May 31, 2007
Money. Is it very important?
This is the question that many would ask, including those who are in the working force. Well, we cannot escape from the harsh reality that money is indeed the object of everybody's desires and goals.
And my opinion? Yes, it is very important. Not in a material sense, that is.
I want to find a job that pays me well. That is my frist priority. Of course, that job has had to contain my passion and lifetime interest. Many people have commented that money and passion do not co-exist. Tonight, I've come to unveil this myth and reveal it's coexistence.
Firstly, I want to talk about money. It is the tool that is a determinant of our ultimate survival and success in this world of rat-race and timeless competitions. It is hence very important that we manage our finances and be a steward to our own riches, no matter how rich or not so rich we are. Money is a powerful tool, which can be used to do great and mighty things, and sometimes, corrupt and evil deeds.
In times like this, should we blame money for all the calamities, chaos and break-downs of relationships due to bribery, corruption and evil deeds? No. The seed of evil lies not in what we have, but in our hearts and attitude we carry within us. Money is a non-living item that is man-made just as currency is organized. It is systemized in a way that brings fairness in trade and cooperation among people living in this world. Hence, it's intention is meant for goodness and is just. However, the root of it lies in the seed sown within the hearts of men. Our hearts must be guarded from greed otherwise, there would be corruption, bribes, and robberies. Worse, if one's heart plots evil, then the money in that person's hands would be used for evil deeds.
What can we get from these examples? Money in the hands of the good, will be utilized for a good cause. Money in the hands of the evil ones, will be utilized only to seek destruction. In short, the money we possess takes on our own personality. So what we spend or invest it on reflects upon our own character.
Secondly, I want to discuss about passion. Passion is the driving force that keeps us freshly awake every morning. It keeps the fire burning within us whenever we are engaged in something (which is obviously what we are interested in). Passion is a force we possess that reaches far beyond love. It binds us to something that we long for or desire to have or to be engaging in. With passion, one would be able to undergo many challenging obstacles without feeling a sense of discouragement even in times of failure. One would be willing to go an extra mile for the sake of that vision or dream (it could be a person too). If one has a passion for a job position, nothing in this world can stop that person from achieving the dream.
Finally, I have a question to ask all of you. How big is your dream? If it is a small dream, it is NOT a dream. How great is your passion? If your passion is about earning more money, it is greed, not passion. However, if earning money is your priority, then your passion must be within that big dream which you possess. That big dream should be able to provide you with both your interest and big bucks. If not, it is not a big dream. Big dreams come with great passion and brings prosperity to the body and the soul.
Sure it is possible to find a well paying job, but you may not enjoy working due to the lack of interest or just doesn't fit well at all (you don't have what it takes). Sure it is possible to find a job you enjoy doing, but it may not be paying you well, which is a threat to your survival. What then? How can we strike a balance between money and passion?
The answer is very simple. Your attitude.
Many people think that having a good attitude applies only in approaching others in our work place, in our studies or even in our families. Many think that the attitude must be right when we attend church, when we do things, and even in our daily lifestyle. But what they fail to realise is that we must have a right attitude in the approach to our dreams and desires.
If our goals are corrupt, we would be corrupt. If our goals are too small or simple, then there would be an imbalance between the two factors mentioned above. Thus, in order to balance the equation, you need to have the right attitude towards the subject (area of interest) you want to pursue. Pursue an interest that pays you well. If you want to be an artist, don't be a starving artist. Be an artist who works for a large organization. If you want to be a nurse, be a nurse who works in a well-known hospital that pays well. If you want to be a chef, don't be a street-vendor. Be a cook for a grand restaurant in a five-star hotel.
Every job has its distinct characteristics. Each of them is unique in many different ways. However, a job is not just a job, but a vocation that is determined by how passionate you are in expanding your capabilities for a better position in society. Again, I shall say, if you are passionate in clearing rubbish, don't be a cleaner. Be the one who is managing the clearance of rubbish in some rubbish-collecting company (or whatever the name of that company is).
Our attitude can be moulded and shaped only by the decisions we make. Start developing a passion for a job position, not just a job title. That, will in turn balance the equation for you.
