Moving Beyond Survival: A Mindset Shift for Wealth and Purpose
A couple of weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a professional in their mid-50s. Somehow, we got onto a topic from my book where I mention that, when I was younger, I didn’t realize there was a greater purpose to work beyond simply making enough to get by. I was referencing how exposure to different people and ideas expands your sense of what’s possible when you aim for more than just meeting basic needs—food, shelter, occasional entertainment, and travel. Earning a surplus gives you options.
As a young person, and early in my career, I had no sense of or aspiration to do more than survive. I suspect there are many people with that same mindset. For most of us, we simply don’t know what we don’t know—until we see it.
During this conversation, the person in their mid-50s asked, "Is it too late to start planning for retirement?" My answer was an emphatic "no."
I remember the first time I was introduced to a 403(b) account early in my career—a retirement account similar to a 401(k) but for the charitable sector. The representative explained that the organization would match up to 3% if I participated. But at the time, I chose not to participate because I had “more important” things to spend on—I had more consuming to do. You know what I mean. Now, in my late 40s, I can calculate what I missed out on by not participating back then.
The point here is, as I told a group of company leaders recently, the best time to plant a tree was yesterday. The best time to cast a vision, to start investing, was yesterday. But the next best time is today.
As I’ve been out and about in the region, I’ve been surprised by the fundamental questions I get. "So, you’re a banker?" Yes, I am. "So, banks are where the money is?" Yes, there is money in banks. "Bankers only deal with wealthy people, right?" No, we deal with people from all walks of life—some with significant wealth, and many who are everyday working men and women.
The questions continue: "How do I build wealth? How do I become wealthy? How do I preserve wealth?" In my book, I talk about reframing our thinking, reclaiming personal agency, and renaming our social networks. Building and preserving wealth is closely connected to this trifecta.
To the mid-50s professional who said, "I haven’t saved much," and expressed worry about the future, I say: Start today. Stand in faith that if you start now and commit fully, you’ll be okay (reframe your thinking). Don’t make it a New Year’s goal; begin immediately (reclaim personal agency). And surround yourself with people who support this vision (rename your social networks). I’m grateful to have had the chance to speak into your life.
To anyone feeling it's too late to start building wealth or planning for the future, remember: every small step counts. Start today, however you can. Take ownership of your journey by shifting your mindset, taking decisive action, and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. Wealth-building isn’t just about money—it’s about reclaiming your power to create options, security, and a meaningful future beyond survival. No matter where you’re starting from, the best time to begin is always now.
If this message resonated with you, share it with your network and add your perspective.