I’m gonna talk about one more need and then we will call it a podcast. The last one is contribution and this is very similar to what I said before about creating value. It’s understanding people and understanding the exchange that takes place between people. It’s about walking away from every relationship where you feel like you’ve added value. You both walked away with a positive experience because both people added to the transaction and felt like they got more out of it than they put in. You can actually become a better investor by helping others.
Contribution is this sense that we have to help. It’s the sense that we have to support people. I look at when you watch a movie or read a book and you sympathize with the characters, but they’re strangers, right? But because they’ve had a hardship and they’ve overcome it, it brings such emotion. And really the idea of a hero’s journey which is a Joseph Campbell idea and we talked on the podcast about this before. The hero’s journey is really what attracts us to that because in a sense, we can sympathize with the person who is the hero that rises to the challenge and overcomes adversity. The reason why that’s so powerful and engages so much emotion, whether it’s Rocky or whether it’s William Wallace in Braveheart, it doesn’t matter, is because we can sympathize with that. And so I think in the end, that human need of contribution really comes down to wanting to serve and to support because we feel that sense of sympathy and empathy for others. Looking at service, is it one of those things that is really driving you right now? Maybe not. Maybe you’re just kinda getting by and trying to figure out certainty. That’s fine but in the end, these are things that will manifest probably at some point in your life.
I think contribution for me, service for me, is an incredible thing. I’ve had some opportunities to provide service. I published a lot more than I do but it’s one of those things where there’s such fulfillment there where you feel like you are altruistically aren’t giving. And I don’t even think it’s altruism because altruism is kinda like sacrificing yourself and you’re sacrificing your time and your money, but in the end, it’s like you walk away with something that is not money and it’s not time. You walk away from it with an experience and you walk away from it with a sense of emotion and that sense of worth, and I think that is much more valuable than time and money. In the end, the idea behind contribution is one of the things that if it’s not manifesting then it may in the future. You may be at this point of your life where you have a ton of money and are successful and you’re looking for that next thing, whether it be pursuing another business or finding a mentor and really getting yourself driven to that next level; but it also could be giving back, it also could be providing for others that may not be in the most fortunate of circumstances.
So I would say that you look at all the different ways which you’re weaving through life and trying to do more and be more and have a better experience. I think focusing on all of these different needs will really help you identify some things that you maybe hadn’t before and hopefully make you realize some of the ways in which you can take the next step and grow.
This blog was created based on our podcast with Patrick Donohoe. Click here to listen to it now!
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The Power of Contribution in Investing
At Paradigm Life, we believe that becoming a better investor is not just about understanding markets and numbers—it’s also about understanding people. One of the most profound ways to grow as an investor is by helping others and creating value in their lives. By doing so, you enhance your own decision-making, deepen your emotional intelligence, and foster long-term, sustainable wealth.
In this article, we will explore how contributing to others can lead to becoming a more thoughtful, strategic investor and how Paradigm Life’s financial strategies—such as The Family Bank™ and The Volatility Buffer™—align with this principle.
Contribution as a Pillar of Financial Success
The concept of contribution is rooted in creating value. Whether it’s through your time, resources, or expertise, contribution helps you build meaningful relationships that serve as the foundation for success—not just in life, but also in investing. The more you help others, the more you learn to see opportunities through different lenses, ultimately enhancing your ability to make better investment choices.
How Helping Others Makes You a Better Investor
Helping others forces you to listen, understand, and empathize. These qualities are crucial for an investor because they allow you to evaluate investment opportunities not just on financial terms, but also on their impact. By focusing on value creation and understanding the needs of others, you can identify investments that benefit both your financial portfolio and the greater community.
For example, as you mentor others or offer financial guidance, you gain a deeper understanding of their needs, desires, and struggles. This allows you to make investment decisions that align with long-term wealth-building goals, like the ones we encourage through The Family Bank™ strategy.
Contribution Fuels Emotional and Financial Fulfillment
In the journey of building wealth, the feeling of personal fulfillment is just as important as financial success. Many investors chase monetary goals, but the true reward comes from knowing that your investments are creating a positive impact. This is where the power of contribution comes in.
Why Contribution Is a Key Element of True Wealth
At Paradigm Life, we believe that wealth is not just about accumulating assets—it’s about creating value in the lives of others. When you shift your mindset to focus on how you can contribute, you align your investment strategy with your core values, making your wealth-building journey more meaningful.
Consider the emotional rewards you experience when you help someone navigate financial challenges or contribute to a project that improves the lives of others. These experiences build a sense of emotional and psychological wealth that is just as powerful as financial gain. By investing in people and projects that create value, you’re able to achieve both personal fulfillment and financial success.
How Contribution Enhances Your Investment Strategy
When you contribute to others, you engage in a form of value exchange that elevates your own understanding and decision-making. This principle aligns directly with Paradigm Life’s focus on sustainable wealth-building strategies, like The Volatility Buffer™. Let’s explore how contribution can directly influence your investment choices.
Creating Value in Your Investments
Investment opportunities are more than just numbers—they’re about the people, the needs, and the value being created. By helping others, you develop a keen sense of understanding, which helps you recognize where true value lies. For example, investing in a business or project that not only generates financial returns but also improves the lives of others creates a win-win situation. Your investments become vehicles for both financial growth and social impact.
By weaving this value-focused approach into your investment strategy, you naturally enhance your wealth-building potential. Paradigm Life’s investment strategies, such as The Family Bank™ and The Volatility Buffer™, incorporate the principle of value creation in a way that helps you secure your financial future while simultaneously helping others.
3 Ways to Become a Better Investor by Helping Others
Now that we’ve explored how contribution enhances investment, here are three practical ways you can integrate this mindset into your life:
- Mentor and teach: Sharing your financial knowledge and experience with others can deepen your own understanding and open up new investment opportunities. By helping others build their own wealth, you position yourself to learn and grow alongside them.
- Invest in people and projects: Look for investment opportunities that not only offer financial returns but also benefit the community or individuals involved. Whether through philanthropy or strategic investments, focusing on people-centric opportunities will align your financial growth with a sense of purpose.
- Give back to your community: Volunteering your time or resources to support charitable initiatives can help you build relationships and broaden your network. By giving back, you develop a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges people face, making you a more empathetic and informed investor.
By focusing on helping others, you enhance your investment strategy and foster relationships that lead to personal and financial growth.
FAQs
Q: How does helping others contribute to becoming a better investor?
A: Helping others enhances your investment skills by fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of people’s needs. This approach allows you to make more informed investment decisions that prioritize value creation over mere profit.
Q: What is the significance of contribution in investment?
A: Contribution is about adding value to others’ lives through your investments. It shifts your focus from short-term profits to long-term impact, aligning your financial growth with meaningful outcomes.
Q: Can focusing on others’ needs lead to personal financial growth?
A: Yes, focusing on others’ needs helps you identify investment opportunities that create value for both you and those around you. This approach leads to more fulfilling and sustainable financial growth.
The Path to Becoming a Better Investor by Helping Others
At Paradigm Life, we believe that the key to becoming a better investor lies in understanding that wealth is about more than just numbers. True wealth is about value creation—helping others, solving problems, and leaving a positive impact. By embracing the principles of contribution and combining them with strategies like The Family Bank™ and The Volatility Buffer™, you can build not just wealth, but a legacy of value.
Start today by focusing on how you can help others. As you do, you’ll find that your investments become more purposeful, more impactful, and ultimately, more successful.
