Some things that look like luxury to a lot of people aren't actually luxury in the real sense. There is this adage in Nigeria where you are told to Hustle hard and don't sleep because you need to make money, but when you take a deeper look at it, is it worth it? Does it not look like the adage is making sleep a luxury meant for only people who are financially okay? Today, I want to discuss a few things that are suppose to be normal to help improve ones financial and business status but the ordinary man see as a luxury.
The word "No time to check time" is a very popular adage in Nigeria but in reality, there should be time to check time, there should be time to think and reflect. Poor and ordinary people see time to think and reflect as a waste of time, they see it as a luxury they cannot afford because they want to work all through so they can get to sort out their daily expenses. You begin to ask if it is possible for anyone not to think, and the answer is yes. Because people gather around to have a drink doesn't mean they are thinking and reflecting, because a person is sitting quietly doesn't mean he does any thinking or reflection.
It is funny where the thought of no time to think came from because even the wealthiest people find or prioritize time to think. Just one minute to think or a short break can change the entire scope of things. Most time, the instinct thing isn't the right thing to do because when live is tough, instead of pushing on without thinking, it is right that you take time to pause and think before continuing the journey.
I was discussing Emergency funds with someone yesterday and it looked like I was saying rubbish because he had never had a reason to keep such money. He mentioned that in a condition where all he does is eat from hand to mouth, how do you expect him to save something for emergency when he is living an emergency life. The words were touching but then I had to explain to him that it isn't like everyone has an excess of funds but the ability to set money aside in case of an unforeseen circumstance is very important.
Another thing I have noticed that most people see as a luxury is learning High-Income Skills. Now, I do not say that in anyway that whatever effort a person is putting into getting their lives better isn't worth it, I am saying that a lot of people I have asked about setting out funds to be able to learned skills that can help them earn more says they need to eat and survive before thinking of growing, so learning such skill is not a priority.
Like I always say, A good night sleep traded is a frustrated day ahead. It is normal not to find sleep when everything looks like it is going to crash down on you with debts, bills, and responsibilities you need to shoulder but cutting sleep to get ahead doesn't look like a good way to move forward because you will not be able to think clearly, solve problems faster, and make smart choices.
As we enjoy the holiday and we begin to set up New Year Resolutions, let's put these things into our plans and considerations. They might sound too much or not necessary but I tell you, they are more than necessary than you think because they are steps to help you move forward.