The True Purpose of Wealth
Money is simply a tool – perhaps the most effective one we have – for creating positive change. When you generate substantial income, you gain the freedom to “shop” for the most important things in life. This might include:
- Providing quality education for your children
- Ensuring your family has excellent healthcare
- Creating memorable experiences through travel and shared activities
- Supporting causes that align with your values
But the real magic happens when your wealth extends beyond your immediate needs. When you make enough money, your capacity to help expands dramatically.
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Beyond Your Own Family
I firmly believe that the greatest joy in wealth creation comes not from what you can buy for yourself, but from what you can do for others. When you reach a certain level of financial success, you gain the ability to “shop” for other people’s families, too.
This may involve funding scholarships, supporting community programs, investing in businesses that create jobs, or providing direct assistance to families in need. Your money becomes a force multiplier for good.
During my time at Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, I witnessed how successful athletes who embraced this mindset could transform entire communities. Their wealth wasn’t just about mansions and luxury cars – it became a vehicle for lifting others up.
Reframing Our Relationship With Money
We need to stop apologizing for wanting to make money. Instead, we should be clear about our intentions for that wealth. The question isn’t whether you should pursue financial success – it’s what you plan to do with it.
Here’s how I suggest reframing your approach to wealth:
- Acknowledge that making money and helping others are complementary goals
- Set clear intentions for how your wealth will benefit others
- Develop the skills and mindset needed to maximize your earning potential
- Create systems that automatically direct portions of your income toward helping others
- Celebrate your financial success as a means to greater impact, not as an end in itself
When you view money through this lens, pursuing wealth becomes not just acceptable but necessary if you truly want to make a difference.
The Responsibility of Abundance
With greater wealth comes greater responsibility. I’ve found that the most fulfilled wealthy individuals are those who see themselves as stewards rather than owners of their money. They ask themselves daily: “How can I use these resources to create the most positive impact?”
This mindset shift transforms the pursuit of money from a potentially selfish endeavor into one of the most selfless things you can do. When you make it your mission to create wealth specifically to help others, your entire relationship with money changes.
So I challenge you: Don’t shy away from making money. Instead, commit to making as much as you possibly can – not to hoard it, but to expand your capacity to serve. The world needs more people who are both financially successful and generous with their resources.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to take care of your own family. It’s to achieve a level of success where you can support many families. That’s when you’ll experience the true power of wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Isn’t focusing on making money inherently selfish?
Not when your purpose for making money extends beyond yourself. The intention behind wealth creation matters tremendously. When you earn money with the explicit goal of helping others and creating positive change, the pursuit of wealth becomes an act of service rather than selfishness.
Q: How do I balance making money with staying true to my values?
This starts with clarity about your values and how money can help you express them. Establish clear ethical boundaries for how you’ll earn money and create guidelines for its responsible use. When your financial decisions align with your core values, you’ll find that making money actually helps you live more authentically.
Q: At what point do I have “enough” money to start helping others?
You don’t need to wait until you’re wealthy to start helping others. Begin with whatever resources you have now, even if it’s just a small percentage of your income. As your wealth grows, you can scale your impact. The habit of giving is more important than the amount.
Q: What’s the most effective way to use money to help others?
This depends on your unique skills, interests, and the needs you observe. Some people create maximum impact through direct financial assistance to individuals, while others might fund systemic change through organizations or start businesses that solve problems and create jobs. The key is identifying where your resources can have the most meaningful impact.
Q: How do I teach my children about this healthy relationship with money?
Model the behavior you want to see. Include your children in both earning and giving activities. Help them understand that money is a tool for creating value and expressing care for others. Create opportunities for them to earn, save, spend wisely, and give generously from an early age.
