Believe it or not, we have needs. There are needs to keep us alive, and needs to keep us fulfilled.
I. Humans Have Needs
Chilean Economist, Manfred Max-Neef, had a go at putting this into a simple table. He emphasised that the set of needs described in this matrix are not absolute or complete, but rather an example that may be useful for analysis. When this matrix of satisfiers is created by individuals or groups from different cultures and at different times in history, it can differ considerably.
The top row represents existential needs (related to human existence) and the left column represents axiological needs (related to human values):
It’s quite a comprehensive table. And although it may not be completely aligned with you, there is a sense that many things considered here ring true.
But, and it’s a big BUT, although these needs are at the core of human existence, this table is not indicative of how they’re acquired. As intelligent of a species as we are, it cannot be as straightforward as addressing all our needs in a simple matrix. Several of these can be satisfied with minimal effort or intervention, but one need, Subsistence in particular, lives within an artificial need created by our species; money.
Despite the fact that I believe this table to contain many truths, it is difficult to deny that money is a barrier to meeting our actualneeds. Food, shelter, employment, clothing, social groups, physical and mental health are all (in some capacity) surrounded by dollar $ign$. There is no way to satisfy any of these needs without spending money at some point.
II. Survival in the Modern Age
A journal note from Tuesday, 2nd February, 2021
Just because you go to a “job” for 8 hours a day and earn a “living” doesn’t make you productive, it makes you a wheel in the cog. A part that serves a purpose but must be replaced if it is removed.
There is this idea that we need to be doing something all hours of the day to be “productive”.
We’ve evolved to not need to worry about food and shelter anymore, so we have this crazy amount of “free time” to fill.
What do we fill it with?
What are we meant to fill it with?
If survival was filling this before, what is its replacement?
Having all this “free time” to be creative doesn’t work. Because if you can be creative all the time, you won’t be able to. Novel behaviour needs to come from restriction—not freedom.
Although we may be ‘cogs’, it’s replacing the survival part of our time. When we’ve taken care of our survival, then we get time to have fun and create.
SURVIVAL IN THE MODERN AGE
Survival ≠ Food + Shelter
Survival = Money = Food + Shelter
I think when I wrote this down, I remember thinking “That’s it. That’s why something generally feel off.” Money has been introduced—slotted in front of our actual needs.
We all think about money. A lot. And we’ve all been asked the question along the lines of “What would you do if money was no object?”
There’s no right or wrong answer for this question. But I predict it would have a similar effect on us all. It would simplify our lives, eliminate artificial survival anxiety, and re-write the equation above.
We haven’t eliminated food + shelter from our basic survival needs. There’s just an extra layer above it now. And your income determines what you can afford. But when money is sorted, so is your food + shelter. So that transforms the equation and unlocks infinitely more variables:
Survival = Creation? Volunteering? Worship? Work? Curiosity?
You can put anything you like there because we’ve eliminated our artificial barrier.
Only so few people will ever get to experience such relief. Most of us will never break through that equation. It’s unfortunate to say the least.
But I don’t see this is a crux; it’s an opportunity.
"Novel behaviour needs to come from restriction—not freedom.”
Creative thinking, innovation. They arise from the barriers and restriction imposed onto us. We have the money barrier. How do we get around that? Other than being “financially free”, what other tools and methods can I come up with to reduce my financial stress?
As as a contributor to the ‘health and fitness’ industry (calling it an ‘industry’ already feels gross, but I don’t make the rules) the number one gauge I need from everyone I meet is their stress levels. And surprise surprise, money is a BIG stressor.
III. Overcoming the Monstacle (Money Obstacle)
I am always looking at ways to test my tools and methods to see whether they have any merit in actually keeping me level-headed. There are a few tactics I use to deal with the money-stress situation, such as:
I remind myself that the purpose of money is to be spent. If you don’t spend it, it’s not worth anything.
Invest with your money. Not in the traditional stock market way, but in the things that you enjoy. Things that keep you healthy. Investing in yourself is just as valid as the stock market.
Those reminders are nice jolts to put me in the right headspace, but for actually tracking my money I use a spreadsheet. I input all incomings and outgoings. This isn't unique, many of us do this. But I've specifically set up 3 accounts for how I want to split my income.
There’s ‘Savings’. This is the big money. Money saved for a trip, a property purchase, something big that needs time to accumulate.
Then I’ve got two ‘spending accounts’. I’ve saved my money—the rest of it is literally there to be spent. It’s not going into my savings account. Ever. I have an ‘everyday’ account which is exactly what it sounds like. Food, bills, outings, books etc etc - just general things that I need and want to spend on. And the other is my ‘development’ account. Where a smaller portion of funds go to build up for purchases like a new camera, a nice piece of furniture, a recurring payment for software. Usually for things that are an investment.
Having my income split into these accounts saves me incalculable amounts of tension and uncertainty. 40% goes to my savings. The rest is divvied up for spending. Everyone has their own percentage splits, but I know mine work for me. Maybe you can save more, maybe less. They key is to make sure you balance out the spending flow.
IV. Focusing on Our Basic Needs
So. Whilst food, water, shelter and the like are essential for us, they do not come above money. That is the sad reality we live in today. But becoming attached to and consumed by money is a source of stress that we all need to reduce as much as possible.
As a side note, I recognise that I write this letter from a privileged position. I have a stable income and live in one of the best countries in the world, Australia. So no, this perspective is not applicable to everyone. You’re most likely not in my position. I can afford to not let my income decide the quality of my experiences, or the quality of the food I consume. But if I ever do find myself having those qualities diminished (which I have), it’ll be obvious my income cannot support the lifestyle I want. That is where my focus becomes figuring out how to bring in the correct income. But I do hope there’s something amongst of this to take away for yourself.
Should you be in position where you can afford most things you want, but struggle with switching off the thoughts about money, try one of my tactics above, or try to spark some novel behaviour. We have all experienced this obstacle, and we’re all capable of overcoming it.
I strongly believe that today, no matter how much money we have or lack, we still need to be focusing on our basic needs; food, shelter, safety, etc. Money may be a barrier, but it is essential to make it work for you.
Whether it’s through investing in ourselves or reducing the constant questioning on money, we need to find a way to keep our stress levels low. Money should not be a source of endless worry and stress. Rather, it should be seen as a tool to make us more comfortable and allow us to pursue our dreams and aspirations.
Oh, and have fun too.
Stay safe, and pass-it-on.