The Dangers of Money (Pt. 4)

 “Change your thoughts and you change the world.” —Norman Vincent Peale

When we start a new organization, non-profit, small business, social enterprise, or even a place of worship, we do it to change the lives of our clients, our families, and the world at large. When starting out, resources are scarce. We long for more money, and we should. If there is not profit, there is no business.

Some set out with huge dreams, ready to change the world. They think that money equals influence, and in some cases that’s true. However, having a lot of money can be dangerous if you’re really trying to make an impact. There are at least FIVE dangers that money present (maybe more!), and everyone should be cautious. Make changing your corner of the world a priority of your organization. And watch out for that fourth danger!

Danger #4: Money Can Keep You from Changing the World

The world is a wonderful place. It has hosted and sustained living creation for millions of years. In ancient times, ancient people believed that the earth was alive. So, we need to consider why the world needs changing. After all, we depend on Mother Earth more than she depends on us. Let’s face it, the world is getting warmer. Businesses are culpable of destroying our planet because of our overuse of goods, our 24-hour production, and our waste. In April of 2020, we immediately began to see the earth heal itself when companies shut down for a time due to the pandemic.

When we have money, we just go get what we need. The “Immediate Gratification” switch in our brains are easily switched by money. But when we lack resources, we hustle, seeking what we need in unlikely places to find resources. Instead of buying what we need, we borrow, share, or make do. In the end, we end up saving the planet.

So ask yourself:

• Why buy what can be borrowed?

• Why buy new when used is perfectly fine?

• Why buy that which is just going to wind up in the garbage heap?

Think about what you can do to save space in landfills.

In Part I of this blog series, I talked about using your scarce and precious resources for their highest and best purpose. At the launch of an organization I was a part of, we threw a party and held a “baby shower.” Friends and family and other organizations were invited to be a part of the “birth of a new baby.” We created a register with items that were needed. At the end of the party, everything on the list was received!

Since holding our baby shower, we’ve inspired others to do the same kinds of events. Because of this, thousands and thousands of pounds of goods have been reused, saving Mother Earth, and our budget as well. In the end, the world is changed. Do you have a social component to your business? How will you borrow, share, and give out of what you have? When profit does come, what is your strategy for making the world a better place?

Some organizations like Toms Shoes and Warby Parker use a “One for One” model. For every product they sell, they give one away. The reason is simple. They want to make sure to keep money and resources in right perspective, keep generosity a value of their companies, and change the world. (You can read about other companies with the One for One model HERE.)

• How can you keep your money and resources in the right perspective?

• What kinds of things can you do to save precious resources?

• In what ways can you reuse things and maximize time?

• How will your business change the world, even if you don’t have much?

Don’t let money get in the way of the important work that needs to be done. Change the world. Our present and our future depends on it.