The Power of Self-Reliance: Why Handouts May Hold You Back

In a world where it's increasingly common to seek assistance and rely on others for financial support, the value of self-reliance often gets overlooked. But, let me tell you, the concept of self-sufficiency is not only empowering but also essential for personal growth and financial stability.

The Illusion of Security: Sometimes in life we do need a helping hand. I've been there. I was twenty five, I had a pregnant wife and a daughter at home to worry about. On our list of priorities was rent, power, phone and then food; in that order and sometimes the money didn't stretch all the way to food. I went to the government for help. It was one the low points in my life. I had to bring my daughter and my wife to the office for all of us to get a check to get us through until I got a job. This was back in the nineties and jobs were hard to come by.

The good news is, I got that job that same day. I had been job hunting every morning and I ended up getting that job and we were back on track.

I swore that I would never take a hand out again and I am proud to say that I haven't. It was there when my family needed it but I knew the dangers of becoming reliant on someone else feeding me and my family.

Relying on handouts or the generosity of others may provide temporary relief, but it often creates a dangerous illusion of security. When we place our financial survival in someone else's hands, we surrender control over our own destiny. We become dependent on external factors that can change in an instant, leaving us vulnerable.

The Price of Dependency: Dependency on others can come at a steep price. It can erode self-esteem and hinder personal development. When you rely on external sources for your financial well-being, you may not fully harness your potential or learn the important life skills needed to navigate the challenges of the world.

The biggest problem that a lot of people fail to see, is that at any time, for reasons that are completely out of your control, that assistance can be taken away.

If you're living in a house with super cheap rent, the landlord could sell his house and you are now having to face the harsh rental market. If you are on government assistance, the policy can change making you ineligible. What if you're parents were supporting you with Out Patient (financial) Care and they passed away.

Changes in laws, situations and even society can bring changes that wreak havoc on your life. These are just a few examples of how things beyond your control

can change and leave you and your family destitute.

It is for these very reasons that in forests and parks all over North America there are signs everywhere telling you not to feed the wild life. You must leave these animals alone so that they naturally learn to fend for themselves.

The Power of Self-Reliance: On the other hand, self-reliance empowers you to shape your own destiny. It's about taking responsibility for your financial situation, making informed decisions, and learning from both successes and setbacks. By relying on your own skills and determination, you can build a strong foundation for long-term financial success.

Embracing Financial Freedom: Financial independence is the gateway to personal freedom. When you control your own financial destiny, you can pursue your passions, invest in your dreams, and live life on your terms. It's a path to financial security and, ultimately, to the goals you aspire to achieve.

The importance of not relying on anyone else for your survival cannot be overstated. It's a concept deeply intertwined with personal success and financial education. By embracing self-reliance, you not only secure your own future but also empower others around you to do the same.

Your greatest hero is YOU because no one cares more about your freedom and goals more than you do.

Create your life.