W11 Reflection: Entrepreneurial Journal

This week, I spent some time thinking about Stephen Gibson's "Attitude on Money" article, and it made me reflect on my own views about money and how they affect my life. Gibson talks about money not being good or bad but just a tool. A tool that shows who we really are. This makes sense to me: money itself is neutral, and how we use it can lead to different outcomes. It can be used to help others and do good, or it can be used for selfish reasons and chasing material things.

My attitude toward money is practical, but I also understand its deeper impact. To me, money is a resource that helps me take care of my family and reach meaningful goals. But I know there's a danger in focusing too much on money. It can mess up our priorities. I try to focus on what money can help me do, like serving others, making memories with my loved ones, and investing in projects that match my values, rather than seeing money as the goal itself.

This way of looking at money affects how I live. If I see money only as a way to buy things, I risk never feeling satisfied and always wanting more, missing out on the real fulfillment that comes from non-material things. But if I see money as a tool to create opportunities, I can focus on relationships, experiences, and contributions that bring real happiness. Gibson's idea of the "filters" we use to see money reminds me to be mindful of the beliefs that shape my financial choices.

One of the most important parts of the article is Gibson's point that money has power, not because of its value but because of the choices it lets us make. I also want to mention that 'The Richest Man in Babylon' has been one of my favorite books for about 15 years and has greatly influenced my views on managing money and building wealth going into my Chapter 7 bankruptcy, not because of its value but because of the choices it lets us make. For example, the story of Jon Huntsman giving money to fight cancer shows the great good that can be done with wealth. This makes me think about what rules I should follow to use money wisely. The rules that stood out to me are: pay yourself first, live within your means, and find joy in giving. These rules help keep a healthy relationship with money and avoid the problems of greed or neglect.

The week's discussion on work-life balance also stood out to me. Balancing work, financial goals, and family life often means making tough choices, especially as an entrepreneur. The readings and videos talked about being "all in" while finding ways to balance family and career. It made me think about better balancing my ambitions with being present for my family. I realized that true success is not just about money but also about having rich relationships and life experiences.

In summary, this week has been a meaningful look into how money fits into my life and how I think about it. By seeing money as a means to an end, I can focus on what really matters: service, relationships, and personal growth. The challenge is to use money in ways that improve not just my life but also the lives of those around me. I want to keep applying these principles, ensuring my financial goals match my deeper purpose of living a fulfilling and impactful life.

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