Same guitar, different sound

Two guitarists can play the same guitar and create completely different music—because they play with different goals in mind. Of course, every guitar has its own sound and feel, but it’s the musician who decides how to use that instrument to achieve what they’re aiming for.

Money works the same way. Money is an instrument, not the goal. And since it’s an instrument, we can practise using it—just like a guitarist practises until the sound of fingers sliding across strings feels jazz and rock and roll.

Two people earning the same salary will likely have very different levels of wealth after a few years. The difference lies in how skilfully each person plays the instrument called money.

Setting goals in terms of a number rarely brings lasting satisfaction—because our desires grow as our wealth does. If my goal is to have $1M, I’ll soon start chasing $10M, then $100M, and so on—an endless pursuit.

But if my goal is freedom, and money is simply the tool to achieve it, I’ll use it to buy freedom in small, meaningful doses—doing what I love after work, taking weekend walks, or travelling when I can. It’s the same instrument, but a very different song.

Money is the tool, not the goal—know your goal, not just your savings target.