How spending less results in saving less

I noticed a real significant change in me.

Since the start of the year, I'd been having a real shift in how I view money. It's very very stark to me because I realised how much I've shortchanged my life till now. In the past, I was quite focused on the amount of money that I had in my bank. Somehow that meant security to me - so perhaps that's why I kept hoarding money and trying all I could to increase security.

It took me a long long time to change that view. The proverbial straw that broke the camel's back must be the reservist stint that I had recently in Jan this year. After I came out of it, I felt very enlightened. It could be the change of environment that made caused this shift in me, but nevertheless, I came out feeling very happy.

In the past, I used to care more about expenses. I would do all I can to reduce it. These days, I care more about increasing my earnings. I would gladly spend money for the following reasons:


1. It makes me happy

2. It goes towards furthering my goals and purpose

3. It saves me time

4. It fosters relationships and forms new experiences


I starting spending more money and feeling all the more happier because of it. My mindset used to be that I have limited money so every money spent must be scrutinized carefully. If it's not a need, delay it. Wait a few years or a few months then decide again. I missed a few opportunities because of this mindset (the guitar that i wanted is no longer sold; a memorable figurine that I wanted is gone too). I reflected and think about the whole host of opportunities that could have gone if I keep on doing this and realised that this is not the way to go ahead in life. My life must not end with me in regret.

Cheapskate mentality MUST be removed in order to go further in life. I do not want to save a penny to lose a dollar. In fact, I want to spend a penny now so that I can earn many times in the future.

The most interesting thing is this: Even though I spend more money, making myself and the people around me more happy, I actually save more too. It's amazing how the universe works. Freeing myself from the limited money mentality frees me to earn even more. Perhaps it's because I feel happier and that translates into more productive work and on and on. Seriously, I don't care how and why it works.

All this will not happen without valuing your time well. Know the value of your time and you will stop doing a lot of nonsense things and move aggressively into things that you value most. We all come into this world with an unknown expiration date - so make the best use out of it.