Hi Hive,
There was a time in my life when I believed that the only means to reach my goals faster was to become extremely stingy with my spending. Not just careful but overly strict. Then, anything that looked like “enjoyment” felt like a distraction because every naira in my wallet already had a mission.
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I make sure to cut my expenses down to the barest minimum. My meals were repetitive, mostly rice, beans, potatoes, garri and whatever was the cheapest source of protein I could find. Eating out? That felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford because the cost of buying food outside felt like a waste of money. Even basic comfort sometimes felt like an unnecessary expense. In my mind, I was thinking that I'm doing the right thing because I felt like I'm sacrificing now so I could enjoy later.
And honestly, it felt good at first. There’s something powerful about chasing a goal that seems almost impossible. The resilience, discipline, the focus, the sense of purpose which can be very addictive. Because you're willing to do what other won’t and this makes you feel like you're ahead of them.
Something started to change over time.
Later, I began to realise I was slowly removing the joy from my present while I was working so hard to build a better future. I would see other people living their lives and enjoying little things like eating out, good food, simple outings, or even just comfort and I started to asked myself all sort of questions. Was I really living, or just surviving in the name of building a successful?
That was when it hit me that what’s the essence of financial freedom if the journey there feels like punishment?
When I looked back now, I realize that I might have taken things too far then. Yes, discipline is essential. Yes, sacrifice is needed. But there’s a difference between being intentional and being extreme. Life isn’t meant to be endured but meant to be experienced, even while you’re building something meaningful.
I’ve found a better balance these days. I still save. I still work towards reaching my goals. But I also allow myself to enjoy the fruits of my labour, even if it’s just in a little ways. Maybe it’s eating out once in a while, buying something I truly like, or simply choosing comfort over unneeded hardship.
Ironically, I’ve come to appreciate that those “extreme” days also played a vital role in shaping me, building me. They taught me discipline, resilience, and focus as well. But they also taught me an important lesson that you don’t have to lose yourself in the process of becoming successful.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about reaching financial independence but it is about how you feel while getting there.
So now I ask you, are you being wisely disciplined, or are you quietly depriving yourself of the very life you’re working so hard to build?
Thanks for stopping by on my blog and have a wonderful day