The FIRE Mindset

I’m super into the FIRE movement - Financial Independence, Retire Early.

For me this means financial independence so that I can spend my time, energy and passion focused on the things that bring me joy and inspiration.

I’m a firm believer that this mentality can be successfully and joyfully applied while working for others.

For me this means a relentless pursuit of financial success, without sacrificing my personal life. I’m able to take time away when I want to, and pursue my own interests on the side, while contributing more than my fair share towards the company I work for.

I only work on things that will result in outsized gains for my company. If the value brought to my company is low, then I have wasted my time and their money in the form of my paycheck.

If I can bring in a lot of money through cutting waste, developing leaders below me who make good business choices, and focusing my energy on only on the most critical initiatives, then I have earned that paycheck and more. I’ve earned the respect and trust of my peers, team, supervisors and clients. I’ve earned the freedom to take time off without fear. I’ve earned the freedom to flex my time and instead manage my energy to bring them immense financial results while I’m focused and driven, and take frequent breaks to enjoy myself and the fruits of my labor.

I LOVE my work and chose an industry where I could be successful, enjoy what I do and be well-compensated for it. Getting to this place took hard work and determination that I would complete the requisite steps to earn my keep - education, networking, developing good judgment, being disciplined, empowering others, continually investing in my professional development, etc. etc.

I also apply this mentality to my personal life. I don’t waste time running small errands, worrying about too many details or wondering about all the what-ifs of my decisions. If a possible path doesn’t bring me or my loved ones joy or result in big wins or great memories, I don’t bother. Life is too short to waste it on inconsequential, unfulfilling or meaningless tasks.

As of this writing I’m four years out from paying off all debt, including my home. Assuming conservatively, another five years from then I will have built a nest egg large enough to support the lifestyle I enjoy while having the freedom to pursue whatever passions I choose. This gives me a great sense of security and freedom, especially considering how hard it was growing up poor, after generations of poverty in my family. This is huge and I am grateful every single day that this is the path I’m on.

But the best part is that by cultivating my FIRE mindset early, I’ve already found my freedom while I’m still working towards that financial-freedom goal. And the satisfaction that living this way brings to my everyday life is more priceless than actual financial independence ever will be.