Why I Must

In: Psychology By: Brian Armstrong

7 Nov 2008

I have a file always on my desktop titled “Why I Must”.

Inside it, I’ve written down (over the last year or so) the reasons why I must become financially independent working for myself.

There are about 20 reasons (some of them personal), but for example, I know that I can never really contribute to the world if I have to spend 40 hours a week working for someone else. There just isn’t enough time. I also know that it is the only way I’ll be able to travel the world for a year and continue to earn money. These are important goals in my mind.

Why is it so important to have a reason you MUST? Well, if it’s just something you WANT, instead of a MUST, then when you hit the first setback (and there will be many) you’ll give up.

What is your reason? Is it spending more time with your kids? Is it building your dream house? Is it being financially able to provide for your family? Whatever it is please take a moment to write it down (in the comments if it isn’t too personal). If you don’t write it down, it doesn’t count.

That way, when you hit your first setback and stop to ask yourself “why am I doing this?”, you’ll have an answer.

Tags: financial freedom, must, net worth, reasons, want

17 Responses

Van Scott

November 7th, 2008 at 4:40 am

Brian, I had a document similar to this on my desktop, there was nothing inside of it, it was just a document with the name “You really want to be writing a book.” Haha, kinda morbid. Anyway, happy to announce I’ve been writing it now for 2 weeks and I’m leaving my condo behind today to hit the road and finish my research for the end of the book. I’m trying to finish it in 30 days! I’ve been reading your blog to keep me sharp and inspired.

Brian Armstrong

November 9th, 2008 at 9:53 pm

That’s awesome Van, let me know when it’s done I’d like to take a look. Thanks!
Brian

Andy @ Retire at 40

November 7th, 2008 at 5:48 am

Wow, this post is amazing. You’ve inspired me to start my own list and already I have 10 (public) reasons why I must become financially independent.

Also, I agree that it has to be a must rather than a want. Great idea. The ability to write down the future possibilities because of becoming financially independent is a hugely motivating factor for me.

Brian Armstrong

November 9th, 2008 at 9:55 pm

Great list, thanks Andy!

Daniel Massicotte

November 7th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

The reasons that you put in your folder need to be really big ones. You mentioned world travel and giving back to the world. This is great.

As a general rule, if you don’t have huge (and I mean HUGE) goals, it takes almost nothing to overcome them. Soon you forget about them and they dissolve completely.

Brian Armstrong

November 9th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

You’re right, I think the best ones are the ones like…”I will be dead in 6 months if I don’t do this” or…”someone i love will die if I don’t do this”. It’s that kind of urgency which really gets people to act. After all, if it was really that urgent, you’d probably find a way to do it!

Caroline

November 7th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

I don’t have a document to remind me as bills and mortgage are a constant reminder. Not very romantic but realistic. I do however keep a spreadsheet documenting efforts and earnings and that has a similar motivational effect.

Brian Armstrong

November 9th, 2008 at 9:57 pm

You’re right about that…sometimes I put off doing my financial statements each month, but it always gets me more focused & motivated after I do it.

Barb D.

November 7th, 2008 at 5:31 pm

I have always prided myself on being an independent woman, but recently I have become disabled. This disability has tried to steal my independence, but I won’t let it. Now more than ever, I must become financially independent so I can take care of myself, stop taking Social Security, and give strength and encouragement to others who are also in weakened states (not just physical).

Brian Armstrong

November 9th, 2008 at 9:58 pm

That’s a great one Barb. I think everyone who reads this blog can identify with the need to be totally independent. I know I can.

Matt Thomas

November 8th, 2008 at 2:05 pm

I love the idea of a having a “Why I Must” file. It keeps us focused on why it is important to us to stay financially independent and not be led astray to something that may, on the surface appear “easier”.

For me, it is important to stay financially independent because of the flexibilities it allows me and frees me of unnecessary 9-5 obligations.

Brian Armstrong

November 9th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Thanks for sharing Matt. Yep..that’s why I like having it on my desktop top because I “accidentally” see it when I need a reminder.

Reese

November 9th, 2008 at 12:43 am

Brian,

You have had many interesting posts that I agreed with, but this is the one that struck home. I have been working trying to provide for my family, but it takes away from what I really want to do. Having that file or a white out board I think would be motivation for what I want to accomplish in the Earth. Please keep up the work, I truly enjoy your blog.

Brian Armstrong

November 9th, 2008 at 9:59 pm

Thanks Reese, this one struck a chord with me also when I heard some of the reasons people had (outside of this blog). They almost teared up talking about wanting their kids to have a college education, etc. It’s so important.

Creer un site

November 14th, 2008 at 8:53 am

Life is sweet when you must not work too hard for what you want to do :-)

Since I have been working at home, I must earn enough for my family, but now, I must work less… for me :-)
my only line… just in my mind, I must write it right now :-D you’re right :-)

Brian Armstrong

November 15th, 2008 at 9:01 pm

You’re right, family is a powerful one!

Breaking Free

Why I Must

17 Responses

Leave A Comment

About this blog

Most Popular Posts

Brian on Twitter...