What do you think of when you hear the word manifesto?
It can mean many things.
To me, a manifesto is a declaration of your core values and beliefs, what you stand for, and how you intend to live your life.
It functions both as a statement of principles and as a call to action. A personal manifesto can serve as as a frame for your life and as a compass, pointing you toward what you’ve decided is your true north.
The word “manifesto” can be a misunderstood term though.
While some people have used it to describe their political stances, it has other uses. The word comes from the Latin word manifestum, which means clear or conspicuous. So, what is a manifesto?
Simply put, a manifesto is a statement of ideals and intentions. It’s a declaration of one’s beliefs, opinions, motives, and intentions. Put another way, it’s a document where you declare what’s important to you.
One of the most famous examples of a manifesto is the Declaration of Independence. Another one is Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
That’s great you say, but what does a manifesto have to do with financial freedom? Well, a lot.
You see, a manifesto functions as both a statement of principles and also a bold call to action. When you write a manifesto, it causes you to evaluate the gap between the principles that you hold dear and your current reality. A manifesto challenges your assumptions and can also provoke change.
But what makes a manifesto so valuable is the fact that it can be a constant source of inspiration to you. If read daily, it can remind you of your priorities and reinforce what you value. Over and over and over again. It’s a consistent way to connect your present self with your future self.
That may sound weird, but think about it. On the road to financial freedom, you’ll face many challenges. Wouldn’t it be great to know exactly how you want to respond to them because you had already made that decision and commitment beforehand? When you’re going through something tough, isn’t it better to have and hold a steady, objective mind?
With a manifesto, it’s like you always have access to a calmer, more rational you. Sound good? Great. So, let’s take a look at what it takes to create a millionaire manifesto.
How to Write a Millionaire Manifesto
1. Get straight on your beliefs and goals.
Your manifesto has two basic components: beliefs and goals. Grab a notebook and write “I believe…” at the top of a blank page, then think of five or ten ways to complete the statement regarding your beliefs about money. On the next page, write “I will…” and fill in the blanks with ways that you’re going to become financially free. Finally, write “I know this to be true…” and record words of wisdom about money. These can be things you’ve learned from your own experience, wisdom passed down from others, or even inspirational quotes that you like.
2. Write a rough draft.
Using the notes you made in step 1, create a rough draft of your manifesto. To help you, I’ve listed four major principles of personal finance which I think everyone should have in their manifesto. These are the backbone of your financial life and it’s important to have clear guiding principles about each:
1. Staying Out Of Debt
2. Minimizing Expenses
3. Increasing Income
4. Making Investments
To complete the rough draft, simply describe your guiding principles about each area. It’s best to use strong, affirmative language here. Don’t use phrases like “I want to make more money.” Use the more powerful “I WILL make more money.” This may seem minor, but if you use active language, you’ll take it much more seriously. To take it even a step further, use the present tense: “I make more money.” Also, add colorful phrases to cement the principle in your mind. Here’s an example: “I would rather live like a rich pauper than a king who is broke.”
3. Put It Away, Then Proofread.
Once you’ve written the draft version, set it aside for a day or two. When you come back to it with fresh eyes, you may find that you want to wordsmith a few of the statements or even add a few more principles. One bit of advice when you proofread – cut out any instances of the word “try”: As Yoda told Luke in The Empire Strikes Back, “Do or do not. There is no try”.
4. Live It.
A financial freedom manifesto is a declaration of your core values regarding money. It’s like a mission statement and owner’s manual for your financial life, so don’t let it sit in a drawer or a file you never open on your computer. Hang it over your workspace, put it on the fridge, make it your desktop background, or print it on a laminated card you keep in your wallet: the idea is to read your manifesto regularly to reaffirm those values and remind you of your goals and what’s important to you.
I hope this inspires you to not only write your values down, but to create a whole manifesto for your financial freedom. Not only will it make you grow you as a person, it will help you live out those beliefs.
And, when all is said and done, one of the true hallmarks of freedom is knowing what you believe, and having the confidence and wisdom to live it.
Be free. Nothing else is worth it.
P.S. Why aren’t you wealthy yet? It’s because of something you don’t know. Otherwise you’d already be rich. Isn’t it time to learn what you don’t know? Consider signing-up for my newsletter below, to help you build wealth faster.
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Ready for more tips on how to achieve the free life? Check-out more articles from the blog archives below:
Wouldn’t It Be Great To Know The Root Of All Financial Problems? Today You Find Out!
Why Aren’t More People Wealthy? They’re Too Busy Giving Themselves Those Silver Medals!
Premature Emancipation: The “Freedom” Joke That Minimalists Play On Themselves & Regret