Years ago, when I (Jim Rohn) made the decision to turn my economic life around, I had to develop a new attitude as well as new concepts. Here’s what I used to say: “I hate to pay my taxes.” Mr. Shoaff said, “Well, that’s one way to live.” I countered, “Doesn’t everybody hate to pay their taxes?” He said, “No! No! A few of us have gotten way past that once we understood what taxes are. Here’s the purpose of taxes in our democratic society. Taxes are how you care for and feed the goose that lays the golden eggs. Wouldn’t you want to feed the goose that lays the golden eggs?”
How do you feel about feeding the goose? You may think the goose eats too much. That’s probably true! But better a fat goose than no goose at all. And the truth is, we all eat too much. Don’t let one appetite accuse another. Of course the government needs to go on a diet. So do most of us. But you still have to care for and feed the goose that lays the golden eggs.
The right attitude is so important. Here’s what I used to say: “I hate to pay my bills. I bring in the mail, and there’s nothing but these window envelops. Bills, bills, bills! Mr. Shoaff said, “Well, that’s one way to live.” I said, “Doesn’t everybody hate to pay their bills?” He said, “No, some of us are way beyond that.” I said, “Is it possible to love to pay your bills?” He said, “Yes! Reduce your liability, and increase your assets. Wouldn’t you love to do that?”
You can start by adopting a whole new attitude. The next time you pay a hundred dollars on an account, put a little note in there that says, “With great delight, I send you this hundred dollars.” Billing agencies don’t get many letters like that. What a great scenario–reduce your liabilities and increase your assets. Your financial picture is improving. You can learn to love to pay your bills. Think of it as keeping the money in circulation. Think of paying your taxes as feeding the goose that lays the golden eggs. It’s all a matter of attitude.
Here’s the last attitude you need to adopt regarding wealth: everybody must pay. Of course, life is opportunity, but life is also price. We all must pay; we all must share.
One of the classic Biblical stories of all time describes a fascinating scenario. Here’s my interpretation of that story. One day, Jesus and his disciples were standing by the synagogue treasury watching people as they came by with their offerings. Some people came by and put in big amounts. Others came by and put in modest amounts. Then a little lady comes by and puts two pennies in the treasury. Jesus said to his disciples, “Look at that! His disciples responded, “Two pennies? What’s the big deal?”
Jesus said, “No, you don’t understand. She gave more than everybody else.” They said, “Two pennies is more than everybody else?” He said, “Yes! Because I’m certain that her two pennies represent most of what she has. And if you give most of what you have, then you’ve given the most.” What a lesson to learn. It’s not the amount, it’s what it represents that counts.
There’s a wisdom conveyed by what does not happen in this story also. Jesus did not reach into the treasury for this little lady’s two pennies. He did not run after her and say, “Excuse me. My disciples and I decided that you’re so pitiful and poor that we’re giving you back your two pennies.” I’m telling you, that did not happen!
If that had occurred, it would have been highly insulting. She would have rightfully said, “I know my two pennies aren’t much, but they represent most of what I have. And you insult me by not letting me contribute what I want to contribute, even if it’s only two pennies.”
She knew, just as Jesus knew, that everybody has to pay, even if it’s only pennies. And whether you start with pennies or dollars or nothing at all, remember the three attitudes of wealth.
Once you begin thinking this way, you’re free to create a splendid economic philosophy that will get you up early and keep you up late. It will get you thinking about ways to use your resources to realize your dreams for the future. That’s what the road to financial independence is all about.
* Source: Leading an Inspired Life by Jim Rohn