A person's worth cannot and should not be distilled down to mere financial capital.
It's easy to get caught up in the wealth race, looking at what others have, and judging our self-worth based on our assets. But I've learned, sometimes the hard way, that I am so much more than that.
The truth is, the wealthiest people can sometimes be the most impoverished in the most essential ways. This isn't about disparaging those with abundant material wealth who might be unhappy. It's about recognizing that flourishing means more than a burgeoning bank account.
The value we bring into the world is diverse, far-reaching, and personal. It extends to the relationships we've built, the skills and talents we possess, and perhaps most importantly, our authentic selves. These, I believe, are forms of capital that we often overlook but are as valuable, if not more so, than financial capital.
In my journey, I've found that relationship capital opens up new possibilities and doors that money simply can't. It's about the people you know, the relationships you've fostered, the trust you've earned, and the communities you're a part of.
I have also come to realize that we are all repositories of skill and talent capital. These are unique abilities that not only make us stand out but could be converted into financial assets if need be.
I've found that being true to myself has also accumulated what I like to call 'spiritual capital' - the joy, the energy, the passion I bring to others around me. These are priceless virtues that money can't buy.
When I quit my job at Google in 2019 to pursue a life focused on impact, I had to learn to value these other forms of capital. Yes, I took a massive pay cut and can't afford the material trappings of my former peers, but I gained something they didn't - a different perspective on wealth and self-worth. I learned to measure my value not by my financial capital alone but by the myriad ways I can and do contribute to the world around me.
This understanding has helped me keep self-doubt at bay, reminding me that I'm on a path I'm proud of, even if it doesn't immediately offer the financial rewards I once thought important. More importantly, it's helped me realize that I have much to offer people who are looking beyond financial capital.
If you’re reading this, you probably have a lot more to offer than just your money. You might be able to support someone providing you housing with video editing, strategic thinking, or graphic designing. Perhaps they appreciate the positivity you bring to their day, or your cooking skills, or the valuable connections you can provide.
The world is full of opportunities joyful bartering, mutual value exchange, or win-win situations. We are not limited to what we can buy with financial capital. We can give and receive much more, and often, these exchanges involve things that are priceless.
Our value and worth go far beyond financial metrics. We all are so much more than the size of our bank accounts. Recognizing and celebrating that has been a vital part of my personal growth, and I hope it can be for others too.