The Squire’s Core Belief #3 – Let’s Help Each Other Out
I find people both interesting and exhausting to talk with. I would consider myself an introvert, and I have a hard time spending large amounts of time interacting with others I don’t know very well. However, I’ve found it really important and worthwhile over the years to force myself to communicate with others. I feel like I have a better understanding of people around me, and I’ve been able to share some of my thoughts and experiences as well.
I do try to go into conversations with an open mind, a positive energy and attitude, and a curiosity to learn about the person and understand how they are doing. It turns out that most of my interactions with others are positive. If I can encourage someone to talk about subjects they care about, I will usually end up with more knowledge or insight into their perspective than I did prior to the conversation, and sometimes one or both of us will end up with some actionable tips.
In fact, I feel that most everybody, no matter their age, education, or experience, can both help and learn from others during a thoughtful conversation, be it in person or on the phone or through a digital mode. A unique perspective, sharing an experience, or even an understanding smile can help give the support that someone needs at any given time, and open them up to talking about parts of their life journey that is on their mind.
As I’ve learned more about personal finance and taken small steps over the last ten plus years to reduce stresses I’ve had about money, I feel inspired to learn more, and also to share some of my insight with others. I don’t pretend to be an expert in finance or any other particular subject, but this has been one of the topics I’ve started to include when conversing with others. It can be fun to bring up personal experiences to help encourage others to take similar… or alternative decisions. I also enjoy learning through ideas and experiences of others.
I feel that sometimes people think of life as a competition to try to become more popular or have a fancier house or car, or make more money than the next person. When I come across this line of thinking I get discouraged and frustrated. I instead feel that our families, friends, and communities improve when we all work together to help each other out. I feel that parts of our lives can be at times a puzzle, but we sometimes need other people to help find some of the pieces and help us out then together. Offering to be a resource of information to help improve the lives of others can fill a much needed gap.
I enjoy being a part of a community where people share ideas and inspire others to take control of their future, relieve stress as it relates to money, and help add happiness to each other’s lives. My experience with the Financial Independence community is that it’s full of welcoming people who are very open, happy to help each other out, and care about others. This is my type of group, and I’m happy to be a part of it. One of the wonderful pieces is how easy it is to access content from the community through blogs, websites, and podcasts. But the real power comes when you take part in the community and interact with others.
Reader Questions
- Can you think of a time when someone came to you for help or inspiration and you were able to give them the information they needed to make a good decision?
- What about a time when you begrudgingly asked for help and were glad you did? Did it make the other person feel good to be able to help you?
Leave your answers or comments below – or email us directly at info@epicfinancialjourney.com