reading 100 personal development books. The theory is good, the experience is a whole lot more important.
You can't learn how to drive by sitting in the garage with the key in the ignition and the motor running. You've actually got to get on the road and start dealing with things as they happen.
So get off your bum and start accumulating what I call “experiential context”. Here's what I suggest you do.
Buy the Financial Review tomorrow, even if you've got no idea about half the stuff that is written in there.
Buy a financial magazine. BRW, Property Investor… Whatever.
If you've got Foxtel, watch the business channel (602), or better still, Bloomberg (650).
Here's a few other interesting things that you can do that will build your wealth psychology.
This will send messages to the universe (or god) and tell him that you're ready to receive more because you're happy to give unconditionally.
Next time you watch a busker in the city, don't put in just $2, put in $10 or $20 and say to yourself, isn't great to be a millionaire (even if you're not).
…or when a street-kid asks for money or you walk past a beggar sitting on the pavement, just give them $10 and say to yourself, isn't it great to be a millionaire (even if you're not).
What about this… this will test you. Next time you get a parking ticket or a letter in the mail from a speed camera, don't whinge and complain. That's what poor people do. Just pay the bill and say to yourself, oh well, lucky I'm a millionaire (even if you're not).
You might think I'm crazy, but I know this stuff works.
How do I know?
It's what I did 10 years ago when I had no money. And 10 years later, I'm financially and spiritually on course.
If you've read this far, congratulations. I'm sure this article will impact you greatly.
But promise me one thing… Don't sit on this information and intellectualise it, actually take some action and see what happens.