For years I thought if I can just earn more money, get a better job, move into my dream house, then I would be happy. Happiness seemed like an elusive prize somewhere in the far and distant future. And if something didn't bring me money I wouldn't even consider it.
I was always chasing money, looking for get-rich-quick schemes, looking for short cuts to fast track careers that were the current trend at the moment. I was chasing, running, hunting all the time without a plan or a goal, the only thing I had on my mind was making money. I wasn't interested in building a career, or contributing to an industry, or just making a mark. I didn't want to hear about starting from scratch and working my way through the ranks. I wanted the big bucks, and that was it. I was always looking at the next big thing and never stayed focused long enough to actually make a serious mark in an industry.
Then two things happened: I lost everything and I discovered Accounting. I also discovered the importance of planning my career.
I woke up from a very deep slumber of not being conscious in my own life and I started seeing things that I've completely missed before. I started seeing so many role models around me from whom I started drawing inspiration. And one thing was abundantly clear: most of the people who are successful in their careers have started at a certain point and worked towards another point.
And for the first time in life money wasn't my motivation. I had, and still have a deep desire to contribute to this industry that I will be entering. I finally understand what it means to be happy. I had to do broke before I understood happy.
It doesn't mean I don't want money. It doesn't mean I that I don't want all those nice and beautiful things that money can buy. I want the good life. I desire comfort and luxury and to be financially free. I want the comfortable car and to live in the beautiful house. I want to give the best life possible to my children. And I still want to take my husband on a shopping spree. But now my motivation is different. My priorities have changed. My focus has shifted.
I am no longer chasing money. I am chasing fulfillment, achievement and success that can only come from doing what you love with focus and a clear vision. I have a plan for my career. And I have goals, very specific ones that have nothing to do with money.
The cat stole my cream while I was chasing money but then I took it back. Because now I am that cat who took the cream, because I am already achieving something that's making me feel proud. And that something is building a completely new career and giving it my best.