Issue #20 - How a Quick Shift in Goal Setting Can Bring About Deeper Fulfilment

Sound Money Feb 15, 2023

Welcome to the latest issue of The Qi of Self-Sovereignty. The newsletter exploring what it means to be free in an increasingly not-so-free world.

Whether you're looking to locate your authentic self or investigate sovereignty, you're in the right place! Each week, with just a few minutes of reading, I aim to expand your awareness through a quote and a piece of content that made me go hmm...

Sounds intriguing? Start learning with weekly issues sent directly to your inbox:

Thought-Provoking Quote:

“Your perspective will either become your prison or your passport.” - Steven Furtick

Are you tired of feeling unfulfilled? Are the goals you're setting not quite bringing about that deeper sense of happiness?

Well, you're not alone. And, if it's any consolation, it's not your fault.

Do you notice how prices over time have risen?

As our monetary system slowly causes a slow devaluation of our currency, not only are we disincentivized to save, we're encouraged to spend. As a result, our priorities have slowly shifted from long-term happiness and security to short-term gratification.

The byproduct of this shift is that we've gradually transitioned toward a consumption-based economy, whereby it's all about buying things now rather than planning for the future. That's a problem!

This deterioration in purchasing power has impacted not only whether we save or spend but what we value.

In a consumption-based society, our values become skewed.

Let me give you an example...

Insightful content which made me go, hmm...

In the summer of 2021, I was fortunate enough to lead a group of truly inspirational individuals who I am grateful to call my friends. While recuperating after a tiresome ride, I found myself in a deep and profound conversation with one of these individuals, Brad. During this conversation, he said something** that would stick with me for the rest of my life.

*For those that don't know me, I used to be a mountain bike coach and guide.

**You can find Brad's description of what we're about to cover in his upcoming book, "Startup Santa." Although I have yet to read it, I cannot wait!

Pause for a second and take a minute to think about three of your favourite memories (STOP READING... until you've done so!).

I'm willing to bet that most, if not all, of these memories, have nothing to do with the three P's society tells us to focus on:

Prestige: Respect and admiration from others around you
Power: A position in which you have authority and control
Possessions: The purchase of stuff

Instead, your most cherished moments likely fall under the three C's:

Challenges: Hard times that raised your awareness and increased resiliency
Contributions: Times in which you gave back for the greater good
Connections: Times in which you were in the company of people you care about and those who inspire you

Think about it. Was it that time you bought a new jacket that made you feel truly happy?

Or was it when you overcame a personal challenge, volunteered for a cause you believed in, or spent quality time with your partner?

Through the innumerable amount of marketing we encounter day to day, the world tells us that we derive happiness from the three P's.

...This could not be further from the truth!

As a result, we misguidedly direct our energy towards setting goals in these areas, only to find ourselves stuck in a feedback loop of dissatisfaction.

If we're looking for happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction, we must change tact!

With this in mind, we need to shift our focus from the three P's to the three C's by redefining our goals around what impacts us the most, challenges, contributions, and connections.

That way, when we face our challenges head-on, we emerge out the other side stronger and more resilient, all while gaining a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. Something money can't buy.

When we give back, we develop a sense of purpose and meaning, increasing fulfilment and connectedness to something larger than ourselves.

And lastly, when we spend quality time with those we love, we further improve our emotional and mental well-being.

Only then can we exit this feedback loop of fulfilment brought about by misaligned goals.

It's not about having the latest and greatest gadget or the fanciest car. It's about challenging ourselves and building real and meaningful relationships.

To end this week's newsletter, I challenge you to review your goals. While doing so, notice whether you have an overweighting of goals encompassing the three P's. And if so, rather than chasing after the P's, which the media tells us we need if we want to be happy, see if you can convert some of these to C's.

Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of The Qi of Self-Sovereignty. I hope you found it insightful.