You know, there’s nothing wrong with making money slowly, because—and this one’s important—when you make money slowly, you know what it feels like not to have money.

Not having money is why you began this money saving journey to begin with, and why you continue on that journey to this day. Once you start making money, it’s fun. Why would you ever quit? We’ll get to that in a moment.

But first, you were fortunate to connect with money in a way that not everyone does. It’s funny how our relationship with money differs. We all know stories about how someone blew a fortune or just could never get out of the gates. Yet, instinctively, you just knew you needed to save ‘til it hurt so you could survive and thrive.

Most think about spending, not saving. They can’t keep two nickels in their pocket without “needing” to buy something.

In my conversations with you, I can tell you’ve been at the crossroads between saving and spending. You have enjoyed the feeling you get when you struggle to save and finally, when you have enough money to buy whatever it was you wanted, and decide, “Self, it feels pretty good having this pile of money in my pocket. Maybe we’ll wait for another day.”

Deferred gratification is one of life’s most valuable money lessons. But it can’t be taught without a leap of faith, going down the road of struggle. But it’s that less traveled path of struggle that provides so many with what it takes to achieve happiness. It’s about the road.

Action Line: The road of struggle gives you options and freedom that, yes, one day, money can buy, or it doesn’t have to. Thankfully, that choice is yours. When you want to talk about your choices, email me at ejsmith@yoursurvivalguy.com.

Read the entire series here.

Originally posted on Your Survival Guy.