In a world that constantly pushes us to chase the next big thing—more money, better opportunities, higher social status—it’s easy to overlook the wealth we already possess. We often think of value in monetary terms, but true wealth extends beyond financial assets. Appreciating our knowledge, skills, relationships, experiences, and even challenges that have shaped us all contributes to our value.
The mountain of value we already own is often in plain sight, but we may not recognise and appreciate it. Doing this is the key to true wealth.
Let us explore how to shift our mindset from lack to abundance, how to identify and appreciate the treasures we already have, and how to maximise our potential to lead a more fulfilling life.
The Illusion of Lack: Why We Overlook Our Value
Living with a scarcity mindset, constantly believing we don’t have enough, not only keeps us thinking poorly but makes us poor, as nothing will be truly enough as long as we have this perspective. This belief can stem from various sources:
- Social comparison is when we measure ourselves against others. There will always be someone better than you in one area or another.
- Media and advertising are designed to create artificial needs. Spending a day listening to or watching ads leads to buying something that you could have done without.
- Personal insecurities and self-doubt about whether you are the best version of yourself or you need some help or enhancement, be it make-up, clothing or professional help.
- Cultural conditioning can equate success with external achievements like big purchases, positions or knowledge.
When we focus on what we lack, we tend to overlook what we already have. This blindness leads to stress, dissatisfaction, and a never-ending pursuit of more. But what if we could change our perspective and truly appreciate our existing wealth?
Recognising What You Truly Have
The first step in appreciating your value is recognising that wealth is multidimensional. It goes far beyond money. Consider these sources of value:
1. Knowledge and Skills
Everything you have learned—whether through formal education, self-study, or life experience—is an asset. The ability to braid hair, sing, do make-up, style your clothes or interestingly tell stories are all valuable skills that many would pay to acquire. Your knowledge, even if it seems ordinary to you, is extraordinary to someone else.
2. Experiences and Challenges
Every hardship, failure, and setback has taught you something. Challenges build resilience, wisdom, and problem-solving skills. If you have overcome a challenge, that experience is part of your wealth. There is someone somewhere who has not faced a similar challenge and is confused about how to proceed with something that seems obvious to you now.
3. Relationships and Community
Your network of family, friends, and acquaintances is invaluable. Relationships provide emotional support, opportunities, and inspiration. Even a single meaningful connection can change your life. While a large network may seem great, changes happen with only one good connection at a time.
4. Time and Freedom
If you can control how you spend your time—even partially—you are wealthier than many. Time is a nonrenewable resource, and having control over it is a luxury. While formal slavery may not be as prevalent as before, many people are enslaved by their circumstances, from having to work 9-5 to be in a particular stage in their lives that ties them to many responsibilities or even addictions.
5. Health and Well-being
Your physical and mental health are among your greatest assets. Many people only realise this when they lose their health. Taking care of your body and mind is one of the best ways to appreciate the value you already have. Being able to move freely, sleep and eat with ease are not available to all. Taking care of things like your teeth, movement, balance, and strength helps you appreciate this area of your life.
6. Creativity and Passion
Your unique ideas, talents, and passions make you valuable. Whether you love writing, problem-solving, or creating something new, your creativity is a powerful asset.
How to Cultivate a Mindset of Appreciation
1. Shift from Scarcity to Abundance Thinking
Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, train your mind to see what you do have. Gratitude journaling can help—write down three things you appreciate about your life every day.
2. Take Inventory of Your Assets
Make a list of your skills, experiences, connections, and resources. You can do this with every new project you undertake or just as part of your daily or periodic reflection. Seeing them in writing makes them more tangible and helps you recognise their worth.
3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Social comparison is one of the biggest thieves of joy. Everyone has a unique journey. Instead of looking at what others have, focus on your journey and progress. The resources you need for your journey are specific, and any excess may be a distraction and could even slow your progress.
4. Use Your Current Resources More Effectively
Instead of seeking new opportunities, ask yourself: “How can I maximise what I already have?” For example, can you use your blogging skills to monetise content more effectively? Can you teach others forex trading?
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledging your achievements, no matter how small, builds confidence and appreciation for your journey. Often, we don’t take a moment to appreciate our achievements of the day unless something big happens. Having a list helps us appreciate our small achievements each day, even if it’s just by ticking off our accomplishments that day. It changes your mood and puts a smile on your face.
Turning Appreciation into Action
Appreciation is powerful, but it becomes even more meaningful when you act on it. Here’s how to turn your existing value into something even greater:
1. Share Your Knowledge and Skills
Teaching others what you know increases your mastery. Both teacher and student add value to each other. As a teacher, you can see different perspectives of what you have mastered and understand how others may find it difficult through their questions. Teaching improves your communication and people skills, opening doors to new opportunities. Consider offering online courses, mentorship, or workshops.
2. Strengthen Relationships
Invest in meaningful connections. Help others, express gratitude, and nurture valuable relationships. Strong networks create new possibilities. Often, a small, strong network is better than a large database of people you have no personal connection with.
Read more on 9 Ways To Develop Self-Mastery
3. Optimise Your Current Ventures
Your current ventures provide opportunities to scale without overexerting yourself. You can do this by using technology, such as creating digital products or v/blogging.
4. Leverage What You Own
Instead of chasing new investments, it is possible to make what you already have work harder for you—for example, automating processes or repurposing items. Items you sell could be rented. L . Look at what you already have and find ways to make them work harder for you. Can you repurpose blog content into an e-book? Can you automate parts of your forex trading?
5. Prioritise Self-Care
Your health, time, and energy are invaluable. Investing in yourself ensures that you can continue to create and contribute meaningfully to your life and others.
As you can see, the mountain of value we already own is vast. However, it requires recognition and appreciation; we must not take things for granted. We can do this by shifting our perspective, taking inventory of our assets, and actively leveraging them.
You don’t need more; you need to see more clearly. Fully appreciating and utilising what you already have unlocks limitless possibilities. Instead of chasing external wealth, mine the wealth that already exists within. Only then can you create a life of abundance and fulfilment!
