A few hours ago, I signed up for a class–Continuing Calligraphy. I took Beginning Calligraphy earlier this spring and really enjoyed it. (If you’d like to see my final project for the class here’s a picture I shared on Instagram.)
As I filled out my registration and entered my credit card number, I realized that I was making an investment. I was investing in something that I enjoyed and that was enriching my life.
It can be easy to see spending money as a necessary evil. Things cost money, right? We have no choice but to pay for things. But that perspective is disempowering.
When I spend money I put energy toward things that I need or that I enjoy. The class I registered for wasn’t super expensive, but it wasn’t cheap either. Instead of griping about the money leaving my bank account, I can see it as a way that I’m putting my mark on the world, by giving to things that I see as important.
Also, it is an investment in myself. When I spend money on things that I enjoy, I increase the amount of enjoyment in my life and that is always a positive thing. When I spend money on something that is a new skill, I’m investing in my learning. I am better off for having taken this class.
Here’s another example: As I type this I’m sitting in one of my favorite local cafes. They make craft bubble teas and they are delicious. Right now, I’m sipping one made with jasmine green tea and I’m filled with delight. Also, I really enjoy supporting local businesses in my city, so I’m happy to have handed over $5 to them. I invest in my own enjoyment and I invest in a local business.
I could have gone to a chain cafe and ordered a cheaper drink–say $2 as opposed to $5. That would have saved me 3 bucks but I would have lost something. I would have lost the enjoyment of that craft bubble tea and the opportunity to invest in my local community. Saving that $3 would have cost me too much.
Let’s do another example where the expense isn’t so fun or enjoyable: a car repair. Periodically, my car needs something replaced and it’s usually expensive. I can complain about having to spend money on the car repair or I can feel appreciative that I’m keeping my car up because I depend on it so much. When I invest in my car, I’m investing in myself because it gets me around. Paying for a new battery isn’t that fun, but when I use this perspective, I feel grateful for putting that money into my car.
Do you gripe about having to spend money on things? Even when it’s something you need, enjoy, or would be an investment in your skills or life? Why?
Money wants to move because it is a representation of energy, and energy wants to move. Spending is an integral part of that cycle and when you spend deliberately, it can greatly enhance your life and the lives of those around you.
Amanda Linehan is the author of Productivity For INFPs. She is a multi-genre fiction writer, indie author and INFP, who has published five novels and has been read in 113 countries. Amanda was a speaker at the INF Summit in February 2020. Get her free Productivity For INFPs Mini-Course when you sign up for the For INFPs newsletter.
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