Hey friends,
Remember that time in high school when you sported that neon green puka shell necklace to impress Brad, the dude who ate paste in science class? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Burning our hard-earned (or, in Brad’s case, possibly borrowed) cash to snag the approval of folks who couldn’t tell a Picasso from a pizza. Let’s call it the “Broke-Impressing-Broke Trap,” and, it’s got more teeth than a piranha convention: Don’t go broke trying to impress broke folks.
Here’s the thing: trying to impress folks who can’t even afford their own bootstraps is like polishing a pebble and hoping it’ll pass for a diamond. They won’t appreciate the shine, and you’ll be left with a pile of dust and a lighter wallet.
Instead, let’s flip the script. Invest in yourself. Buy the experiences, not the expensive trinkets. Take that salsa dancing class, climb that mountain, write that novel. Not only will you be enriching your life, but you’ll attract folks who dig the real you, the one who’s got more going on than a maxed-out credit card and a desperate need for validation.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t spend your last dollar or rand or shillings or kwacha on a flickering candle when the sun’s about to rise, would you? No, you’d wait for the real deal, the one that bathes the world in golden light and doesn’t leave you with a burnt wallet and a smoky stench.
So, here’s your Grandpa’s wisdom in a nutshell:
Impress yourself first. Be the kind of person you’d want to hang out with, and the right folks will follow.
Invest in experiences, not appearances. Memories are gold, designer labels are...well, let’s just say they’re not exactly heirlooms.
Know your worth. You’re a limited edition, honey, don’t settle for clearance bin approval.
Invest in yourself. Build your own fire, the kind that crackles with passion and purpose. Read books that light your brain on fire, not just the ones with Fabio on the cover. Learn a skill that makes you a boss, not just a braggart. Be the kind of person who inspires others, not the one who needs their approval to feel alive.
Remember, the only thing worse than being broke is being broke and pretending you’re not. So, chin up, shoulders back, and go make yourself proud. The world’s waiting for the real you, not some neon-clad, paste-eating wannabe.
Now, go forth and conquer, but remember, a crown made of paper won’t keep you warm on a cold night. Build your empire on a foundation of grit, not glitter. And if you ever need a reminder, just call your old grandpa. He’s got a lifetime of stories about chasing the wrong lights and the wisdom to steer you clear.
Have a great week,
Grandpa (the one with the wisdom, not the puka shell necklace)
PS: If you see Brad, tell him I said hi. And maybe offer him some spare change for a new tube of Elmer's. He could probably use it.
PPS: Stop chasing shadows and focus on the sun inside you.